dc.description.abstract | Nanoparticles have different properties than that of their bulk counterpart making them useful and ever more prevalent in a wide spectrum of areas. The Studies being carried out on the toxicological/immunological effects of nanoparticles (NPs) are increasing each year, however due to lack of studies to date and lack of regulatory guidelines regarding exposure to NPs, the immunotoxological effects of NP have not been fully identified. As the medical applications and consumer applications of nanomaterials are ever increasing the benefits and risks must be scrutinised in order to maximise the potentials. Potential risks must be identified to eliminate any uncertainty about their ability to cause adverse effects in the body.
This report maps out the current knowledge base of immunotoxicological mechanisms of NPs; furthermore it investigates how NPs interact with particular parts of the immune system including epithelial cells, dendritic cells and macrophages.
The main findings of this literature survey are that NPs are likely to cause different impacts depending on the type (engineered or natural) of NP and their properties such as size, shape, and chemical composition. To date there have been some studies completed that shows evidence for altered behaviour and toxicity in the nano-range. NPs do have immunotoxicological significance, as immune cells in the bloodstream and tissues do act to eliminate or interact with NPs.
Although research has shown they do stimulate the immune system, and interact with immune cells, there is still a lack of coherent government regulations regarding this issue and standardised methods of toxicity testing must be established to avoid any ambiguity as to how they should be tested. Regulations allowing for the innovation of nanotechnology to continue, while at the same time ensuring public health, will benefit everyone. Considering this it is fair to say that more research is needed to investigate possible effects of NP in the immune system, to determine its underlying mechanisms and ultimately research needs to determine whether NP are a treat to human and environmental health. | |