Interactions Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

Effect of nanomaterials on the bioavailability of metals in sediments from a highly impacted tropical coastal environment

In this study, the impact of nanoparticles on the chemical behavior of metals in a tropical coastal environment was evaluated in a microcosm assay. The microcosms were assembled to reproduce the original environmental conditions, to evaluate the effects of two different nanoparticles. The aquariums were filled with water and sediment from Cunha River (Rio de Janeiro – Brazil) - which is highly contaminated by metals and organic compounds - and nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (500 nm) and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles doped with Holmium-166 (200 nm), both radiolabeled with 99mTc. The quantification of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr and Pb) was performed in the water samples. The concentration data obtained for Fe, Cr and Pb were lower than ICP-OES Detection Limits (Fe: DL < 0.0343 mg.L−1, Cr: DL < 0.0036 mg.L−1 and Pb: DL < 0.0291 mg.L−1), while the results for Cu, Zn and Mn demonstrated that the presence of hydroxyapatite and PLGA nanoparticles had no influence on the behavior of dissolved metals, probably because of the high organic loads of the system, which may have overwhelmed or masked the interaction of nanomaterials with metals, once the natural organic matter could interact with the nanoparticles, favoring their aggregation and sedimentation and thus reducing their bioavailability and reactivity. Geochemical fractionation presented a relevant association of metals with the organic phase. In terms of environmental impact assessment of nanomaterials, it was concluded through 99mTc labelling that both nanomaterials (about 30% to 50%) remained in solution during the 49 h of the experiment.

Ni-doped metal-azolate framework-6 derived carbon as a highly active catalyst for CO2 conversion through the CO2 hydrogenation reaction

A profound and accelerated solution towards mitigating atmospheric CO2 levels and converting the CO2 to useful fuels and chemicals, such as CO or CH4, would be to utilize and promote the catalytic CO2 hydrogenation reaction. To optimize this process, high-performance catalysts and favorable conditions must be identified. This study incorporated Ni-doped MAF-6 (containing Zn, N and C) derived carbon-supported catalysts synthesized by in-situ impregnation. By varying the Ni loading amount (1–4 wt.%) and the pyrolysis temperature (600–900 °C), this determined as to how the nanomaterial structures and interactions can tune the reaction performance. Based on BET, PXRD and XPS characterization tests, the carbon structure was porous with highly dispersed and embedded Ni generated by a strong interaction between Ni and Zn-N-C in the MAF-6-derived carbon material, especially as the increasing pyrolysis temperatures evaporated more Zn. From this, CO2 hydrogenation catalytic tests were carried out at 500–800 °C and 100 mL min−1 flow at a H2: CO2 ratio of 3:1. Based on the key structural and material properties, the MAF-64Ni,600 catalyst (i.e., 4 wt.% Ni loading, 600 °C pyrolysis) proved to be optimal, displaying 59% CO2 conversion and 100% CO selectivity at 650 °C. Most of the catalysts formed no CH4 due to the low loading of Ni.

Low-dimensionality carbon-based biosensors: the new era of emerging technologies in bioanalytical chemistry.

Since the last decade, carbon nanomaterials have had a notable impact on different fields such as bioimaging, drug delivery, artificial tissue engineering, and biosensors. This is due to their good compatibility toward a wide range of chemical to biological molecules, low toxicity, and tunable properties. Especially for biosensor technology, the characteristic features of each dimensionality of carbon-based materials may influence the performance and viability of their use. Surface area, porous network, hybridization, functionalization, synthesis route, the combination of dimensionalities, purity levels, and the mechanisms underlying carbon nanomaterial interactions influence their applications in bioanalytical chemistry. Efforts are being made to fully understand how nanomaterials can influence biological interactions, to develop commercially viable biosensors, and to gain knowledge on the biomolecular processes associated with carbon. Here, we present a comprehensive review highlighting the characteristic features of the dimensionality of carbon-based materials in biosensing.

Novel Dual-Signal SiO2-COOH@MIPs Electrochemical Sensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Chloramphenicol in Milk.

