Transport phenomena of nanoparticles in plants and animals/humans

Environ Res. 2016 Nov:151:233-243. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.018. Epub 2016 Aug 6.

Abstract

The interaction of a plethora nanoparticles with major biota such as plants and animals/humans has been the subject of various multidisciplinary studies with special emphasis on toxicity aspects. However, reports are meager on the transport phenomena of nanoparticles in the plant-animal/human system. Since plants and animals/humans are closely linked via food chain, discussion is imperative on the main processes and mechanisms underlying the transport phenomena of nanoparticles in the plant-animal/human system, which is the main objective of this paper. Based on the literature appraised herein, it is recommended to perform an exhaustive exploration of so far least explored aspects such as reproducibility, predictability, and compliance risks of nanoparticles, and insights into underlying mechanisms in context with their transport phenomenon in the plant-animal/human system. The outcomes of the suggested studies can provide important clues for fetching significant benefits of rapidly expanding nanotechnology to the plant-animal/human health-improvements and protection as well.

Keywords: Animal; Human; Nanoparticles; Plant; Transport phenomena.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Food Chain
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / metabolism*
  • Plants / metabolism*