Toxicity Of Engineered Nanoparticles Research Articles

Polystyrene nanoplastics alleviate the toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to the marine algae Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis

The increasing presence of pollutants such as engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and nanoplastics (NPLs) poses potential risks to the marine environment. However, there is a scarcity of information on their joint toxic effects. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO) combined with polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPLs) on the marine microalgae Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis. The inhibitory effect of nCuO increased with increasing concentrations, and nCuO ≥ 100 mg/L significantly restrained the growth and chlorophyll content of microalgae. nCuO could be adsorbed by algal cells, which was responsible for membrane lipid oxidation and the disruption of membrane permeability. Simultaneous exposure to nCuO and PS-NPLs had a.n antagonistic effect on the growth inhibition of the microalgae, and nCuO played a leading role in the joint toxicity of nCuO and PS-NPLs. In comparison to nCuO exposure alone, combined exposure decreased the oxidative stress and alleviated the increase in the cell membrane permeability of microalgae. PS-NPLs could heteroaggregate with nCuO, which reduced the interaction between nCuO and microalgae, inducing decreased joint toxicity. Findings of this study will clarify our understanding of the joint toxicity of ENPs and NPLs.

Engineered nanoparticles toxicity on adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells: A preliminary investigation

Nanoscience and nanotechnologies have recently gained importance in several fields, such as industry and medicine. A big issue of the increasing application of nanomaterials is the poor literature regarding their potential toxicity in humans and animals. Recently, adult stem cells have been proposed as putative targets of nanoparticles (NPs). This study aims to investigate the effects of zerovalent-metallic NPs on isolated and amplified equine Adipose tissue derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (eAdMSCs). Cells were treated with Cobalt (Co-), Iron (Fe-), and Nickel (Ni-) nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentrations and were characterized for the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of exposure. Treatment with NPs resulted in reduced cell viability and proliferative capability in comparison with untreated cells. However, this did not influence eAdMSCs potency, as treated cells were able to differentiate towards the adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Ni- and Fe-NPs showed cytoplasmic localization, while Co-NPs entered the nucleus and mitochondria, suggesting a potential genotoxic activity. Regarding p53 expression, it was enhanced in the first 48 h after treatments, with a drastic reduction of expression within 72 h. Higher p53 expression was reported in the case of Co-NP treatment, suggesting the tumorigenic potential of these NPs. Telomerase activity was enhanced by Fe- and Ni-NP treatments in a concentration- and time-dependent way. This was not true for Co-NP treated samples, suggesting a reduced replicative capacity of eAdMSCs upon Co-NP exposure. The present study is a preliminary investigation of the influence exerted by NPs on eAdMSC physiological activity in terms of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The present results revealed eAdMSC physiology to be strongly influenced by NPs in a dose-, time- and NP-dependent way.

In Vitro Toxicity of Industrially Relevant Engineered Nanoparticles in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells: Air-Liquid Interface versus Submerged Cultures.

Diverse industries have already incorporated within their production processes engineered nanoparticles (ENP), increasing the potential risk of worker inhalation exposure. In vitro models have been widely used to investigate ENP toxicity. Air–liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures have been emerging as a valuable alternative to submerged cultures as they are more representative of the inhalation exposure to airborne nano-sized particles. We compared the in vitro toxicity of four ENP used as raw materials in the advanced ceramics sector in human alveolar epithelial-like cells cultured under submerged or ALI conditions. Submerged cultures were exposed to ENP liquid suspensions or to aerosolised ENP at ALI. Toxicity was assessed by determining LDH release, WST-1 metabolisation and DNA damage. Overall, cells were more sensitive to ENP cytotoxic effects when cultured and exposed under ALI. No significant cytotoxicity was observed after 24 h exposure to ENP liquid suspensions, although aerosolised ENP clearly affected cell viability and LDH release. In general, all ENP increased primary DNA damage regardless of the exposure mode, where an increase in DNA strand-breaks was only detected under submerged conditions. Our data show that at relevant occupational concentrations, the selected ENP exert mild toxicity to alveolar epithelial cells and exposure at ALI might be the most suitable choice when assessing ENP toxicity in respiratory models under realistic exposure conditions.

