Toxicity of environmental nanosilver: mechanism and assessment

Nanosilver (nAg) is increasingly being used in a wide array of fields, and its toxicity has been extensively studied. Here we present a review of environmental nAg cytotoxicity, as well toxicity mechanisms. The cytotoxicity is describedin four aspects including cell membrane, the genome, the mitochondria and autophagy flux. Considering its broad-spectrum antibiotic effects, nAg ecotoxicity is described, in addition to an analysis of factors necessary in controlling its toxicity. We propose a toxicity assessment model with potential applications toliving organisms,based on the antibacterial effects of nAg.