Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field in the 21(st) century, and the commercial use of nanomaterials for novel applications is increasing exponentially. To date, the scientific basis for the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of most manufactured nanomaterials are not understood. The mechanisms underlying the toxicity of nanomaterials have recently been studied intensively. An important mechanism of nanotoxicity is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overproduction of ROS can induce oxidative stress, resulting in cells failing to maintain normal physiological redox-regulated functions. This in turn leads to DNA damage, unregulated cell signaling, change in cell motility, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cancer initiation. There are critical determinants that can affect the generation of ROS. These critical determinants, discussed briefly here, include: size, shape, particle surface, surface positive charges, surface-containing groups, particle dissolution, metal ion release from nanometals and nanometal oxides, UV light activation, aggregation, mode of interaction with cells, inflammation, and pH of the medium.

中文翻译：

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纳米毒性的机制：活性氧的产生

纳米技术是 21(st) 世纪快速发展的领域，纳米材料在新应用中的商业用途呈指数级增长。迄今为止，大多数人造纳米材料的细胞毒性和基因毒性的科学基础尚不清楚。最近对纳米材料毒性的潜在机制进行了深入研究。纳米毒性的一个重要机制是产生活性氧（ROS）。ROS的过量产生可诱导氧化应激，导致细胞无法维持正常的生理氧化还原调节功能。这反过来会导致 DNA 损伤、不受调控的细胞信号传导、细胞运动性的改变、细胞毒性、细胞凋亡和癌症的发生。有一些关键的决定因素会影响 ROS 的产生。这些关键的决定因素，