Predicting and investigating cytotoxicity of nanoparticles by translucent machine learning

Safety concerns of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) hamper their applications and commercialization in many potential fields. Machine learning has been proved as a great tool to understand the complex ENP-organism-environment relationship. However, good-performance machine learning models usually exist as black boxes, which may be difficult to build trust and whose ways of expressing knowledge rarely directly map to forms familiar to scientists. Here, we present an approach for uncovering causal structure in nanotoxicity datasets by mutual-validated and model-agnostic interpretation methods. Model predictions can be explained from feature importance, feature effects, and feature interactions. The utility of this approach is demonstrated through two case studies, the cytotoxicity of cadmium-containing quantum dots and metal oxide nanoparticles. Further, these case studies indicate the efficacy and impacts at two scales: (i) model interpretation, where the most relevant features for correlating cytotoxicity are identified and their influence on model predictions and interactions with other features are then explained, and (ii) model validation, where the difference among interpretation results of different methods (or the difference between interpretation results and well-known toxicity mechanisms) may reflect some inherent problems in the used dataset (or the developed models). Our approach of integrating machine learning models and interpretation methods provides a roadmap for predicting the toxicity of ENPs in a translucent way.

Coating aerosolized nanoparticles with low-volatile organic compound (LVOC) vapors modifies surface functionality and oxidative reactivity

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) released into the environment have a high probability of interacting with other pollutants before human exposure. These interactions can modify the physicochemical characteristics of ENPs' surface functionality. The toxicity of ENPs can thus largely depend on the coatings picked up in the environment rather than particle core alone. We built a dynamic system to simulate this barely-studied scenario and open up a novel and convenient way to form hydrophobic coatings directly on airborne ENPs. We coated airborne ENPs with low-volatile organic compounds (LVOCs)—common pollutants that exhibit a high affinity for surfaces. Measurement of airborne particle size distribution showed an increase in particle size after coating. The coating thickness was adjustable by controlling the parameters of LVOC generator, namely the reaction temperature and the flow rate through LVOC reservoir, to create 5–90 nm coatings. Transmission electron microscopy images and nanotracking analyses of ENPs suspended in liquid were used to further characterize the coating thickness. Both methods suggested that the system yielded stable, replicable, and well controlled surface coatings. ROS generation of the coated ENPs significantly depended on the type and thickness of LVOC coating. Chemically non-reactive coatings led to significantly reduced ROS generation of silver-ENPs with a 20 nm inert coating quenching close to 100% of ROS generation; this was attributed to the blocked reactive zones on the ENP surfaces. Chemically reactive anthracene coatings, in contrast, first passivated the surface but then contributed to the redox cycle, leading to an increased generation of ROS, which was at a 90 nm coating thickness comparable to that of bare ENPs. Our results add to the understanding of ENP surface functionality—an important aspect of nanotoxicity. Furthermore, the high controllability of our ENP coating system makes it useful for other applications in inducing hydrophobic coating on airborne ENPs.

Agglomeration of Escherichia coli with Positively Charged Nanoparticles Can Lead to Artifacts in a Standard Caenorhabditis elegans Toxicity Assay.

The increased use and incorporation of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer products requires a robust assessment of their potential environmental implications. However, a lack of standardized methods for nanotoxicity testing has yielded results that are sometimes contradictory. Standard ecotoxicity assays may work appropriately for some ENPs with minimal modification but produce artifactual results for others. Therefore, understanding the robustness of assays for a range of ENPs is critical. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a standard Caenorhabditis elegans ( C.elegans) toxicity assay containing an Escherichia coli ( E.coli) food supply with silicon, polystyrene, and gold ENPs with different charged coatings and sizes. Of all the ENPs tested, only those with a positively charged coating caused growth inhibition. However, the positively charged ENPs were observed to heteroagglomerate with E.coli cells, suggesting that the ENPs impacted the ability of nematodes to feed, leading to a false positive toxic effect on C.elegans growth and reproduction. When the ENPs were tested in two alternate C.elegans assays that did not contain E.coli, we found greatly reduced toxicity of ENPs. This study illustrates a key unexpected artifact that may occur during nanotoxicity assays.

