Metal nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and their impact on human and animal health (review)

Introduction . Due to increased prevalence of different diseases and antimicrobial resistance development in recent year, such advancements of the humankind as nanomaterials have gained the significance. A relatively small amount of data (lack of data) on biological distribution, pharmacokinetics and potential toxicity of nanometals for the organism hinders the development of safer and more effective drugs. Objective . Analysis and summary of data published in modern scientific literature on studies of metal nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles, their distribution and impact on human and animal health, as well as their use in biomedicine and veterinary medicine. Materials and methods . Publications were searched for in eLIBRARY.RU, cyberleninka.ru, scholar.google.ru, www.mdpi.com, www.researchgate.net, www.sciencedirect.com, PubMed database. The literature published during last six years and more recent publications have been used. Results . Nanostructures can be organic, inorganic and hybrid. One of the most studied inorganic materials are metal nanoparticles. They are widely used both in engineering and biomedicine, in particular in veterinary medicine, as bactericidal and virucidal agents, anti-cancer drugs and diagnostic tools. In the CIS members, silver nanoparticles are most commonly used. It is known that shape, size and surface electric charge affect the antibacterial activity of nanostructures. Several types of silver-based drugs are available at the market now: colloidal, silver cluster and zerovalent silver. Zerovalent silver-based drugs are least toxic. Nanoparticle-based drugs can reach target tissues through local administration such as oral, inhalation, subcutaneous administration, and directly into blood flow by intraperitoneal or intravenous injection. Biodistribution of metal nanostructures depends on particle type, their size, surface, interaction with proteins as well as routes of exposure, doses and hydrophobic properties. Pharmacokinetics of silver nanoparticles does not differ from that of metal nanoparticles, furthermore nanosilver does not accumulate in spleen, liver, kidneys and lungs which is potentially toxic. Conclusions . Further in-depth studies of nanoparticle biodistribution, compatibility and potential toxicity are needed to facilitate the development of more effective and safe therapeutic drugs.