The Puzzling Potential of Carbon Nanomaterials: General Properties, Application, and Toxicity
Danica Jović,
Vesna Jaćević,
Kamil Kuča,
Ivana Borišev,
Jasminka Mrdjanovic,
Danijela Petrovic,
Mariana Seke,
Aleksandar Djordjevic
Affiliations
Danica Jović
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Vesna Jaćević
Department for Experimental Toxicology and Pharmacology, National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
Kamil Kuča
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
Ivana Borišev
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Jasminka Mrdjanovic
Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Put dr Goldmana 4, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
Danijela Petrovic
Department of Natural Sciences and Management in Education, Faculty of Education Sombor, University of Novi Sad, Podgorička 4, 25101 Sombor, Serbia
Mariana Seke
Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinca”, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351 Vinča, Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandar Djordjevic
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Being a member of the nanofamily, carbon nanomaterials exhibit specific properties that mostly arise from their small size. They have proved to be very promising for application in the technical and biomedical field. A wide spectrum of use implies the inevitable presence of carbon nanomaterials in the environment, thus potentially endangering their whole nature. Although scientists worldwide have conducted research investigating the impact of these materials, it is evident that there are still significant gaps concerning the knowledge of their mechanisms, as well as the prolonged and chronic exposure and effects. This manuscript summarizes the most prominent representatives of carbon nanomaterial groups, giving a brief review of their general physico-chemical properties, the most common use, and toxicity profiles. Toxicity was presented through genotoxicity and the activation of the cell signaling pathways, both including in vitro and in vivo models, mechanisms, and the consequential outcomes. Moreover, the acute toxicity of fullerenol, as one of the most commonly investigated members, was briefly presented in the final part of this review. Thinking small can greatly help us improve our lives, but also obliges us to deeply and comprehensively investigate all the possible consequences that could arise from our pure-hearted scientific ambitions and work.
