Evaluation of Nanotoxicity Using Zebrafish: Preclinical Model

Abstract

Throughout the globe, nanotechnology has emerged as a segment which produces a multitrillion-dollar business opportunity that covers a wide range of industries such as medicine, electronics, and chemistry. Due to the rapid development of application-oriented nanoparticles, from targeted drug delivery to diagnostics, in vivo toxicological examinations for assessing the potential hazardous effects of nanoparticles on natural and human safety are in urgent need. Therefore, it is essential to assess their toxicity and possible hazards to humans and ecosystem. Zebrafish is considered as the “gold standard” among animal models for assessment of several metal and metal oxide nanoparticle toxicity due to its cost-effectiveness, high fecundity, optical transparency, short life cycle, well-characterized developmental stages, etc. The chapter emphasizes on how zebrafish (Danio rerio) can be utilized to assess nanotoxicity at different levels, including genotoxicity, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, teratogenicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, as well as change in behavior and disruption of gill, skin, and endocrine system. The harmful impacts of chosen metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are also reviewed. The advantages, drawbacks, and future aspects of utilization of zebrafish model in nanotoxicity studies are also argued. Overall, zebrafish is projected to fulfill as a high-throughput screening platform for drug delivery assessment and nanotoxicity, which may help in designing safe and more effective nanomedicines.