Abstract: Nanotechnology has advanced rapidly in recent years, playing a significant role in fields such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Its applications, including drug delivery systems and sunscreens, have demonstrated considerable benefits. In particular, nanomaterials enhance product stability and efficacy by enabling improved pharmacological responses and better protection against UV radiation. Despite these advances, concerns are growing regarding the potential toxicological effects of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. Studies indicate that certain sunscreen chemicals, once washed off human skin, can enter aquatic ecosystems via wastewater systems, potentially harming marine life. Nanomaterials, typically defined as having at least one dimension smaller than 100 nanometers, possess unique physicochemical properties that influence their behavior in biological systems. As their use increases, so does the risk of unintended environmental release, making it essential to assess their biocompatibility, distribution, and long-term impacts before widespread application. Although some research has explored the toxicity of nanomaterials, the mechanisms underlying their harmful effects remain incompletely understood. Factors such as particle size, shape, surface characteristics, dissolution rate, density, and structural defects are major contributors to cytotoxicity and environmental risk. A deeper understanding of how these properties interact with living systems is crucial for the safe and responsible development of nanotechnology-based products.
Sahu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.