Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Open Access

Nanomaterials have revolutionized various industries due to their unique properties [1], but concerns about their potential health impacts have also emerged. Among these nanomaterials, silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles have garnered significant attention for their diverse applications, ranging from electronics to biomedical devices. However, understanding the toxicity of SiC nanoparticles is crucial for their safe use, especially in biological and medical contexts. In recent years, research has focused on elucidating the relationship between the morphology of SiC nanoparticles and their cellular toxicity [2,3], aiming to uncover potential structure-activity relationships and inform safer design strategies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a ground-breaking field with applications spanning electronics, medicine, energy, and environmental science. Among the diverse array of nanomaterials, silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional properties, including high thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. These unique characteristics make SiC nanoparticles promising candidates for a wide range of applications, such as high-performance electronics, catalysis, and biomedical devices. However, as the use of SiC nanoparticles continues to expand, concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment have arisen [4]. Nanoparticles possess distinct physicochemical properties compared to their bulk counterparts, which can influence their behaviour and interactions with biological systems. In particular, understanding the cellular toxicity of SiC nanoparticles is critical for assessing their safety and mitigating potential risks associated with their use, especially in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, imaging, and therapeutics. Recent research has highlighted the importance of nanoparticle morphology the size, shape, and surface characteristics in determining their biological effects [5]. Morphological variations can significantly impact cellular uptake, distribution, and toxicity of nanoparticles, highlighting the need for systematic investigations to elucidate structure-activity relationships and inform safer design strategies.

In this context, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the cellular toxicity of SiC nanoparticles, focusing specifically on the role of morphology in influencing their biological responses. By examining recent advances in the field, we aim to elucidate the relationship between nanoparticle morphology and cellular toxicity, identify key mechanisms underlying toxicity, and discuss implications for nanomaterial design and safety assessment [6]. Through a multidisciplinary approach integrating materials science, toxicology, and biomedical engineering, we seek to advance our understanding of the biological interactions of SiC nanoparticles and facilitate the development of safer and more effective nanomaterials for diverse applications. By addressing critical knowledge gaps and highlighting future research directions, this review aims to contribute to the responsible and sustainable utilization of SiC nanoparticles in nanotechnology and biomedicine.

Impact of Morphology on Cellular Uptake and Distribution

The morphology of nanoparticles plays a pivotal role in determining their interaction with biological systems, including cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and subcellular localization. Studies investigating the cellular toxicity of SiC nanoparticles have revealed that morphology significantly influences their internalization by cells [7]. For instance, SiC nanoparticles with different shapes (e.g., nanowires, nanorods, nanospheres) exhibit distinct cellular uptake kinetics and mechanisms. Furthermore, variations in surface properties and charge distribution resulting from different morphologies can influence interactions with cell membranes and intracellular organelles, thereby modulating cellular toxicity.

Structure-Activity Relationships in Cellular Toxicity

Research efforts have sought to establish structure-activity relationships between the morphology of SiC nanoparticles and their cytotoxic effects on cells. By systematically varying nanoparticle size, shape, aspect ratio, and surface chemistry, studies have identified morphology-dependent trends in cellular toxicity. For example, SiC nanoparticles with higher aspect ratios or sharp edges may induce greater cellular damage due to increased membrane disruption or oxidative stress generation [8]. Conversely, SiC nanoparticles with more favorable surface properties, such as surface functionalization or biocompatible coatings, may exhibit reduced cytotoxicity.

Mechanisms of Cellular Toxicity

The cellular toxicity of SiC nanoparticles is mediated by a complex interplay of multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, genotoxicity, and disruption of cellular homeostasis. Morphological features of SiC nanoparticles can modulate these mechanisms by influencing cellular uptake, intracellular localization, and interactions with biomolecules [9]. For instance, SiC nanoparticles with specific morphologies may preferentially accumulate in certain cellular compartments (e.g., lysosomes, mitochondria) and trigger organelle-specific toxicity pathways. Additionally, variations in nanoparticle morphology can affect their ability to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to oxidative damage and cellular dysfunction.

Implications for Nanomaterial Design and Safety Understanding the impact of morphology on the cellular toxicity of SiC nanoparticles is crucial for the rational design of safer nanomaterials with tailored properties. By elucidating structureactivity relationships and underlying toxicity mechanisms, researchers can guide the development of SiC nanoparticles with optimized morphologies for specific biomedical applications. Strategies such as surface functionalization, size control, and biocompatible coatings can be employed to mitigate the cytotoxic effects of SiC nanoparticles while preserving their desired functionalities [10]. Furthermore, comprehensive toxicity assessments, including in vitro and in vivo studies, are essential for evaluating the safety profile of SiC nanomaterial’s and ensuring their regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cellular toxicity of silicon carbide nanomaterials is intricately linked to their morphology, with variations in size, shape, and surface properties exerting profound effects on biological responses. By elucidating the structure-activity relationships and underlying mechanisms of toxicity, researchers can advance the development of safer SiC nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach combining materials science, toxicology, and biomedical engineering is essential for harnessing the potential of SiC nanomaterial’s while ensuring their safe and sustainable use in various applications.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

1. Feng J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Jia L, et al. (2021) The Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Female Infertility. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 663: 4309.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Berwick DM (1998) Developing and Testing Changes in Delivery of Care. Ann Intern Med US 128: 651-656.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Lin J, Ma H, Li H, Han J, Guo T, et al. (2022) The Treatment of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Female Infertility Caused by Endometrial Factors. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 462: 4311.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Lynch K (2019) The Man within the Breast and the Kingdom of Apollo. Society 56: 550-554.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Secretariat MA (2006) In vitro fertilization and multiple pregnancies: an evidence-based analysis. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser 6: 1-63.

Indexed at, Google Scholar

6. Cissen M, Bensdorp A, Cohlen BJ, Repping S, Bruin JPD, et al. (2016) Assisted reproductive technologies for male subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2: CD000360.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Veltman-Verhulst SM, Hughes E, Ayeleke RO, Cohlen BJ (2016) Intra-uterine insemination for unexplained subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2: CD001838.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Sethi A, Singh N, Patel G (2023) Does clomiphene citrate versus recombinant FSH in intrauterine insemination cycles differ in follicular development? JBRA Assist Reprod 27: 142.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Weiss NS, Kostova E, Nahuis M, Mol BWJ, Veen FVD, et al. (2019) Gonadotrophins for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1: CD010290.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Tokgoz VY, Sukur YE, Ozmen B, Sonmezer M, Berker B, et al. (2021) Clomiphene Citrate versus Recombinant FSH in intrauterine insemination cycles with mono- or bi-follicular development. JBRA Assist Reprod 25: 383-389.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref