The in vivo toxicity of iron nanoparticles in rats has been tested by a group of French and Tunisian scientists, who found that the compounds are not metabolised by the animals and cause no toxic effects.
The group tested three different porous iron(III) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, injecting them intravenously and studying their distribution, metabolism and excretion. The nanoparticles are rapidly sequestered by the liver and spleen and, after biodegradation, are directly excreted from the body through urine or faeces without metabolisation, substantial toxicity or affecting organ function.
There is currently much concern and debate over the safety and toxicity of nanoparticles, especially with regard to human health. This study shows that biodegradable non-toxic iron(III) carboxylate MOF nanoparticles could have real potential for future biomedical applications.
Read the ‘HOT’ Chemical Science article in full:
In depth analysis of the in vivo toxicity of nanoparticles of porous iron(III) metal-organic frameworks
Tarek Baati , Leila Njim , Fadoua Neffati , Abdelhamid Kerkeni , Muriel Bouttemi , Ruxandra Gref , Mohamed F Najjar , Abdelfateh Zakhama , Patrick Couvreur , Christian Serre and Patricia Horcajada
Chem. Sci., 2013, DOI: 10.1039/C3SC22116D
