Toxicological Effects of Metal Nanoparticles Employed in Biomedicine: Biocompatibility, Clinical Trials, and Future Perspective

Abstract

AbstractMetal nanoparticles play a crucial role in the medical industry due to its desirable properties such as antimicrobial activity, anti‐cancer property, and its application in disease diagnostics. These properties enable the nanoparticles to be used as efficient medical devices for various treatments as well as drug delivery systems. Despite all the positives, metal nanoparticles are known for causing toxicity in the living system. The toxicological effects of metal nanoparticles are due to their size, surface*e coating, and the dose administered. Therefore, it is important to study the toxic effects of these nanoparticles before they are used as medical devices for various treatments. This review focuses on the five major metal nanoparticles used in the medical field, namely; silver, gold, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The non‐exhaustive review consists of an introduction to the toxicological effects of these nanoparticles, the biocompatibility, and the current and future clinical perspective on metal nanoparticles.