How is toxicity testing performed on nanomaterials?
Toxicity testing is critical in determining the potential health risks posed by nanomaterials. It generally involves in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro tests use cell cultures to assess cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress. Common assays include the MTT assay for cell viability, Comet assay for DNA damage, and ROS assays for oxidative stress. In vivo tests involve animal models to evaluate the systemic effects of nanomaterials, including biodistribution, metabolism, and potential organ toxicity.
