The Chemistry behind Nanotoxicological Processes in Living Systems

Engineered nanomaterials are here to stay. Their production and use cause their entrance into the environment and, eventually, their interaction with living organisms. In this process, a number of physical and chemical phenomena occur, which at times may be of hazard for life. Significant research has been performed with the aim of understanding the response of living organisms to these materials. Plants, insects, and marine life, among others, have been studied with this purpose. In addition, in vitro experiments have permitted to investigate those changes at a more detailed level. Unfortunately, precise chemical explanations to the nanotoxicological processes are still limited. This review intends to summarize current knowledge on toxicological response to nanomaterials from a physicochemical point of view. Attention is given to metallic nanomaterials. A few suggestions are given at the end regarding future efforts directed to understand the nanotoxicological phenomenon.