In view of the great threat of chloramphenicol (CAP) to human health and the fact that a few producers have illegally used CAP in the food production process to seek economic benefits in disregard of laws and regulations and consumer health, we urgently need a detection method with convenient operation, rapid response, and high sensitivity capabilities to detect CAP in food to ensure people's health. Herein, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) electrochemical sensor based on a dual-signal strategy was designed for the highly sensitive analysis of CAP in milk. The NiFe Prussian blue analog (NiFe-PBA) and SnS2 nanoflowers were modified successively on the electrode surface to obtain dual signals from [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- at 0.2 V and NiFe-PBA at 0.5 V. SiO2-COOH@MIPs that could specifically recognize CAP were synthesized via thermal polymerization using carboxylated silica microspheres (SiO2-COOH) as carriers. When the CAP was adsorbed by SiO2-COOH@MIPs, the above two oxidation peak currents decreased at the same time, allowing the double-signal analysis. The SiO2-COOH@MIPs/SnS2/NiFe-PBA/GCE sensor used for determining CAP was successfully prepared. The sensor utilized the interactions of various nanomaterials to achieve high-sensitivity dual-signal detection, which had certain innovative significance. At the same time, the MIPs were synthesized using a surface molecular imprinting technology, which could omit the time of polymerization and elution and met the requirements for rapid detection. After optimizing the experimental conditions, the detection range of the sensor was 10-8 g/L-10-2 g/L and the limit of detection reached 3.3 × 10-9 g/L (S/N = 3). The sensor had satisfactory specificity, reproducibility, and stability, and was successfully applied to the detection of real milk samples.

Translocation and transformation of engineered nanomaterials in plant cells and their effect on metabolism

As the climate worsens and the demand for food grows, so does the interest in nanoagriculture. The interaction between plants and nanomaterials (NMs) has been extensively and intensively examined. However, stopping at the outcome of a phenomenon is often insufficient. Therefore, we introduce three important processes of nanoparticle-plant interactions: translocation, transformation, and plant metabolism. During the migration of nanoparticles, size and surface electrical properties are the main determining factors. Additionally, the interaction of nanoparticles with cell membranes is another key aspect of research. The transformation of nanoparticles in plants is mainly due to redox substances. The way that nanoparticles affect plant metabolism may be able to shed light on the interaction of nanoparticles with plants. This review adds to the existing knowledge on the design of nanoagrochemicals and summarizes the mechanism of interaction of NMs with plants. In this way, NMs can be used for their beneficial effects and thus contribute to the maintenance of food security and sustainable development.

Characterization and antimicrobial activity of a chitosan-selenium nanocomposite biosynthesized using Posidonia oceanica.

Nanobiotechnological approaches can provide effective solutions for overcoming food products' contamination and spoilage. The development of rapid and eco-friendly approaches for synthesizing nanocomposites from chitosan nanoparticles (Cht), Neptune grass "Posidonia oceanica" extract (NG), and NG-mediated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was targeted, with their investigation as potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biopreservatives of fresh chicken fillets. SeNPs were biosynthesized with NG, and their conjugates with Cht were composited. Characterization approaches, including infrared analysis, physiognomic analysis, and electron microscopy of synthesized nanomaterials and composites, were applied. The nanomaterials' antibacterial properties were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli qualitatively, quantitatively, and with ultrastructure imaging. The antimicrobial and antioxidant potentialities of nanomaterials were employed for preserving chicken fillets, and the sensorial and microbiological parameters were assessed for coated fillets. SeNPs were effectively biosynthesized by NG, with mean diameters of 12.41 nm; the NG/SeNPs had homogenous spherical shapes with good distribution. The prepared Cht/NG/SeNPs nanoconjugates had a mean diameter of 164.61 nm, semi-spherical or smooth structures, and charges of +21.5 mV. The infrared analyses revealed the involvement of biochemical groups in nanomaterial biosynthesis and interactions. The antibacterial actions of nanomaterials were proven against the entire challenged strains; Cht/NG/SeNPs was the most active agent, and Salmonella typhimurium was the most susceptible bacteria. Scanning micrographs of Cht/NG/SeNPs-treated Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium indicate the severe time-dependent destruction of bacterial cells within 8 h of exposure. The antioxidant potentiality of Cht/NG/SeNPs was the highest (91.36%), followed by NG/SeNPs (79.45%). The chicken fillets' coating with Cht, NG, NG/SeNPs, and Cht/NG/SeNPs resulted in a remarkable reduction in microbial group count and raised the sensorial attributes of coated fillets after 14 days of cold storage, with increased potentialities in the order: Cht/NG/SeNPs > NG/SeNPs > NG > Cht > control. The inventive, facile biosynthesis of Cht, NG, and SeNPs could provide effective antimicrobial and antioxidant nanocomposites for prospective applications in food biopreservation.

