In vitro methods to assess the cellular toxicity of nanoparticles

Abstract The series of nanotechnology breakthroughs have been the source of numerous novel possibilities for new products and technological interventions. Nanoparticles are now being frequently used in many fields, like paints, catalysis, sensing, automobile, consumer products, diagnostics, and medicine. Though there is an increase in the prevalence of nanoparticles, there is a dearth in knowledge regarding the impact of nanoparticles on humans and the environment. The risk associated with the new chemical entities is being evaluated by their hazardous potential and extent of exposure. The risk assessment paradigm also determines the dose response relationship and the extent to which humans or the environment are expected to be exposed to the nanoparticles. Therefore this present chapter describes the techniques and protocols used in the assessment of the cytotoxicity, cell death, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters induced by the engineered nanoparticles in an in vitro system.