The role of antioxidants in attenuation of Caenorhabditis elegans lethality on exposure to TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles

The exponential increase in the usage of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) has raised global concerns due to their potential toxicity and environmental impacts. Nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO have been extensively used in various applications. Thus, there is a need for determining the toxic potentials of ENPs as well as, to develop the possible attenuation method for ENPs toxicity. Both in the in vitro and in vivo systems, exposure to the majority of ENPs have shown Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation, which leads to oxidative stress mediated inflammation, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. Hence, with the rationale of determining easy and economical protection against ENPs exposure, the amelioration effect of the antioxidants (curcumin and vitamin-C) against the nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO induced ROS and lethality were investigated in Caenorhabditis elegans. We not only employed pre-treatment and along with treatment approach, but also determined the effect of antioxidants at different time points of treatment. Our study revealed that both the antioxidants efficiently ameliorate nanoparticles induced ROS as well as lethality in worms. Further, the pretreatment approach was more effective than the along with treatment. Therefore, our study indicates the possibility of evading the nanotoxicity by incorporating curcumin and vitamin-C in everyday diet.

Natural amelioration of Zinc oxide nanoparticle toxicity in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracum) by arbuscular mycorrhizal (Glomus intraradices) secretion of glomalin

Owing to rising production and use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the myriad of consumer applications, ENPs are being released into the environment where their potential fate and effects have remained unclear. With naturally occurring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF; Glomus intraradices) in soils, their influence (positive or negative) on ENPs toxicity in plants is not well documented. Herein, we investigated potential influence of AMF on the growth and development in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) under varied Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) treatments (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 μg g−1). Results showed that in the absence of AMF, increasing ZnONPs concentrations caused significant decline in root nodule number and biomass in fenugreek. In non-AMF plants, shoot length, and biomass of both root and shoot decreased at ≥375 μg g−1 of ZnONPs treatment; while Zn uptake by shoot and root increased as a function of ZnONPs treatments. Interestingly, AMF colonization in roots significantly diminished at 375 μg g−1 ZnONPs treatment compared to controls. More importantly, AMF inoculation ameliorated inhibitory effects of ZnONPs by promoting secretion of glycoprotein called glomalin—a potent metal chelator—within the rhizosphere, which significantly reduced (by almost half) Zn uptake by root and subsequent translocation to the shoot. AMF inoculation (high glomalin secretion)-mediated low Zn uptake might have been stimulatory to promote root and shoot growth in fenugreek. The results highlight significant protective roles of rhizospheric AMF through glomalin secretion thereby ameliorating nanotoxicity in plants, and underscore the need to include soil-microbial interactions when assessing nanophytotoxicology and risks. Furthermore, potential positive implications to other organisms in the food chain can be inferred due to low tropic transfer of ENPs and/or associated toxic dissolved ions in the presence of naturally occurring soil fingi.

Freshwater Sediment Characterization Factors of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

Wide use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is likely to result in the eventually accumulation of ENPs in sediment. The benthic organisms living in sediments may suffer relatively high toxic effects of ENPs. This study has selected copper oxide nanoparticles (nano-CuO) as a research object. To consider the impacts of spatial heterogeneity on ENPs toxicity, the characterization factor (CF) derived from life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is used as an indicator in this study. A nano-specific fate model has been used to calculate the freshwater sediment fate factor (FF) of nano-CuO. A literature survey of the nano-CuO toxicology values has been performed to calculate the effect factor (EF). Seventeen freshwater sediment CFs of nano-CuO are proposed as recommended values for subcontinental regions. The region most likely to be affected by nano-CuO is northern Australia (CF of 21.01·103 CTUe, comparative toxic units) and the least likely is northern Europe and northern Canada (CF of 8.55·103 CTUe). These sediment CFs for nano-CuO could be used in the future when evaluating the ecosystem impacts of products containing nano-CuO by LCA method.