Modulation of engineered nanomaterial interactions with organ barriers for enhanced drug transport.

The biomedical use of nanoparticles (NPs) has been the focus of intense research for over a decade. As most NPs are explored as carriers to alter the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of associated drugs, the delivery of these NPs to the tissues of interest remains an important topic. To date, the majority of NP delivery studies have used tumor models as their tool of interest, and the limitations concerning tumor targeting of systemically administered NPs have been well studied. In recent years, the focus has also shifted to other organs, each presenting their own unique delivery challenges to overcome. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in leveraging NPs to overcome four major biological barriers including the lung mucus, the gastrointestinal mucus, the placental barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. We define the specific properties of these biological barriers, discuss the challenges related to NP transport across them, and provide an overview of recent advances in the field. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of different strategies to facilitate NP transport across the barriers and highlight some key findings that can stimulate further advances in this field.

Imaging tools for plant nanobiotechnology.

The successful application of nanobiotechnology in biomedicine has greatly changed the traditional way of diagnosis and treating of disease, and is promising for revolutionizing the traditional plant nanobiotechnology. Over the past few years, nanobiotechnology has increasingly expanded into plant research area. Nanomaterials can be designed as vectors for targeted delivery and controlled release of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, nucleotides, proteins, etc. Interestingly, nanomaterials with unique physical and chemical properties can directly affect plant growth and development; improve plant resistance to disease and stress; design as sensors in plant biology; and even be used for plant genetic engineering. Similarly, there have been concerns about the potential biological toxicity of nanomaterials. Selecting appropriate characterization methods will help understand how nanomaterials interact with plants and promote advances in plant nanobiotechnology. However, there are relatively few reviews of tools for characterizing nanomaterials in plant nanobiotechnology. In this review, we present relevant imaging tools that have been used in plant nanobiotechnology to monitor nanomaterial migration, interaction with and internalization into plants at three-dimensional lengths. Including: 1) Migration of nanomaterial into plant organs 2) Penetration of nanomaterial into plant tissues (iii)Internalization of nanomaterials by plant cells and interactions with plant subcellular structures. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of current characterization tools and propose future optimal characterization methods for plant nanobiotechnology.

Environmental Implications Associated with the Development of Nanotechnology: From Synthesis to Disposal

Nanotechnology remains under continuous development. The unique, fascinating, and tunable properties of nanomaterials make them interesting for diverse applications in different fields such as medicine, agriculture, and remediation. However, knowledge about the risks associated with nanomaterials is still poorly known and presents variable results. Furthermore, the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems and the environment still needs to be clarified. Moreover, some issues such as toxicity, bioaccumulation, and physicochemical transformations are found to be dependent on several factors such as size, capping agent, and shape, making the comparisons even more complex. This review presents a comprehensive discussion about the consequences of the use and development of nanomaterials regarding their potential risks to the environment as well as human and animal health. For this purpose, we reviewed the entire production chain from manufacturing, product development, applications, and even product disposal to raise the important implications at each stage. In addition, we present the recent developments in terms of risk management and the recycling of nanomaterials. Furthermore, the advances and limitations in the legislation and characterization of nanomaterials are also discussed.

