Toxicology review in metal nanoparticles: Approximation in gold and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

The toxicity of nanoparticles is under discussion. The great diversity of nanoparticles (different chemical composition, size, shape, surface recovery among others) makes it difficult to establish a criterion for determining the effects of human and environmental exposure. Gold Nanoparticles are considered biocompatible because they are composed of an inert material. These nanoparticles are used for different medical purposes, such as labeling, delivering, heating and sensing. Their effects can vary depending on their coating, size, and shape. Nevertheless, inert particles can produce morphologic changes, loss of function, inflammation or cell damage, therefore they must be studied with more detail. Superparamagnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are used for biosensing applications, tumor treatment by hyperthermia and as contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among other applications. Although they are also considered biocompatible, some studies show some degree of dose and size depending cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Both kinds of nanoparticles, mainly focused to biomedical industry, have been studied in different fields of toxicology. In this paper we have summarized some reports in an interdisciplinary review.