Nanoparticle Lysis of Oocysts.

The extraction of DNA from oocysts is challenging due to the robust oocyst wall. Nanoparticles have been applied to disinfect oocysts; here, we demonstrate the utilisation of nanoparticles to disrupt the oocyst wall to enable sporozoite lysis and detection via PCR. Both silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles are investigated under different conditions and compared to existing techniques.

Comparison of In Vitro Approaches to Assess the Antibacterial Effects of Nanomaterials.

The antibacterial properties of nanomaterials (NMs) can be exploited in a range of consumer products (e.g., wound dressings, food packaging, textiles, medicines).

A weight of evidence review of the genotoxicity of titanium dioxide (TiO).

Titanium dioxide is a ubiquitous white material found in a diverse range of products from foods to sunscreens, as a pigment and thickener, amongst other uses. Titanium dioxide has been considered no longer safe for use in foods (nano and microparticles of E171) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) due to concerns over genotoxicity. There are however, conflicting opinions regarding the safety of Titanium dioxide.

Grouping MWCNTs based on their similar potential to cause pulmonary hazard after inhalation: a case-study.

Background: The EU-project GRACIOUS developed an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) to support grouping high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs) presenting a similar inhalation hazard. Application of grouping reduces the need to assess toxicity on a case-by-case basis and supports read-across of hazard data from substances that have the data required for risk assessment (source) to those that lack such data (target). The HARN IATA, based on the fibre paradigm for pathogenic fibres, facilitates structured data gathering to propose groups of similar HARN and to support read-across by prompting users to address relevant questions regarding HARN morphology, biopersistence and inflammatory potential.

Transgenic zebrafish larvae as a non-rodent alternative model to assess pro-inflammatory (neutrophil) responses to nanomaterials.

Hazard studies for nanomaterials (NMs) commonly assess whether they activate an inflammatory response. Such assessments often rely on rodents, but alternative models are needed to support the implementation of the 3Rs principles. Zebrafish () offer a viable alternative for screening NM toxicity by investigating inflammatory responses.

How to formulate hypotheses and IATAs to support grouping and read-across of nanoforms.

Manufacturing and functionalizing materials at the nanoscale has led to the generation of a whole array of nanoforms (NFs) of substances varying in size, morphology, and surface characteristics. Due to financial, time, and ethical considerations, testing every unique NF for adverse effects is virtually impossible. Use of hypothesis-driven grouping and read-across approaches, as supported by the GRACIOUS Framework, represents a promising alternative to case-by-case testing that will make the risk assessment process more efficient.

Integrated approaches to testing and assessment for grouping nanomaterials following dermal exposure.

Exposure to different nanoforms (NFs) the dermal route is expected in occupational and consumer settings and thus it is important to assess their dermal toxicity and the contribution of dermal exposure to systemic bioavailability. We have formulated four grouping hypotheses for dermal toxicity endpoints which allow NFs to be grouped to streamline and facilitate risk assessment. The grouping hypotheses are developed based on insight into how physicochemical properties of NFs (i.

An integrated approach to testing and assessment of high aspect ratio nanomaterials and its application for grouping based on a common mesothelioma hazard.

Here we describe the development of an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) to support the grouping of different types (nanoforms; NFs) of High Aspect Ratio Nanomaterials (HARNs), based on their potential to cause mesothelioma. Hazards posed by the inhalation of HARNs are of particular concern as they exhibit physical characteristics similar to pathogenic asbestos fibres. The approach for grouping HARNs presented here is part of a framework to provide guidance and tools to group similar NFs and aims to reduce the need to assess toxicity on a case-by-case basis.

The application of existing genotoxicity methodologies for grouping of nanomaterials: towards an integrated approach to testing and assessment.

The incorporation of nanomaterials (NMs) in consumer products has proven to be highly valuable in many sectors. Unfortunately, however, the same nano specific physicochemical properties, which make these material attractive, might also contribute to hazards for people exposed to these materials. The physicochemical properties of NMs will impact their interaction with biological surroundings and influence their fate and their potential adverse effects such as genotoxicity.

An investigation of the hepatic toxicity of PEGylated polymeric redox responsive nanoparticles.

It can be challenging to deliver drugs to cancer cells in a targeted manner at an effective dose. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are promising drug delivery systems that can be targeted to cancer cells using redox responsive elements. More specifically, intracellular and extracellular levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) are elevated in cancer cells and therefore the use of NPs with a cleavable GSH-responsive element allowing these NPs to target cancer cells and trigger the release of their cargo ( anticancer drugs).

Grouping Hypotheses and an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment of Nanomaterials Following Oral Ingestion.

The risk assessment of ingested nanomaterials (NMs) is an important issue. Here we present nine integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATAs) to group ingested NMs following predefined hypotheses. The IATAs are structured as decision trees and tiered testing strategies for each decision node to support a grouping decision.

Time dependent impact of copper oxide nanomaterials on the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, metal binding, inflammation and mucus secretion in single and co-culture intestinal in vitro models.

The potential for ingestion of copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) is increasing due to their increased exploitation. Investigation of changes in gene expression allows toxicity to be detected at an early stage of NM exposure and can enable investigation of the mechanism of toxicity. Here, undifferentiated Caco-2 cells, differentiated Caco-2 cells, Caco-2/HT29-MTX (mucus secreting) and Caco-2/Raji B (M cell model) co-cultures were exposed to CuO NMs and copper sulphate (CuSO) in order to determine their impacts.

Exposure to ambient particulate matter and biomass burning during pregnancy: associations with birth weight in Thailand.

Background: There is a growing evidence that exposure to ambient particulate air pollution during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including reduced birth weight (BW). The objective of this study was to quantify associations between BW and exposure to particulate matter (PM) and biomass burning during pregnancy in Thailand.

