Rough around the edges: the inflammatory response of microglial cells to spiky nanoparticles.

The versatility of nanoparticle design has established nanotechnology as a potential "one-stop solution" to many biological and medical applications. The capacity to control nanoparticle size, shape, and surface chemistry has enabled their use as imaging contrast agents or carriers for drugs and other compounds. However, concerns of nanoparticle toxicity have surfaced that could limit their clinical translation. In order to overcome this challenge, researchers are starting to characterize how particle properties influence their interactions with biological systems. By identifying the specific nanoparticle parameters responsible for toxicity, it may be possible to engineer safer and nontoxic nanoparticles.