Genotoxicity Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterials

Engineered nanomaterials are deliberately structured particles with dimensions typically below 100 nanometres, valued for their unique electrical, optical and catalytic properties. Their rapid uptake in medicine, electronics, cosmetics and environmental remediation has prompted rigorous examination of safety impacts, particularly the potential for DNA damage or genotoxicity. Assessment strategies centre on elucidating both direct interactions of nanoparticles with genetic material and indirect mechanisms mediated by reactive oxygen species or inflammatory responses. Core elements of a robust evaluation include thorough physicochemical characterisation, careful selection of in vitro and in vivo test systems, and application of multiple genetic endpoints such as DNA strand-break detection, chromosomal aberration analysis and gene mutation assays. Recent advances have incorporated three-dimensional cell culture models, high-throughput screening and weight-of-evidence frameworks to bridge gaps between laboratory findings and real-world exposures. Concurrently, regulatory bodies are adapting existing Test Guidelines to address nanoscale features, driving closer engagement between academia, industry and policymakers. Together, these efforts seek to ensure that the benefits of nanotechnology are realised without compromising genomic integrity or human health.

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Genotoxicity Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in genotoxicity assessment of engineered nanomaterials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Engineered nanomaterials: Deliberately designed particles with at least one dimension below 100 nm, exhibiting novel properties.

Genotoxicity: The potential of a substance to damage genetic information in cells, leading to mutations or chromosomal alterations.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can induce oxidative damage to DNA and other biomolecules.

In vitro: Experimental studies conducted outside living organisms, typically in cell cultures under controlled laboratory conditions.

Micronucleus assay: A cytogenetic test detecting small, extranuclear bodies formed from chromosomal fragments or whole chromosomes during cell division.

New approach methodologies (NAMs): Innovative, often non-animal methods providing mechanistic and high-throughput data for safety assessment.

OECD Test Guidelines: Internationally recognised protocols for the safety testing of chemicals, increasingly adapted to address nanoscale characteristics.

References

1. In Vitro Cell Transformation Assays: A Valuable Approach for Carcinogenic Potentiality Assessment of Nanomaterials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
2. Current status and future challenges of genotoxicity OECD Test Guidelines for nanomaterials: a workshop report. Mutagenesis (2023).
3. Mechanisms and Assessment of Genotoxicity of Metallic Engineered Nanomaterials in the Human Environment. Biomedicines (2024).
4. In vitro genotoxicity testing strategy for nanomaterials and the adaptation of current OECD guidelines. Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis (2011).
5. Genotoxicity of Nanomaterials: Advanced In Vitro Models and High Throughput Methods for Human Hazard Assessment—A Review. Nanomaterials (2020).