Evaluation potential hazard of molybdenum (VI) oxide nanoparticles for human health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The expanding scope of molybdenum (VI) oxide (MoO3 NPs) nanoparticle application has increased the risk of developing pathological disorders in the exposed population due to the negative effects of this nanomaterial. As such, there is a need to assess the potential hazard of MoO3 NPs to human health.
 AIM: To determine the degree of potential danger of MoO3 nanoparticles for human health.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The potential hazard of MoO3 NPs was assessed in accordance with MR 1.2.2522-09. A comparative assessment of the physical parameters of nano- and micropowder MoO3 particles (Sigma-Aldrich, USA) in terms of size, specific surface area, total pore volume, and shape was conducted based on the results of our own experimental studies. Generalization of information on physicochemical, molecular biological, cytological, physiological and ecological properties was performed according to the data presented in the scientific literature. Based on the predictive-analytical modeling of the properties of MoO3 NPs, the potential hazard coefficient (D) and the coefficient of incompleteness of data assessment (U) was calculated.
 RESULTS: Our findings showed that 84.17% of the nanopowders consists of spherical particles 100 nm in size with an average diameter of 58.80 nm, a specific surface area of 3.66 m2/g, and a total pore volume of 0.0133 cm3/g. Micropowders consist of prismatic particles that are 57.99 times larger in size and but 1.17 and 1.18 times smaller in specific surface area and total pore volume compared to the MoO3 NPs, respectively. MoO3 NPs enhance the generation of intracellular free radicals, accumulate in cells, damage organelle membranes, cause DNA strand breaks, affect gene expression and proteomic profile, which leads to cell death. The toxic effects of MoO3 NPs in vivo are showed in pathomorphological changes in the tissues of the liver, organs of the reproductive system, changes in blood parameters, death of exposed animals, and long-term effects. It has been established that MoO3 NPs have an average degree of potential hazard to human health (D=1.750), the assessment is statistically significant (U=0.147).
 CONCLUSION: The obtained results should be taken into account to improve the methodology for the sanitary regulation of nanomaterials in environmental objects and develop preventive measures for workers and populations exposed to MoO3 NPs.