Synthesis, characterisation and in vitro toxicity assessment of nano iron

Metal nanoparticles have specific and dynamic applications in biomedical research and diagnosis apart from their existing application in electronics and other industries. Clinical practice involves combination of nanotechnology, imaging techniques and biomedicine towards areas such as targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering and hyperthermia-based treatment for neoplasia. A range of nanoparticles have been engineered and entered production in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries apart from biomedical products. This generates view on risks for human health and environment and evaluation of the toxicity of such engineered nanoparticles is important. To explore and understand the toxicity of such metal nanoparticles is essential in research. The present study includes a design to characterise nano iron synthesised by aqueous phase reduction method and characterisation them. In vitro genotoxicity was assessed using hemolytic assay, micronucleus assay, chromosomal aberration assay and bacterial reverse mutation test. The results of these toxicity tests indicate lack of mutagenic or genotoxic activity in the concentrations tested.