Nano Silver-Induced Toxicity and Associated Mechanisms

Abstract

Jing Zhang,1,* Fang Wang,1,* Satya Siva Kishan Yalamarty,2 Nina Filipczak,2 Yi Jin,1 Xiang Li1 1Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xiang Li, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: Nano silver is one of the most widely used engineering nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, the widespread application of nano silver preparations in daily life raises concerns about public health. Although several review articles have described the toxicity of nano silver to specific major organs, an updated comprehensive review that clearly and systematically outlines the harmful effects of nano silver is lacking. This review begins with the routes of exposure to nano silver and its distribution in vivo. The toxic reactions are then discussed on three levels, from the organ to the cellular and subcellular levels. This review also provides new insights on adjusting the toxicity of nano silver by changing their size and surface functionalization and their combination with other materials to form a composite formulation. Finally, future development, challenges, and research directions are discussed.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: nano silver, exposure routes, distribution, toxicity, mechanism

Keywords

• nano silver
• exposure routes
• distribution
• toxicity
• mechanism