Application Of Nanomaterials In Industry Research Articles

Bridging the gap: Innovative human-based in vitro approaches for nanomaterials hazard assessment and their role in safe and sustainable by design, risk assessment, and life cycle assessment

The application of nanomaterials in industry and consumer products is growing exponentially, which has pressed the development and use of predictive human in vitro models in pre-clinical analysis to closely extrapolate potential toxic effects in vivo. The conventional cytotoxicity investigation of nanomaterials using cell lines from cancer origin and culturing them two-dimensionally in a monolayer without mimicking the proper pathophysiological microenvironment may affect a precise prediction of in vitro effects at in vivo level. In recent years, complex in vitro models (also belonging to the new approach methodologies, NAMs) have been established in unicellular to multicellular cultures either by using cell lines, primary cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and reconstituted into relevant biological dimensions mimicking in vivo conditions. These advanced in vitro models retain physiologically reliant exposure scenarios particularly appropriate for oral, dermal, respiratory, and intravenous administration of nanomaterials, which have the potential to improve the in vivo predictability and lead to reliable outcomes. In this perspective, we discuss recent developments and breakthroughs in using advanced human in vitro models for hazard assessment of nanomaterials. We identified fit-for-purpose requirements and remaining challenges for the successful implementation of in vitro data into nanomaterials Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), Risk Assessment (RA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). By addressing the gap between in vitro data generation and the utility of in vitro data for nanomaterial safety assessments, a prerequisite for SSbD approaches, we outlined potential key areas for future development.

Toxicity of microwave-synthesized silver-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites to the microalga Chlorella vulgaris: Comparison with the hydrothermal method synthesized counterparts

The increased applications of nanomaterials in industry and biomedicine have resulted in a rising concern about their possible toxic impacts on living organisms. It has been claimed that the phytosynthesized nanomaterials have lower toxicity in comparison to their chemically synthesized counterparts. Therefore, it is important to evaluate their toxic effects on the environment. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of microwave-synthesized silver-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (MS-Ag-rGO) on Chlorella vulgaris. Algal cells were treated by 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg L−1 MS-Ag-rGO for 24 h. The obtained data with three replicates were examined using analysis of variance. Analysis of different growth parameters revealed that MS-Ag-rGO possessed significant dose-dependent toxic effect on C. vulgaris. Scanning electron microscope and fluorescence microscope images of the treated cells established morphological shrinkages and alteration in position of nucleoli. Moreover, reduction in the phenol and flavonoid contents, enhancement of H2O2 content, changes in the antioxidant enzymes activity and decreases in the growth parameters as well as photosynthetic pigments quantities confirmed the toxicity of MS-Ag-rGO to the C. vulgaris cells. Our findings revealed that MS-Ag-rGO possessed higher toxicity on C. vulgaris than Ag-rGO synthesized by hydrothermal technique.

Consequences of Hydrophobic Nanotube Binding on the Functional Dynamics of Signaling Protein Calmodulin.

The wide applications of nanomaterials in industry and our daily life have raised growing concerns on their toxicity to human body. Increasing evidence links the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles to the disruption of cellular signaling pathways. Here, we report a computational study on the mechanisms of the cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by investigating the direct impacts of CNTs on the functional motions of calmodulin (CaM), which is one of the most important signaling proteins in a cell, and its signaling function relies on the Ca2+ binding-coupled conformational switching. Computational simulations with a coarse-grained model showed that binding of CNTs modifies the conformational equilibrium of CaM and induces the closed-to-open conformational transition, leading to the loss of its Ca2+-sensing ability. In addition, the binding of CNTs drastically increases the calcium affinity of CaM, which may disrupt the Ca2+ homeostasis in a cell. These results suggest that the binding of hydrophobic nanotubes not only inhibits the signaling function of CaM as a calcium sensor but also renders CaM to toxic species through sequestering Ca2+ from other competing calcium-binding proteins, suggesting a new physical mechanism of the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles.

Nanomaterials in dentistry: a cornerstone or a black box?

The studies on tooth structure provided basis for nanotechnology-based dental treatment approaches known as nanodentistry which aims at detection and treatment of oral pathologies, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases, insufficiently being treated by conventional materials or drugs. This review aims at defining the role of nanodentistry in the medical area, its potential and hazards. To validate these issues, current literature on nanomaterials for dental applications was critically reviewed. Nanomaterials for teeth restoration, bone regeneration and oral implantology exhibit better mechanical properties and provide more efficient esthetic outcome. However, still little is known about influence of long-term function of such biomaterials in the living organism. As application of nanomaterials in industry and medical-related sciences is still expanding, more information is needed on how such nano-dental materials may interfere with oral cavity, GI tract and general health.

Toxicity of Nanoparticles on the Reproductive System in Animal Models: A Review.

