Safety of Nanoparticles

Environmental safety and health has become an existential issue for the nanotechnology movement, and the international community is responding to this challenge with major multi-disciplinary research efforts. This compilation covers both the toxicology and biomedical applications of nanomaterials in a form that will be a useful reference and starting point for people working in or entering this rapidly growing field.--Dr. Robert Hurt, Director, The Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation (IMaNI) at Brown University, Professor, Brown University, Providence, RI 02917 USA In spite of the potential use of nanomaterials as tissue engineering devices, implants, biosensors, drug delivery devices, etc., there has yet to be a compilation of the risks associated with the in vivo use of nanomaterials. There are numerous and well-known risks because of the size of nanoparticles. For example, nanoparticles can cross cell membranes and enter the cytoplasm undetected. The aim of this book is to provide one of the first detailed overviews of how cells and tissues in the body deal with nanoparticles. This is important not only for implantable devices, but also for the manufacturing of nanophase materials when particles can be inhaled or enter the body through the skin. Only by compiling research at the intersection of nanoparticles and biological processes can we determine if nanophase materials are safe to be manufactured, handled, and/or implanted for various medical applications.