International journal of advances in engineering and pure sciences (Online), vol.33, no.3, pp.429-443, 2021 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Nanoparticles (NPs) (nanomaterials-NMs) are at the cutting edge of the speedily advancing area of nanotechnology. At least
one dimension of these particles is in the range of 1-100 nm. Metal oxide NPs are the main members of nanomaterials. They
have been applied in various fields such as medicine, cosmetics, paints, textiles, and food products. However, extensive use of
metal oxide NPs leads to exposure of humans in various ways including inhalation, dermal, and oral routes. On the other hand,
such an exposure raises concerns about their potential toxicity. The physicochemical properties of metal oxide NPs such as
shape and size play an important role in their toxic effects. Studies about genotoxicity of metal oxide NPs on humans indicate
that some metal oxide nanoparticles have genotoxic effects and they may be hazardous for humans. Therefore, in this study,
genotoxic effects of some widely used metal oxide nanoparticles such as Al2O3, CeO2, CuO, Fe2O3, SiO2, TiO2, and ZnO were
reviewed. Studies carried out using Ames (bacterial reverse mutation), chromosome aberration analysis, sister chromatid
exchange, micronucleus, and comet assays were included. At the end, general mechanisms proposed for the genotoxic effects
of metal oxide nanoparticles were presented.