In the last two decades, nanotechnologies demonstrated various applications in different fields, including detection, sensing, catalysis, electronics, and biomedical sciences. However, public concerns regarding the well-being of human may hinder the wide utilization of this promising innovation. Although, humans are exposed to airborne nanosized particles from an early age, exposure to such particles has risen dramatically within the last century due to anthropogenic sources of nanoparticles. The wide application of nanomaterials in industry, consumer products, and medicine has raised concerns regarding the potential toxicity of nanoparticles in humans. In this review, the effects of nanomaterials on the reproductive system in animal models are discussed. Females are particularly more vulnerable to nanoparticle toxicity, and toxicity in this population may affect reproductivity and fetal development. Moreover, various types of nanoparticles have negative impacts on male germ cells, fetal development, and the female reproductive system. These impacts are associated with nanoparticle modification, composition, concentration, route of administration, and the species of the animal. Therefore, understanding the impacts of nanoparticles on animal growth and reproduction is essential. Many studies have examined the effects of nanoparticles on primary and secondary target organs, with a concentration on the in vivo and in vitro effects of nanoparticles on the male and female reproductive systems at the clinical, cellular, and molecular levels. This review provides important information regarding organism safety and the potential hazards of nanoparticle use and supports the application of nanotechnologies by minimizing the adverse effects of nanoparticles in vulnerable populations.

Critical Review of Removal of Nano Materials in Waste Streams

Industrial applications of nanomaterials (NMs) are rising drastically in recent years and the commercial value of these materials can reach over $100 billion in 5 years. Major effort in nano research has been devoted to the utilities of the materials, only minimum effort has been directed to the disposal, reuse, and recycle of these new forms of materials. Due to their unique sizes and sharps, nanomaterials possess unique characteristics and toxicity that are not expected from their counterparts in meso/micro forms. At the present time, there are no regulations governing the handling and disposals of NMs, but recent research demonstrated that NMs are more hazardous than we realize. A main reason why less caution is being exercised by the general public regarding NMs is that the measurement and quantitation of NMs are difficult, which lead to difficulties in monitoring, thus regulation. This article critically reviewed over the issues stemming from the development of NMs, especially the challenges of measurement and disposal of these materials in landfills.

Effects of Nanotoxicity on Female Reproductivity and Fetal Development in Animal Models

The extensive application of nanomaterials in industry, medicine and consumer products has raised concerns about their potential toxicity. The female population is particularly vulnerable and deserves special attention because toxicity in this group may impact both female reproductivity and fetal development. Mouse and zebrafish models each have their own unique features and studies using these models to examine the potential toxicity of various nanoparticles are compared and summarized in this review. Several nanoparticles exhibit detrimental effects on female reproductivity as well as fetal development, and these adverse effects are related to nanoparticle composition, surface modification, dose, exposure route and animal species. Limited studies on the mechanisms of nanotoxicity are also documented and reviewed herein.

The Pilot Study of Specific Biomarkers in Health Effects Among Engineered Nanoparticles Manufacturing Workers

PP-29-165 Background/Aims: Nanotechnology is being promoted rapidly. Although the industrial applications of nanomaterials are increasing daily, in vitro and animal in vivo studies have suggested nanoparticles may cause damage to cellular organelles, lung fibrosis, and granuloma through their ability to trigger the production of reactive oxygen species. However, limited epidemiologic study has been conducted to investigate the potential health effects in the industrial workers. The aim of this pilot study is to develop and identify sensitive and specific markers instead of investigation of health effects of nanoparticles exposure in manufacturing workers from cross-sectional and longitudinal design. Methods: This study conducted by using cross-sectional designs. We recruited 135 nanoparticle-exposed workers and 56 nonexposed workers from 13 plants in Taiwan. The biomarkers investigated include the following: (1) pulmonary inflammation markers, (2) cardiovascular disease markers, (3) genotoxicity comet assay, (4) oxidative stress markers, and (5) activity and polymorphism of antioxidant enzymes. Results: Most of exposed workers were male (84.2%) with the average of 35 years old. Of total, 79% of study subjects were graduated from university and only few had smoking (15.8%) or drinking habits (7.9%). The Clara cell protein (CC16 and NF-kB level (inflammation markers); the activity of MPO and aryl esterase (antioxidant markers); vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and Low frequency (LF); HF and LF/HF in frequency domain of heart rate variability (HRV) (cardiovascular markers) and FEV1, MMF, FEF50%, and FEF75% in pulmonary function test, and cortisol, aldosterone, and testosterone hormone levels showed higher values in the exposed workers than the nonexposed controls, either in cross-sectional study or in longitudinal repeated measurements study. No significant difference in oxidative damage, comet assay, and cardiovascular markers was found after adjusting for potential confounders. Control Banding from Nanotool Risk Level Matrix was adopted to categorize the exposure risk levels. CC16 and high-sensitive c-reactive protein (CRP) (hsCRP) were significantly increased in risk level (RL) 2 and RL3 and doses dependent. LF in HRV and VCAM were also marginally significantly increased in RL3, but not doses dependent. Conclusion: Biomarkers of small airway damage (CC16) and inflammation (hsCRP) as well as biomarkers of injuries to endothelium (VCAM) and sympathetic nerve activation (LF in HRV) may also be served as health effect markers of nanoparticles exposure. These cardiopulmonary injuries markers may be used for surveillance of health effects of nanoparticles exposure.