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The nanotechnology field has considerably increased in recent years, playing an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. However, this emerging science presents uncertainties and shortcomings regarding toxicological effects in human and ecological systems. It was possible to achieve a range of drugs and cosmetics that have specific properties using nanotechnology. In drug delivery systems, nanotechnology has demonstrated great potential because of its ability to induce desired pharmacological responses. The nanocomposites used in the production of sunscreens provide effective protection against damages caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, recent studies have shown the toxicity of some UV filters to health and the environment. These studies demonstrated that the compounds of sunscreens are capable of reaching the marine environment after released from human skin during the bath through water treatment plants. It is important to know the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the working nanomaterial before starting a research because that information will be relevant keys to a better understanding about the risks evaluation of the study object. The comparisons of biological/toxicological data between nanomaterials should be evaluated by a detailed physical characterization of each material in order to demonstrate similarities and differences between all substances. Factors such as size, aggregation/agglomeration state, aggregates/clusters, surface area and shape of the nanomaterials should be considered for the risk assessments they may cause to humans and the environment.

Global population growth raises questions concerning the environment and energy production. Fossil fuels are well known and utilized energy source. These are not renewable and contribute to the greenhouse gas effect. The search for alternative energy sources and solution for environmental problems has a growing concern in recent years. The lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a solution to our energy and environmental concerns since it is rich within feedstock and can be converted to biofuels and/or biomaterials. This approach is interesting because these biomasses can become renewable sources of energy and pollute less than fossil fuels when transformed into biofuels, which is a green fuel. However, some steps are necessary to transform these lignocellulosic biomasses into biofuels or biomaterials. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary area of study with several applications that can be used to improve the lignocellulose bioconversion process, used both in production of liquid fuels through conversion by fermentation, gasification, or catalysis and development of new nanoscale catalyzers/materials. Nanoscale or sub-nanoscale instrumentation facilitates understanding of the lignocellulosic biomass cell wall ultrastructure and enzymatic mechanisms. This aspect contributes in the development of sophisticated instrumentation techniques for lignocellulosic fiber analysis such as scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).