Nanotoxicology · 2007 · 373 citations · 18 references
NanoparticlesEngineeringMicroscopyShape DataNanotoxicologyBiomedical EngineeringChemistryToxicological StudiesNanomedicineChemical EngineeringToxicologyBiophysicsNanotechnologyNanobiotechnologyNanoparticle SizeBioavailabilityNano ScaleNanomaterialsNano-drug DeliveryParticle SizeMedicine
This paper discusses the challenges of measuring nanoparticle size, shape, and dispersion for toxicity studies, noting that accurate characterization at sub‑100‑nm scales is difficult, especially under complex physiological conditions where cellular responses and nano‑scale structures complicate data collection and interpretation. The study seeks to identify common challenges in nanoparticle characterization for toxicity testing and propose general protocols. The authors address these challenges by outlining protocols that mitigate measurement difficulties under physiological conditions.
This paper describes the issues relating to the measurement of nanoparticle size, shape and dispersion when evaluating the toxicity of nanoparticles. Complete characterization of these materials includes much more than size, size distribution and shape; nonetheless, these attributes are usually the essential foundation. The measurement of particle size, particularly at scales of 100 nm or less, can be challenging under the best of conditions. Measurements that are routine in the laboratory setting become even more difficult when made under the physiological conditions relevant to toxicity studies, where the environment of the particles can be quite complex. Passive and active cellular responses, as well as the presence of a variety of nano-scale biological structures, often complicate the collection and interpretation of size and shape data. In this paper, we highlight several of the common issues faced when characterizing nanoparticles for toxicity testing and suggest general protocols to address these problems.
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