Methods: We collected hourly ambient air pollutant data from ground-based monitors (PM with diameter of <10 µm [PM], Ozone [O], and nitrogen dioxide [NO]), biomass burning from satellite remote sensing data, and individual birth weight data during 2015-2018.

Acute waterborne and chronic sediment toxicity of silver and titanium dioxide nanomaterials towards the oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus.

The use of silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO) nanomaterials (NMs) in industrial processes and consumer products has experienced considerable growth since the late 20th century. Throughout their lifecycle, both Ag NM and TiONM are released into the environment, with benthic systems anticipated to be the final sink. Their potential toxicity towards benthic species is therefore of major concern.

Is Environmental and Occupational Particulate Air Pollution Exposure Related to Type-2 Diabetes and Dementia? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the UK Biobank.

Human exposure to particulate air pollution (e.g., PM) can lead to adverse health effects, with compelling evidence that it can increase morbidity and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

Neutrophil activation by nanomaterials : comparing strengths and limitations of primary human cells with those of an immortalized (HL-60) cell line.

Assessment of nanomaterial (NM) induced inflammatory responses has largely relied on rodent testing via measurement of leukocyte accumulation in target organs. Despite observations that NMs activate neutrophil driven inflammatory responses , a limited number of studies have investigated neutrophil responses to NMs . We compared responses between the human neutrophil-like HL-60 cell line and human primary neutrophils following exposure to silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO) and titanium dioxide (TiO) NMs.

In Utero Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution during Pregnancy: Impact on Birth Weight and Health through the Life Course.

In high-income countries, and increasingly in lower- and middle-income countries, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the primary health burden. It is possible that in utero exposure to environmental pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) may have an impact on health later in life, including the development of NCDs. Due to a lack of data on foetal growth, birth weight is often used in epidemiologic studies as a proxy to assess impacts on foetal development and adverse birth outcomes since it is commonly recorded at birth.

Evaluation of the Suitability of an Existing Job-Exposure Matrix for the Assessment of Exposure of UK Biobank Participants to Dust, Fumes, and Diesel Exhaust Particulates.

Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between outdoor particulate air pollutants and increased morbidity and mortality. Inhalation of ambient aerosols can exacerbate or promote the development of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases as well as other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and neurodegenerative diseases. Occupational exposure to dust, fumes and diesel exhaust particulates can also cause adverse health outcomes and there are numerous occupations where workers are exposed to airborne particles that are similar to ambient air pollution.

Using 3D gastrointestinal tract in vitro models with microfold cells and mucus secreting ability to assess the hazard of copper oxide nanomaterials.

Background: Copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) are exploited in many products including inks, cosmetics, textiles, wood preservatives and food contact materials. Their incorporation into these products may enhance oral exposure in consumer, environmental and occupational settings. Undifferentiated and differentiated monocultures of Caco-2 cells are commonly used to assess NM toxicity to the intestine in vitro.

The influence of organic modification on the cytotoxicity of clay particles to keratinocytes, hepatocytes and macrophages; an investigation towards the safe use of polymer-clay nanocomposite packaging.

Organically modified clays can be used as nanofillers in polymer-clay nanocomposites to create bio-based packaging with improved strength and barrier properties. The impact of organic modification on the physico-chemical properties and toxicity of clays has yet to be fully investigated but is essential to ensure their safe use. Two organoclays, named N116_HDTA and N116_TMSA, were prepared using a commercially available sodium bentonite clay and the organic modifiers hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTA) and octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (TMSA).

Assessing the bioactivity of crystalline silica in heated high-temperature insulation wools.

High-Temperature Insulation Wools (HTIW), such as alumino silicate wools (Refractory Ceramic Fibers) and Alkaline Earth Silicate wools, are used in high-temperature industries for thermal insulation. These materials have an amorphous glass-like structure. In some applications, exposure to high temperatures causes devitrification resulting in the formation of crystalline species including crystalline silica.

Exposure to Environmental and Occupational Particulate Air Pollution as a Potential Contributor to Neurodegeneration and Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Research.

It has been hypothesised that environmental air pollution, especially airborne particles, is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and neurodegenerative conditions. However, epidemiological evidence is inconsistent and has not been previously evaluated as part of a systematic review. Our objectives were to carry out a systematic review of the epidemiological evidence on the association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and T2DM and neurodegenerative diseases in adults and to identify if workplace exposures to particles are associated with an increased risk of T2DM and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Essential Elements of a Risk Governance Framework for Current and Future Nanotechnologies.

Societies worldwide are investing considerable resources into the safe development and use of nanomaterials. Although each of these protective efforts is crucial for governing the risks of nanomaterials, they are insufficient in isolation. What is missing is a more integrative governance approach that goes beyond legislation.

Adoption of in vitro systems and zebrafish embryos as alternative models for reducing rodent use in assessments of immunological and oxidative stress responses to nanomaterials.

Assessing the safety of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) is paramount to the responsible and sustainable development of nanotechnology, which provides huge societal benefits. Currently, there is no evidence that engineered NMs cause detrimental health effects in humans. However, investigation of NM toxicity using in vivo, in vitro, in chemico, and in silico models has demonstrated that some NMs stimulate oxidative stress and inflammation, which may lead to adverse health effects.

Aligning nanotoxicology with the 3Rs: What is needed to realise the short, medium and long-term opportunities?

Nanomaterials convey numerous advantages, and the past decade has seen a considerable rise in their development and production for an expanse of applications. While the potential advantages of nanomaterials are clear, concerns over the impact of human and environmental exposure exist. Concerted, science-led efforts are required to understand the effects of nanomaterial exposure and ensure that protection goals are met.