Impact of physiological media and sterilization methods on the physicochemical characteristics of engineered CNCs, and the effects on nanomaterial-protein interactions and immunological activity

The biological properties of nanomaterials are impacted by their interactions with biomolecules. The interaction of nanomaterials with proteins is highly influenced by the intrinsic physicochemical properties of the nanomaterials as well as by the surrounding environment. In this study, we assessed surface charge, apparent particle size and size distribution of autoclaved and filtered colloidal suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in different physiologically media. We also investigated the protein corona of these preparations of CNCs in cell culture medium with serum, using gel electrophoresis and silver staining. Furthermore, we evaluated their immune properties in cell-based assays. Our results indicated that regardless of the sterilization methods, their intrinsic physicochemical properties were most affected by the medium. The autoclaved suspensions of CNCs showed the most quantity of associated proteins, while the filtered suspensions showed the greatest variety of it. The immune activity of colloidal suspensions of CNCs was cell type- and cytokine- dependent.

Bio- and eco-corona related to plants: Understanding the formation and biological effects of plant protein coatings on nanoparticles

The thriving nano-enabled agriculture facilitates the interaction of nanomaterials with plants. Recently, these interactions and their biological effects are receiving increasing attention. Upon entering plants via leaves, roots, stems, and other organs, nanoparticles adsorb numerous biomolecules inside plants and form bio-corona. In addition, nanoparticles that enter plants through roots may have formed eco-corona with root exudates in the rhizosphere environment before contacting with plant exogenous proteins. The most significant biological effects of plant protein corona include changes in protein structure and function, as well as changes in nanoparticle toxicity and targeting ability. However, the mechanisms, particularly how protein corona affects plant protein function, plant development and growth, and rhizosphere environment properties, require further investigation. Our review summarizes the current understanding of the formation and biological effects of nanoparticle-plant protein corona and provides an outlook on future research.

Plasmonic Sensing and Switches Enriched by Tailorable Multiple Fano Resonances in Rotational Misalignment Metasurfaces.

Fano resonances that feature strong field enhancement in the narrowband range have motivated extensive studies of light-matter interactions in plasmonic nanomaterials. Optical metasurfaces that are subject to different mirror symmetries have been dedicated to achieving nanoscale light manipulation via plasmonic Fano resonances, thus enabling advantages for high-sensitivity optical sensing and optical switches. Here, we investigate the plasmonic sensing and switches enriched by tailorable multiple Fano resonances that undergo in-plane mirror symmetry or asymmetry in a hybrid rotational misalignment metasurface, which consists of periodic metallic arrays with concentric C-shaped- and circular-ring-aperture unit cells. We found that the plasmonic double Fano resonances can be realized by undergoing mirror symmetry along the X-axis. The plasmonic multiple Fano resonances can be tailored by adjusting the level of the mirror asymmetry along the Z-axis. Moreover, the Fano-resonance-based plasmonic sensing that suffer from mirror symmetry or asymmetry can be implemented by changing the related structural parameters of the unit cells. The passive dual-wavelength plasmonic switches of specific polarization can be achieved within mirror symmetry and asymmetry. These results could entail benefits for metasurface-based devices, which are also used in sensing, beam-splitter, and optical communication systems.

Investigation of the interfacial interaction of carbon nanomaterials with asphalt matrix: insights from molecular simulations

ABSTRACT The interfacial interaction between carbon nanomaterial and the asphalt matrix plays a key role in the capacity for load transfer and the mechanical properties of asphalt-carbon nanocomposites. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to explore the interfacial interaction between carbon nanomaterials and asphalt molecules. The microscopic interface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The high temperature properties of asphalt-carbon nanocomposites were studied by a dynamic shear rheometer. The results showed that carbon nanotubes (CNT) had the best compatibility with aromatics (minimum binding energy of 11.05kcal/mol), the second compatibility with saturate (minimum binding energy of 10.05 kcal/mol), and the lowest compatibility with asphaltene (maximum binding energy of 4.19 kcal/mol). The compatibility of graphene with the four components also follows the above rule, but graphene-asphaltene compatibility is better than CNT-asphaltene because the maximum binding energy of graphene-asphaltene is 4.63kcal/mol. CNT competes with asphaltene for nonpolar components, whereas graphene is encapsulated by asphaltene, which results in different interactions between CNT-asphalt and graphene-asphalt nanocomposites. However, neither CNT nor graphene changed the colloidal structure of asphalt.

Immunotoxicity of nanomaterials in health and disease: Current challenges and emerging approaches for identifying immune modifiers in susceptible populations.

