As nanoparticles are at the forefront of the nanotechnology wave, appropriate applications, production techniques, and long term health effects must be considered. The current and potential applications for nanoparticles are growing and cover an extremely broad range of markets. However, there are a number of hurdles to be overcome before the potential of nanoparticles can be fully realized. This paper will review some of the current state-of-the-art with selected examples, and future concerns and considerations for the nanoparticle technology to be successful. The concerns include safety and health effects of nanoparticles, and the public perception of the technology. Some examples demonstrating the unique properties and behavior of nanoparticles will be presented using the data generated in our lab and elsewhere.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, Toxicity, Barium titanate, Size Effect, Iron oxide, Quantum dots