Therapeutic nanoparticle safety in pregnancy: Bridging knowledge gaps with environmental insights and a translational roadmap

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) for therapeutic applications is an expanding field that has more recently begun to focus on pregnancy-related disorders. As the range of medical applications and the types of particles considered for therapeutic use expands, a detailed understanding of the possible risks of exposure during pregnancy is imperative. This review will examine how NP exposure can directly and indirectly affect placental growth and fetal development, as well as its effects on postnatal growth, and summarize the current research on NPs as drug delivery vehicles for treating pregnancy-related disorders. It will also examine how specific particle compositions and surface functionalities may improve particle biocompatibility and, thus, outcomes for the pregnant person and fetus. By assessing the safety of exposure for pregnant individuals and their developing fetuses, and providing insight into how toxicity studies can be made more comprehensive and follow ethical and regulatory guidelines, this review will offer researchers promising approaches for advancing nanotechnology in the maternal-fetal health space while prioritizing patient safety.