Computational Nanotoxicology: a Case Study With Silver and Zinc Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) have been the focus of basic and applied research for more than two decades. According to the updated consumer materials inventory, over 1800 commercial NMs have taken their place in the market, 42% of which are in health and wellness category1. The widespread use of NMs in health-related products made not only the human exposure to the (residues of) NMs inevitable but also the long-recognized concerns over their safety a priority. Despite this pressing need, more than 70% of commercially available nano-containing products do not include sufficient information about their physicochemical and/or toxicological characteristics.