In vitro and in vivo assessment of nanoceria biocompatibility for their safe use in nervous system applications.

Nanoceria, or cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO NP), are increasingly employed in a number of industrial and commercial applications. Hence, the environmental presence of these nanoparticles is growing progressively, enhancing the global concern on their potential health effects. Recent studies suggest that nanoceria may also have promising biomedical applications particularly in neurodegenerative and brain-related pathologies, but studies addressing their toxicity, and specifically on the nervous system, are still scarce, and their potential adverse effects and action mechanism are not totally understood yet.

Toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Cellular and behavioural effects.

Due to their extensive use, the release of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) into the environment is increasing and may lead to unintended risk to both human health and ecosystems. Access of ZnO NP to the brain has been demonstrated, so their potential toxicity on the nervous system is a matter of particular concern. Although evaluation of ZnO NP toxicity has been reported in several previous studies, the specific effects on the nervous system are not completely understood and, particularly, effects on genetic material and on organism behaviour are poorly addressed.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Exposure on Human Glial Cells and Zebrafish Embryos.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are among the most widely used nanomaterials. They have multiple applications in cosmetics, textiles, paints, electronics and, recently, also in biomedicine. This extensive use of ZnO NPs notably increases the probability that both humans and wildlife are subjected to undesirable effects.