Authors: Gibret Umeukeje, Kevin Sneed, Yashwant Pathak.
The manufacture of personalized, real time, specific, and sensitive diagnostic tools continue to be of importance as the need for rapid diagnosis and monitoring of disease persists. In many health conditions like cancer and Covid-19 infection timely diagnosis of diseases can affect chances of survival. The accurate and timely diagnosis of diseases is enhanced by the unique optical, fluorescent, and magnetic properties of nanoscale elements. However, ultra-fine Nano particles unintentionally released into the air through human activities like combustion have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This makes it important for Nano engineered devices to be assessed for safety and toxicity concerns. Toxicity studies on the bulk material of the nanoscale elements used in diagnosis does not suffice as Nano materials due to their small size have unique interactions with biological membranes. Radioactive functionalized nanoparticles have been employed in several diagnostic imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, and Optical Imaging. These radioactive nanoparticles provide many benefits over conventional contrast agents including their theranostic ability. Spherical gold nanoparticles used in vivo for CT imaging have shown a 3-fold higher X ray attenuation than an iodine-based contrast agent. The tremendous benefits associated with use of radioactive functionalized nanoparticles calls for study of the risks associated with them as more and more radioactive nanotechnology-based products are employed in health care. Radioactive functionalized nanoparticles should be assessed for safety in both their radionucleotide component and nanomaterial component. Recent studies of nanoparticles have shown that they can lead to DNA damage by generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Some of the discovered factors that play a key role in the generation of ROS include size, composition, surface charge, and shape. Understanding of the method of different radio nucleotide nanoparticle toxicity, the extent to which it causes toxic effects, and factors involved in its toxicity can help manufacturers reduce or eliminate their toxic profile while maximizing their benefits.
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