Effect of Metal Oxides on Plant Germination: Phytotoxicity of Nanoparticles, Bulk Materials, and Metal Ions

The recent rapid expansion of nanotechnologies has increased concern over the impact of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on the environment and biota. Although the toxicity of ENPs has received considerable attention in the recent years, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for their effects. In this study, we tested the toxicity of various metal oxide ENPs (Al2O3, CuO, Fe3O4, MnO, TiO2, and ZnO), including nanowires together with their bulk counter particles and soluble metal salts, on germinating seeds of Sinapis alba L. Fe3O4, TiO2, MnO2, and Al2O3 ENPs did not negatively affected seed germination at any tested concentrations. However, CuO and ZnO ENPs showed a dose-dependent inhibition of germination. Metal ions were more toxic than metal oxide particles at corresponding concentrations. The highest toxicity was exhibited by Cu, followed by Zn, Fe, Al, and Mn ions. A comparison of ENPs with bulk materials did not reveal significantly higher ENP toxicity. Similarly, nanowires showed effects similar to other nanoparticles and bulk materials. Our results indicate that the nanosize or shape of particles did not play a crucial role, whereas metal ions released into cultivation media and accumulated in seedlings contributed significantly to the phytotoxicity of metal oxides.

Potential toxicity of engineered nanoparticles in mammalian germ cells and developing embryos: treatment strategies and anticipated applications of nanoparticles in gene delivery.

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) offer technological advantages for a variety of industrial and consumer products as well as show promise for biomedical applications. Recent progress in the field of nanotechnology has led to increased exposure to nanoparticles by humans. To date, little is known about the adverse effects of these ENPs on reproductive health, although interest in nanotechnology area is growing. A few biocompatible ENPs have a high loading capacity for exogenous substances, including drugs, DNA or proteins, and can selectively deliver molecular cargo into cells; however, they represent a potential tool for gene delivery into gametes and embryos. Understanding the reprotoxicological aspects of these ENPs is of the utmost importance to reliably estimate its potential impact on human health. In addition, a search for protective agents to combat ENP-mediated reproductive toxicity is warranted. Therefore, in this review we summarize the toxic effects of a few ENPs (metal and metal oxides, carbon-based nanoparticles, quantum dots and chitosan) in mammalian germ cells and developing embryos, and propose some treatment strategies that could mitigate nanoparticle-mediated toxicity. In addition, we outline the anticipated applications of ENPs in transgenic animal production in order to generate models for investigations into the mechanisms for human disease. A literature search was performed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed database up until March 2016 and relevant keywords were used to obtain information regarding mammalian germ cell-specific toxicity and embryotoxicity of ENPs, possible treatment strategies, as well as the anticipated applications of nanoparticles in gene delivery in germ cells and embryos. Only English language publications were included. Here, we demonstrate the toxicological effects of ENPs in mammalian germ cells and developing embryos by considering both in vitro and in vivo experimental models based on the existing literature. The biodistribution and cellular uptake of ENPs and the observed toxicities are mostly dependent on ENP size and surface-coating agents (surface functional groups/surface charge). ENPs have been shown to induce toxicity via oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage in both human and mouse germ cells. Use of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory drugs and selective metal chelators would be beneficial against nanoparticle-induced toxicity. Our review provides the reproductive scientists a mechanistic insight into the reprotoxicological aspects of ENPs to reliably estimate its potential impact on human health and help to select/design protective agents to combat ENP-mediated toxicity. Furthermore, research regarding the detailed mechanism(s) of ENP toxicity in mammalian germ cells and developing embryos as well as the search for protective agents to combat ENP-mediated reproductive toxicity is warranted. Furthermore, we anticipate that investigations into the possibility of applying nanovectors to gene delivery in germ cells and early embryos will open new horizons in reproductive biology.

