Author(s): Souto, Eliana B. ; Dias-Ferreira, João ; Shegokar, Ranjita ; Durazzo, Alessandra ; Santini, Antonello
Date: 2020
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/74298
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Ethical issues; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Pharmaceuticals; Nutraceuticals
Current societal challenges demonstrate the added value of nanotechnology in improving several goods in a set of industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices). Along with the unprecedent technological developments, ethical issues are posed to scientists, regulators, and users as new materials with new functionalities are being launched that have unforeseen impact in the society. The transformation of a bulk material into its nanosized counterpart requires serious follow-up as the obtained nanomaterial will have a distinct reactivity both in vitro and in vivo. Indeed, depending on the type of nanoparticles (i.e., their shape, size, morphology, surface properties, and concentration), they will interact with the biological surroundings interfering with cellular processes and resulting in increased risk of toxicological events. This chapter addresses the ethical issues encountered with the application of nanotechnology in the development of new materials to be used in health care, together with the socioeconomic and environmental impact.
