Nanomaterials on Living Organisms: Reduction of Toxicity Toward Sustainability

In nanomaterials research, reducing toxicity to living organisms and improving safety is a major concern. There is an urgent need for the development of safely applicable nanomaterials on living organisms, and minimizing their toxicity is one of the most critical issues. This chapter explores the recent advances in nanomaterial toxicity and the possibilities toward sustainability. Research and development related to nanomaterials (NM) and nanoparticles has been spreading explosively in the recent period. Due to their specific physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials are widely used in many sectors, from commercial products to electronic applications to clinical and drug development. However, in addition to their indisputable beneficial properties, their potential adverse effects must also be kept in mind. Inherent in their widespread use, they can represent an ever-increasing danger and threat to living organisms. In addition to the diverse useful practical applications of various nanoparticles, an increasing number of articles are also being published about their toxic effects. In this chapter, we attempt to summarize the most important, state-of-the-art knowledge related to the toxicity of nanomaterials. We consider the different types of nanomaterials and their most important properties from a toxicological point of view. By presenting an interrelated complex system of toxicologically relevant parameters of nanomaterials, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive picture, highlighting opportunities for harm reduction and useful practices for safe and sustainable applications.