Insights into the mapping of green synthesis conditions for ZnO nanoparticles and their toxicokinetics

Research on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has broad medical applications. However, the green synthesis of ZnO NPs involves a wide range of properties requiring optimization. ZnO NPs show toxicity at lower doses. This toxicity is a function of NP properties and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, NP toxicity and pharmacokinetics are affected by the species type and age of the animals tested. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling offers a mechanistic platform to scrutinize the colligative effect of the interplay between these factors, which reduces the need for in vivo studies. This review provides a guide to choosing green synthesis conditions that result in minimal toxicity using a mechanistic tool, namely PBPK modeling.

Automated summary

Research on ZnO nanoparticles has various medical applications, but optimizing the green synthesis of these nanoparticles is complex. ZnO nanoparticles exhibit toxicity at lower doses, which is influenced by their properties, pharmacokinetics, and the species type and age of the tested animals. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling can be used to understand the collaborative effects of these factors, reducing the need for in vivo studies. This review serves as a guide for choosing green synthesis conditions that minimize toxicity using pharmacokinetic modeling.