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. 2023 Apr 10;21:124. doi: 10.1186/s12951-023-01880-9

Table 4.

Gaps in the literature review

Subject Gaps Potential research questions
Synthesis method In chemical/physical syntheses, surfactants, templates, and other compounds are used to stabilize and regulate the size and shape of nanoparticles with toxic potentials What is the environmental impact of large-scale IONP production?
Green synthesis for physicochemical and microbial stability is underexplored Other than the implication of obtaining green synthesis through natural agents, what are the potential risks of green synthesis?
Large-scale and reproducible synthesis How valuable and practical are the actual synthesis methods for large-scale production?
Cellular absorption and metabolism New ways to control nano-bio interactions in subcellular compartments What is the minimum level of complexity for a targeted delivery system?
Active targeting strategies
Cytotoxicity Limited studies have discussed the toxicokinetics and pharmacokinetics of IONPs in blood and tissues

What is the impact of IONPs on genes?

How do probiotics or their metabolites impact IONP cytotoxicity?

Few strategies are addressed concerning the tissues in which many IONPs accumulate, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys Exactly how much of the IONPs accumulate, and in which organs?
IONPs carried by probiotics via absorption The control over the size and shape of IONPs carried by probiotics is limited Should researchers be worried about the safety of nanocarriers?
Limited studies have examined the effectiveness of the addition of probiotics in nanotechnology What are the operational and functional challenges associated with incorporating probiotics into nanotechnology?
The bioavailability, efficacy, and adverse effects of different categories of nanoparticles with probiotics on human exposure remain unclear How significant is the connection between the microbiome and nanoparticle applications in drug delivery?
Evaluation of the efficacy of a method for bacterial quantification How many IONPs may be adsorbed onto the surface of a bacterium?

IONPs iron oxide nanoparticles