Redox interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems

Nanomaterials are used for a wide variety of applications in medicine and industry. Because nanomaterials tend to have increased redox activity and reactivity compared to their bulk scale counterparts, there is concern over toxicity related to oxidative stress in biological systems. This chapter reviews the basic mechanisms by which nanomaterials have redox activity in biological systems. This chapter also reviews techniques used to evaluate redox damage to biomolecules. Finally, this chapter reviews analytical techniques used to determine the spatial distribution and redox state of nanomaterials within biological matrices.