Prediction of joint algal toxicity of nano-CeO2/nano-TiO2 and florfenicol: Independent action surpasses concentration addition

Co-exposure of aquatic organisms to engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and antibiotics is likely to take place in the environment. However, the impacts of co-exposure on aquatic organisms are virtually unknown and understanding the joint toxicity of ENPs and antibiotics is a topic of importance. The independent action (IA) model and the concentration addition (CA) model are two of the most common approaches to mixture toxicity assessment. In this study, the joint toxicity of two ENPs (nCeO2 and nTiO2) and one antibiotic (florfenicol, FLO) to Chlorella pyrenoidosa was determined to compare the applicability of the IA and the CA model. Concentration-response analyses were performed for single toxicants and for binary mixtures containing FLO and one of the ENPs at two suspended particle concentrations. The effect concentrations and the observed effects of the binary mixtures were compared to the predictions of the joint toxicity. The observed toxicity associated with the nCeO2 or nTiO2 exposure was enhanced by the concomitant FLO exposure. The joint toxicity of nCeO2 and FLO was significantly higher than that of nTiO2 and FLO. Predictions based on the IA and CA models tend to underestimate the overall toxicity (in terms of median effect concentration) of the binary mixtures, but IA performs better than CA, irrespective of the effect level under consideration and the types of mixtures studied. This result underpins the need to consider the effects of mixtures of ENPs and organic chemicals on aquatic organisms, and the practicability of the IA and CA methods in toxicity assessment of ENPs.

Physicochemical properties and ecotoxicological effects of yttrium oxide nanoparticles in aquatic media: Role of low molecular weight natural organic acids

Understanding how engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) interact with natural organic acids is important to ecological risk assessment of ENPs, but this interaction remains poorly studied. Here, we investigate the dispersion stability, ion release, and toxicity of yttrium oxide nanoparticles (nY2O3) suspensions after exposure to two low molecular weight natural organic acids (LOAs), namely benzoic acid and gallic acid. We find that in the presence of LOAs the nY2O3 suspensions become more stable with surface zeta potential more positive or negative, accompanied by small agglomerated size. LOA interaction with nY2O3 is shown to promote the release of dissolved yttrium from the nanoparticles, depending on the concentrations of LOAs. Toxic effects of the nY2O3 suspensions incubated with LOAs on Scenedesmus obliquus as a function of their mixture levels show three types of signs: stimulation, inhibition, and alleviation. The mechanism of the effects of LOAs on the nY2O3 toxicity may be mainly associated with the degree of agglomeration, particle-induced oxidative stress, and dissolved yttrium. Our results stressed the importance of LOA impacts on the fate and toxicity of ENPs in the aquatic environment.

Influence of pH and media composition on suspension stability of silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles and immobilization of Daphnia magna under guideline testing conditions

In aquatic toxicity testing of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) the process of agglomeration is very important as it may alter bioavailability and toxicity. In the present study, we aimed to identify test conditions that are favorable for maintaining stable ENP suspensions. We evaluated the influence of key environmental parameters: pH (2–12) and ionic strength using M7, Soft EPA (S EPA) medium, and Very Soft EPA (VS EPA) medium; and observed the influence of these parameters on zeta potential, zeta average, and acute immobilization of Daphnia magna for three different ENPs. Despite being sterically stabilized, test suspensions of silver (Ag) ENPs formed large agglomerates in both VS EPA and M7 media; and toxicity was found to be higher in VS EPA medium due to increased dissolution. Low-agglomerate suspensions for zinc oxide (ZnO) could be obtained at pH 7 in VS EPA medium, but the increase in dissolution caused higher toxicity than in M7 medium. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) ENPs had a point of zero charge in the range of pH 7–8. At pH 7 in VS EPA, agglomerates with smaller hydrodynamic diameters (~200nm) were present compared to the high ionic strength M7 medium where hydrodynamic diameters reached micrometer range. The stable suspensions of TiO2 ENPs caused immobilization of D. magna, 48-h EC50 value of 13.7mgL−1 (95% CI, 2.4mg–79.1mgL−1); whereas no toxicity was seen in the unstable, highly agglomerated M7 medium suspensions, 48-h EC50 >100mgL−1. The current study provides a preliminary approach for methodology in testing and assessing stability and toxicity of ENPs in aquatic toxicity tests of regulatory relevance.

