Document Type : Mini Review
Authors
1
Department of Veterinary Science, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran
2
Department of Nursing, Ferdows Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
4
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, 71.966-700, Brazil
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have garnered significant attention for their potential application as a novel means of combating zoonotic diseases. MNPs are unique, not only due to their small size but also their high surface-to-volume ratio and their potent antimicrobial properties. Despite the challenges posed by parasitic zoonotic diseases that are transmitted from animals to people, their effective treatment remains a serious public health concern. Although MNPs have been shown to have some potential advantages, several challenges are associated with their use, including cytotoxicity, bioaccumulation, adverse immune reactions, and unanticipated, possibly harmful side effects that may adversely affect health. The purpose of this review article is to examine the challenges associated with the toxicity and side effects of MNPs in the treatment of parasitic zoonotic diseases, as well as potential strategies that can be adopted to minimize these impacts. Recent studies in this area have focused on optimizing nanoparticle design and surface modification, utilizing biocompatible coatings, reducing therapeutic doses, and developing targeted drug delivery systems, thereby maximizing efficiency and accelerating the delivery of drug. Several solutions have been proposed in this regard, including the surface engineering of nanoparticles with biocompatible coatings, nanoliposomes, and magnetic nanoparticles designed to deliver drugs specifically, as well as innovative technologies that can help control the release of drugs. Furthermore, it is possible to develop toxicity prediction models using artificial intelligence and bioinformatic analyses to help identify risks arising from the use of nanoparticles more accurately.
Graphical Abstract
Keywords
Subjects
