A Toxicochemical Review of Gallium Arsenide (Review Paper)

  • S.J.S. Flora Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
  • Nidhi Dwivedi Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.1014
Keywords: Gallium arsenide toxicity, organ damage, biochemical effects, preventive and therapeutic measure

Abstract

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is extensively used in defence as a semiconductor material, in radar and in electronic warfare. However, its toxicity is still not well understood. The chemistry of gallium arsenide in the body plays a key role in defining its toxicity. GaAs is found to be soluble in aqueous solution and forms unidentified gallium and arsenic species upon dissolution. GaAs causes toxicity to various organs including lung, testes, kidney, brain and immune system. The toxicity of GaAs can be attributed to the synergistic toxic effects associated with gallium and arsenic. Till date, there is no well defined treatment regime for GaAs induced toxicity. This review gives a recent account of work carried out in the toxicology of GaAs including chemistry involved in the mechanism of toxicity of GaAs, its toxicological effects on various organs and current therapy available.

Defence Science Journal, 2012, 62(2), pp.95-104, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.1014

Author Biographies

S.J.S. Flora, Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior

Dr S.J.S. Flora obtained his PhD from Indian Toxicology Research Center, CSIR, Lucknow in 1985. Presently working as a Scientist ‘G’ (Associate Director) and Head, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. His team has developed a new drug for the treatment of arsenic poisoning. His interest areas includes: Toxicology of metals, drug development, role of dietary nutrients, etc. He has published more than 225 research papers, reviews and book chapters and was conferred with Fellowships of Academy of Environmental Biology, Society of Science and Environment and Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy.

Nidhi Dwivedi, Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior
Ms Nidhi Dwivedi received her MSc (Biotechnology) from Jiwaji University, Gwalior. Currently she is pursuing PhD from DRDE, Gwalior (registered at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore). Her current area of research is toxicokinetic of combined exposure to organophosphorus and toxic metals. She has published 5 research papers in international peer reviewed journals.
Published
2012-03-13
How to Cite
Flora, S., & Dwivedi, N. (2012). A Toxicochemical Review of Gallium Arsenide (Review Paper). Defence Science Journal, 62(2), 95-104. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.1014
Issue
Vol 62 No 2
Section
Biomedical Sciences
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