Toxicology of Nanomaterials on Zebrafish

Abstract

Increases in the use and the progressive manufacture of new Engineered Nanomaterials (ENMs) lead to inquire about their impact on the environment. Due to the small size, high reactivity inside organisms and the unusual physicochemical properties of the ENMs, the predictions of toxicity are very complex. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been granted as a practical alternative to study the toxicity of ENMs. In this article the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, copper nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, cadmium nanoparticles and nano plastics were reviewed trough the most recent literature available. Every ENMs should be studied in depth independently, considering co-exposures, environmental matrices, the effects of variations in size and concentrations, the potential effects of prolonged exposure, the coverage of ENMs, specific organism and targeted organs. This information will help to identify deficiencies in research trends and reinforce the safest ways to use ENMs.