Nanosafety assessment has experienced an intense era of research during the past decades driven by a vivid interest of regulators, industry, and society. Toxicological assays based on in vitro cellular models have undergone an evolution from experimentation using nanoparticulate systems on singular epithelial cell models to employing advanced complex models more realistically mimicking the respective body barriers for analyzing their capacity to alter the immune state of exposed individuals. During this phase, a number of lessons were learned. We have thus arrived at a state where the next chapters have to be opened, pursuing the following objectives: (1) to elucidate underlying mechanisms, (2) to address effects on vulnerable groups, (3) to test material mixtures, and (4) to use realistic doses on (5) sophisticated models. Moreover, data reproducibility has become a significant demand. In this context, we studied the emerging concept of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) from the perspective of immune activation and modulation resulting in pro-inflammatory versus tolerogenic responses. When considering the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems, protein corona formation represents the relevant molecular initiating event (e.g., by potential alterations of nanomaterial-adsorbed proteins). Using this as an example, we illustrate how integrated experimental-computational workflows combining in vitro assays with in silico models aid in data enrichment and upon comprehensive ontology-annotated (meta)data upload to online repositories assure FAIRness (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability). Such digital twinning may, in future, assist in early-stage decision-making during therapeutic development, and hence, promote safe-by-design innovation in nanomedicine. Moreover, it may, in combination with in silico-based exposure-relevant dose-finding, serve for risk monitoring in particularly loaded areas, for example, workplaces, taking into account pre-existing health conditions. This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.

Understanding the immunological interactions of engineered nanomaterials: Role of the bio-corona.

Engineered nanomaterials are a broad class of materials with the potential for breakthrough applications in many sectors of society not least in medicine. Consequently, safety assessment of nanomaterials and nano-enabled products with respect to human health and the environment is of key importance. To this end, the biological interactions of nanoscale materials must be understood. Here, the dual "identities" of nanomaterials, namely, the material-intrinsic properties or synthetic identity and the acquired, context-dependent properties or biological identity, are discussed in relation to nanomaterial interactions with the immune system, our main defense against foreign intrusion. Specifically, we address whether macrophages and other innate immune cells respond to the synthetic identity or the biological identity of nanomaterials, that is, the surface adsorbed proteins and/or other biomolecules known as the bio-corona, or both? This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.

Overview of Nanomaterials and Cellular Interactions

In the last three decades, there has been wide progress in nanomaterials development, and several studies are being performed to show its biological effects and cellular interaction for biomedical applications. Due to the exponential increase in nanomaterial diversity, production, and possibilities of applications in different areas, there is an important concern about its toxicity for humans, animals, and ecosystems. There is a great effort to minimize experimental assays in animals, and this is a commendable initiative. Several alternatives in vitro assays are available; however, several new protocols have been introduced to elucidate the mechanisms of cell-nanomaterial interaction. Wide and fast progress in nanotechnology has been observed. Nonetheless, the nanomaterial interaction with cells or biological systems is still not totally described. In this aspect, this paper is a brief overview of nanomaterials and cellular interactions (nano-bio interaction).

Toxicity Interactions of Nanomaterials in Biological System: A Pressing Priority

Nanomaterials have made a rebellion in biomedical application especially treating several diseases due to its distinctive compositions. However, increased utilization of nanomaterials in biomedical applications has made an initiative to understand the possible interaction between the nanomaterials with the biological systems. These tiny particles enter into the body very easily and affect vulnerable systems which raise the interrogation of their potential effects on the susceptible organs. It is very crucial to comprehend the various exposure pathways, their movement, behavior and ultimate outcome. Specific and unique physicochemical properties, such as particle size and distribution, surface area, charge and coatings, particle shape/ structure, dissolution and aggregation, influence the nanomaterial interactions with cells. Toxicities in biological systems occurs as a result of a result of a variety of reasons including the production of ROS reactive oxygen species, degradation of the integrity of membrane and release of toxic metal ions thus preventing normal cell function. Various researchers have provided promising evidence that nanomaterial’s actively encompass and mediate chemical processes of cell, in addition to their passive interactions with cells. Certainly, it is very much essential to understand the possible toxic interactions of nanomaterial’s with the biological system as Nano toxicology. In this review, we emphasize the toxicological effects on different organs pertaining to nanomaterial-biological system interaction

(Bio)Sensing Strategies Based on Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Carbon Nanocomposites for Pharmaceuticals: Towards Greener Electrochemical Tools.

