Studies on neurological effects of nanoparticles

have been reviewed by Yang et al. (2010); most studies focus on the interaction between CNS neuronal lines (PC-12, CA1 and CA3) and nanoparticles (including Cu, CuO, Zn and Ag). According to the authors, more studies should be focused on biological cells of hippocampal membrane. In a recent review Becker et al. (2011) have stated that with the available tests/assays, carcinogenicity of nanomaterials can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Based on measurements of certain physical parameters such as size, zeta potential and biological property such as lactate dehydrogenase release, Sayes and Ivanov (2010) have developed a mathematical model to provide insights on how engineered nanomaterial features influence ABT-199 cellular responses. The study proves that predictive computational models for biological responses caused by exposure to nanomaterials can be developed and applied to assess nanomaterial toxicity. With the advent of nanotechnology, increasingly large numbers of compounds

have been introduced in the environment and data on toxicity of these materials is required. In such cases, traditional toxicity testing using animal models is often not possible because it is often time-intensive, low capacity, expensive and assesses only a limited number of endpoints. North and Vulpe (2010) propose mechanism-centered high-throughput testing as an alternative approach to meet this pressing MAPK inhibitor need for analysis of responses due to the large number and types of nanomaterials. According to the authors this approach along with functional toxicogenomics Megestrol Acetate (which is the global study of the biological function

of genes on the modulation of the toxic effect of a compound), can play an important role in identifying the essential cellular components and pathways involved in toxicity response. Genome arrays have been used to assess the effects of nanoparticles. According to Lee et al. (2010) the inhaled silver nanoparticles caused modulation of the expression of several genes associated with motor neuron disorders, neurodegenerative disease and immune cell function, indicating potential neuro- and immune-toxicity. According to the authors these genes may assist in the development of surrogate markers for silver nanoparticles exposure and/or toxicity. Jin et al. (2010) have reported the utility of high-throughput screening (HTS) methods for screening the effect of silver nanoparticles on bacterial cells. This helps for monitoring the ecological effects of nanoparticles. Similar studies were performed with ZnO and iron doped ZnO particles (Li et al., 2011). Sadik et al.