Potential Toxicity of Nanoparticles for the Oral Delivery of Therapeutics

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer a promising solution for orally delivering therapeutic substances due to their capability to surpass traditional drug delivery system (DDS) limitations like low solubility, bioavailability, and stability. However, the possible toxic effects of using NPs for oral therapeutic delivery raise significant concerns, as they might interact with biological systems unexpectedly. This chapter aims to comprehensively understand the potential toxicity of NPs employed in oral therapeutic delivery. Factors such as size, surface area, surface charge, and surface chemistry of NPs can impact their toxicity levels. Both in vitro and in vivo models have been utilised to evaluate NPs toxicity, with in vivo models being more suitable for anticipating human toxicity. The possible toxic consequences of different NPs varieties, including polymer, lipid, and metal NPs, have been documented. Ultimately, grasping the potential toxicity of NPs in oral therapeutic delivery is essential for creating safe and effective DDS.