Health Risks and Regulation of Nanoparticles Study Notes

Examples of Detrimental Effects:
  - Chronic inflammation due to nanoparticle exposure.
  - Potential neurological impacts on children’s brains and health from air pollution nanoparticles.
  - Respiratory diseases linked to lung exposure: asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and cancer.
  - Cardiovascular diseases associated with the entry of nanoparticles into circulatory systems.

Properties Contributing to Toxicity:
  - Size and Novel Properties: Nanoparticles exhibit different behaviors and properties compared to bulk materials, significantly influencing toxicity.
    - Mechanical properties may lead to increased hardness.
    - Catalytic properties can enhance reactions.
    - Increased electrical conductivity and magnetic properties at the nanoscale can alter physiological interactions.
  - Surface-to-Volume Ratio: Greater surface area increases interactions with biological molecules, enhancing toxicity.
  - Hydrophobicity: Hydrophobic nanoparticles may provoke stronger immune responses.
  - Macrophage Response: Uptake and reactions of macrophages to certain nanoparticles can lead to altered cellular functions.

Exploitation in Drug Delivery:
  - Targeted Drug Delivery: Nanoparticles can be designed to target specific tissues or disease sites, increasing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
    - Passive Targeting: Nanocarriers exploit the EPR effect to accumulate in tumors due to differential permeability.
    - Active Targeting: Specific ligands on nanoparticles enhance binding to pathological cells, promoting localized drug uptake.