Exposure, tissue biodistribution, and biotransformation of nanosilver

With the wide application of nanosilver or silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a diverse spectrum of fields, the environmental exposure of this kind of nanomaterial has become inevitable. Lots of attentionwas paid to its potential adverse effects based on multiple experimental models; nevertheless, the translocation, distribution, and possible biotransformation of nanosilver in organisms are the essential prerequisites for its biological effects. This work focused on this point and provided a comprehensive reviewof the behavior of nanosilver inmultiplemammals, in view of its administration routes, biouptake, translocation, biodistribution, bioaccumulation, biotransformation, elimination, and retention. The regulatory factors for the bioavailability of nanosilver included the characteristics of the nanoparticle per se and the ambient condition. This reviewbrings insights on the biological processes of nanosilver and may help explain its potential effects on mammals, including human beings. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.