Zebrafish Insights into Nanomaterial Toxicity: A Focused Exploration on Metallic, Metal Oxide, Semiconductor, and Mixed-Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanomaterials are widely used in various fields, and ongoing research is focused on developing safe and sustainable nanomaterials. Using zebrafish as a model organism for studying the potentially toxic effects of nanomaterials highlights the importance of developing safe and sustainable nanomaterials. Studies conducted on nanomaterials and their toxicity and potential risks to human and environmental health are vital in biomedical sciences. In the present review, we discuss the potential toxicity of nanomaterials (inorganic and organic) and exposure risks based on size, shape, and concentration. The review further explores various types of nanomaterials and their impacts on zebrafish at different levels, indicating that exposure to nanomaterials can lead to developmental defects, changes in gene expressions, and various toxicities. The review also covers the importance of considering natural organic matter and chorion membranes in standardized nanotoxicity testing. While some nanomaterials are biologically compatible, metal and semiconductor nanomaterials that enter the water environment can increase toxicity to aquatic creatures and can potentially accumulate in the human body. Further investigations are necessary to assess the safety of nanomaterials and their impacts on the environment and human health.