Developmental Toxicity of Nanoparticle Exposure

Engineered nanoparticles, defined by at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm, are now ubiquitous in industrial, environmental and biomedical contexts. Their small size and high surface reactivity enable penetration of biological barriers, raising particular concern during pregnancy when the maternal–fetal interface is uniquely vulnerable. Studies have demonstrated that certain nanoparticles accumulate in placental tissues, disrupt vascular networks, provoke oxidative stress and interfere with key signalling pathways governing growth and differentiation. Once beyond the placental barrier, particles may enter the fetal circulation, perturb organogenesis and reprogramme developmental trajectories, with consequences ranging from impaired foetal growth to long-term neurobehavioural and metabolic abnormalities. The severity and nature of developmental toxicity depend on particle composition, size, surface modifications, dose and route of exposure. A rigorous understanding of these factors is essential both to anticipate public-health risks and to guide the safe design of nanoscale materials for medical and consumer applications.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Developmental Toxicity of Nanoparticle Exposure publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in developmental toxicity of nanoparticle exposure across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanoparticle: Particle with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm, whose properties differ markedly from bulk material.

Placental labyrinth: Region in the placenta where maternal and foetal blood come into close apposition to enable exchange of gases, nutrients and waste.

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT): Cellular process in which endothelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, contributing to vascular remodelling or fibrosis.

Transplacental translocation: Passage of substances from maternal circulation across the placental barrier into the foetal compartment.

Nanoplastics: Plastic particles on the nanoscale, typically below 100 nm, prone to environmental dispersion and biological uptake.

References

1. Maternal exposure to nano-titanium dioxide impedes fetal development via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the placental labyrinth in mice. Particle and Fibre Toxicology (2023).
2. Exposure to nano-polystyrene during pregnancy leads to Alzheimer's disease-related pathological changes in adult offspring. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2025).
3. Translocation of (ultra)fine particles and nanoparticles across the placenta; a systematic review on the evidence of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. Particle and Fibre Toxicology (2020).