The interaction of carbon-based nanomaterials and ionic liquids (ILs) has been thoroughly exploited for diverse electroanalytical solutions since the first report in 2003. This combination, either through covalent or non-covalent functionalization, takes advantage of the unique characteristics inherent to each material, resulting in synergistic effects that are conferred to the electrochemical (bio)sensing system. From one side, carbon nanomaterials offer miniaturization capacity with enhanced electron transfer rates at a reduced cost, whereas from the other side, ILs contribute as ecological dispersing media for the nanostructures, improving conductivity and biocompatibility. The present review focuses on the use of this interesting type of nanocomposites for the development of (bio)sensors specifically for pharmaceutical detection, with emphasis on the analytical (bio)sensing features. The literature search displayed the conjugation of more than 20 different ILs and several carbon nanomaterials (MWCNT, SWCNT, graphene, carbon nanofibers, fullerene, and carbon quantum dots, among others) that were applied for a large set (about 60) of pharmaceutical compounds. This great variability causes a straightforward comparison between sensors to be a challenging task. Undoubtedly, electrochemical sensors based on the conjugation of carbon nanomaterials with ILs can potentially be established as sustainable analytical tools and viable alternatives to more traditional methods, especially concerning in situ environmental analysis.

Nanoparticle Self-Assembly: From Design Principles to Complex Matter to Functional Materials.

The creation of matter with varying degrees of complexities and desired functions is one of the ultimate targets of self-assembly. The ability to regulate the complex interactions between the individual components is essential in achieving this target. In this direction, the initial success of controlling the pathways and final thermodynamic states of a self-assembly process is promising. Despite the progress made in the field, there has been a growing interest in pushing the limits of self-assembly processes. The main inception of this interest is that the intended self-assembled state, with varying complexities, may not be "at equilibrium (or at global minimum)", rendering free energy minimization unsuitable to form the desired product. Thus, we believe that a thorough understanding of the design principles as well as the ability to predict the outcome of a self-assembly process is essential to form a collection of the next generation of complex matter. The present review highlights the potent role of finely tuned interparticle interactions in nanomaterials to achieve the preferred self-assembled structures with the desired properties. We believe that bringing the design and prediction to nanoparticle self-assembly processes will have a similar effect as retrosynthesis had on the logic of chemical synthesis. Along with the guiding principles, the review gives a summary of the different types of products created from nanoparticle assemblies and the functional properties emerging from them. Finally, we highlight the reasonable expectations from the field and the challenges lying ahead in the creation of complex and evolvable matter.

Rheological Properties of Different Graphene Nanomaterials in Biological Media.

Carbon nanomaterials have received increased attention in the last few years due to their potential applications in several areas. In medicine, for example, these nanomaterials could be used as contrast agents, drug transporters, and tissue regenerators or in gene therapy. This makes it necessary to know the behavior of carbon nanomaterials in biological media to assure good fluidity and the absence of deleterious effects on human health. In this work, the rheological characterization of different graphene nanomaterials in fetal bovine serum and other fluids, such as bovine serum albumin and water, is studied using rotational and microfluidic chip rheometry. Graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets, and expanded graphene oxide at concentrations between 1 and 3 mg/mL and temperatures in the 25–40 °C range were used. The suspensions were also characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and the results show a high tendency to aggregation and reveals that there is a protein–nanomaterial interaction. Although rotational rheometry is customarily used, it cannot provide reliable measurements in low viscosity samples, showing an apparent shear thickening, whereas capillary viscometers need transparent samples; therefore, microfluidic technology appears to be a suitable method to measure low viscosity, non-transparent Newtonian fluids, as it is able to determine small variations in viscosity. No significant changes in viscosity are found within the solid concentration range studied but it decreases between 1.1 and 0.6 mPa·s when the temperature raises from 25 to 40 °C.