Quantification of Heteroaggregation between Citrate-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles and Hematite Colloids.

Collisions with and attachment to natural colloids (heteroaggregation) is likely to influence significantly the fate, transport, and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). This study investigated heteroaggregation between hematite (α-Fe2O3) colloids and citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (Cit-AuNPs) using a novel approach involving time-resolved dynamic light scattering and parallel experiments designed to quantify nanoparticle attachment and heteroaggregate surface charge. Experiments were performed in low ionic strength synthetic water at environmentally relevant pH in the presence and absence of Suwannee River Natural Organic Matter (SRNOM). In the absence of SRNOM at pH values where Cit-AuNPs and hematite are oppositely charged, attachment efficiencies are high and Cit-AuNPs are capable of destabilizing hematite following an "electrostatic patch" mechanism. Furthermore, maximum observed surface coverages were far below those predicted by geometry alone, a fact predicted by the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model that has significant implications for the estimation of heteroaggregate attachment efficiencies. At pH values where both particles are negative or in the presence of small amounts of SRNOM, attachment was minimal. Calculated attachment efficiencies using the measured surface coverages corroborate these findings. The calculation of attachment efficiencies and the identification of mechanisms governing heteroaggregation represents an important step toward predicting the transport, fate, and toxicity of ENPs in the environment.

Is there a silver lining? Aggregation and photo-transformation of silver nanoparticles in environmental waters

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is ubiquitous in the environment and has high reactivity. Once engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are released into natural systems, interactions of DOM with ENPs may significantly affect the fate and transport of ENPs, as well as the bioavailability and toxicity of ENPs to organisms. However, because of the complexity of DOM and the shortage of useful characterization methods, large knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of the interactions between DOM and ENPs. In this article, we systematically reviewed the interactions between DOM and ENPs, discussed the effects of DOM on the environmental behavior of ENPs, and described the changes in bioavailability and toxicity of ENPs caused by DOM. Critical evaluations of published references suggest further need for assessing and predicting the influences of DOM on the transport, transformation, bioavailability, and toxicity of ENPs in the environment.

Nanoparticles and refractory organic matter: Interactions and consequences

The broad application of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) will inevitably lead to their increased discharge into the environment, especially into aquatic systems. There, they meet refractory organic matter (ROM) of the humic type which is ubiquitous. In this contribution, the physical, chemical and microbiological interactions between ENP and ROM were investigated using nanoparticulate maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), SiO2 with positive (e.g. >Al+) and negative (OH) surface charge, TiO2 (P25; ratio of anatase/rutile=3:1), self-synthesised silver nanoparticles (n-Ag), ROM from a brown water lake and different microorganisms (MO). The physical interaction of ENP and ROM under well-defined conditions followed the Langmuir equation. Zeta potential (ZP) of the (nano)particles changed with ROM concentration and pH value of the solution. Photocatalytically active TiO2–NP generated OH-radicals for the degradation of ROM via low molecular size intermediates. Finally, the toxicity of ENP for microbiological cells was quantified with EC50 values. Generally, the presence of ROM led to a distinct detoxification. All these results allow a deeper understanding of the principles of interactions between ENP and ROM. In particular, they are relevant to understand the environmental impact of ENP and to contribute to their beneficial application in technical systems.

