Cellular toxicity of inorganic nanoparticles: Common aspects and guidelines for improved nanotoxicity evaluation

SummaryThe safe use of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical applications remains an unresolved issue. The present review presents an overview of the cytotoxic effects of commonly used inorganic NPs: quantum dots, gold and iron oxide nanoparticles. The main focus is on presenting recent findings and identifying similar cytotoxic effects which appear common to all these NPs. Next, several considerations are provided for optimizing cell–NP interaction studies which could aid in improving our understanding of NP toxicity. Finally, several critical NP parameters are discussed and suggestions are made on how to optimize NP design in view of minimal cytotoxicity.

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► Common toxicity aspects of gold, iron oxide and quantum dot particles are described.
► Key aspects for improving nanoparticle toxicity studies are discussed.
► Suggestions are made on how to optimize nanoparticle design for safe biomedical use.