Biomedical Applications of Reactive Oxygen Species Generation by Metal Nanoparticles |
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Authors: | Roberto Canaparo Federica Foglietta Tania Limongi Loredana Serpe |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy; (R.C.); (F.F.);2.Department of Applied Science & Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; |
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Abstract: | The design, synthesis and characterization of new nanomaterials represents one of the most dynamic and transversal aspects of nanotechnology applications in the biomedical field. New synthetic and engineering improvements allow the design of a wide range of biocompatible nanostructured materials (NSMs) and nanoparticles (NPs) which, with or without additional chemical and/or biomolecular surface modifications, are more frequently employed in applications for successful diagnostic, drug delivery and therapeutic procedures. Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) including metal NPs, metal oxide NPs, quantum dots (QDs) and magnetic NPs, thanks to their physical and chemical properties have gained much traction for their functional use in biomedicine. In this review it is highlighted how the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in many respects could be considered a negative aspect of the interaction of MNPs with biological matter, may be a surprising nanotechnology weapon. From the exchange of knowledge between branches such as materials science, nanotechnology, engineering, biochemistry and medicine, researchers and clinicians are setting and standardizing treatments by tuning ROS production to induce cancer or microbial cell death. |
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Keywords: | metal nanoparticles iron oxide nanoparticles silver nanoparticles gold nanoparticles titanium dioxide nanoparticles zinc nanoparticles reactive oxygen species photodynamic therapy photothermal therapy sonodynamic therapy |
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