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