The influence of natural organic matter and aging on suspension stability in guideline toxicity testing of silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles with Daphnia magna

The present study investigated changes in suspension stability and ecotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) by addition of Suwannee River natural organic matter and aging of stock and test suspensions prior to testing. Acute toxicity tests of silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) ENPs with Daphnia magna were carried out following Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development test guidelines. Daphnia magna was found to be very sensitive to Ag ENPs (48-h 50% effective concentration 33 μg L(-1) ), and aging of the test suspensions in M7 medium (up to 48 h) did not decrease toxicity significantly. Conversely, the presence of Suwannee River natural organic matter (NOM; 20 mg L(-1) ) completely alleviated Ag ENP toxicity in all testing scenarios and did not aid in stabilizing suspensions. In contrast, addition of Suwannee River NOM stabilized ZnO ENP suspensions and did not decrease toxicity. Aging for 48 h generated monotonous concentration-response curves in the presence and absence of Suwannee River NOM. At concentrations up to 100 mg L(-1) TiO2 ENPs did not cause immobilization of D. magna under any of the tested conditions. Presence of Suwannee River NOM caused agglomeration in stock suspensions. The authors' results suggest that aging and presence of Suwannee River NOM are important parameters in standard toxicity testing of ENPs, which in some cases may aid in gaining better control over the exposure conditions but in other cases might contribute to agglomeration or elimination of ENP toxicity. Therefore, modifications to the current guidelines for testing ENPs should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:497-506. © 2014 SETAC.

Regulatory ecotoxicity testing of engineered nanoparticles: are the results relevant to the natural environment?

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) will be released to the environment during use or following the disposal of ENP-containing products and concerns have been raised over the risks of ENPs to the environment. Many studies have explored the toxicity of ENPs to aquatic organisms but these studies have usually been performed with little understanding of the ENPs' behaviour in the test media and the relationship between behaviour in the media to behaviour in natural waters. This study evaluated and compared the aggregation behaviour of four model gold nanoparticle (NP) types (coated with neutral, negative, positive and amphoteric cappings) in standard ecotoxicity test media and natural waters. The effects of humic acid (HA) and test organisms on aggregation were also investigated. In standard media, positive and neutral NPs were stable, whereas amphoteric and negative NPs generally showed substantial aggregation. In natural waters, amphoteric NPs were generally found to be stable, neutral and positive NPs showed substantial aggregation while negative NPs were stable in some waters and unstable in others. HA addition stabilised the amphoteric NPs, destabilised the positive NPs and had no effect on stability of negative NPs. The presence of invertebrates generally lowered the degree of particle aggregation while macrophytes had no effect. Given the dramatically different behaviours of ENPs in various standard media and natural waters, current regulatory testing may either under- or overestimate the toxicity of nanomaterials to aquatic organisms. Therefore, there is a pressing need to employ ecotoxicity media which better represent the behaviour of ENPs in natural system.

Health impact and toxicological effects of nanomaterials in the lung

The manufacture, use and disposal of nanomaterials will result in increased human exposures to engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), potentially via the lung. ENPs differ physically and chemically from natural- or combustion-derived nanoparticles (NP) in important respects. While there are parallels with ultrafine aerosol particles in the atmosphere and colloids in water, there remain some unique issues and impacts of engineered materials on lung health that require consideration and urgent study. The study of toxicity of nanomaterials in biological systems--nanotoxicology--emerged from the observed effects of inhaled particulate matter (PM) and NP. Some engineered nanomaterials deserve special toxicological examination because of their unique properties in biological systems; novel toxicological approaches may be required for their assessment. Translocation in biological systems--a key feature of ENPs--is dependent on ENP size and surface interactions with macromolecules at the portal of entry, upstream of cellular interaction. Of particular significance is the agglomeration processes associated with macromolecule adsorption at ENP surfaces, which determine clearance rates and cellular response. ENP toxicity is therefore dominated by three linked physico-chemical factors: size-shape, surface and 'corona' (formed by adhering macromolecules from the suscipient host). Measuring and predicting ENP translocation and effects following lung entry have proven to be particularly challenging, but understanding ENP behaviour in vivo is fundamental for safe design for effective and targeted drug delivery. Human exposures via medical and dental applications appear important in terms of dose and toxicity, and may need to be assessed for risk on a case-by-case basis.