Neutral red retention time assay in determination of toxicity of nanoparticles.

The neutral red retention time (NRRT) assay is useful for detecting decreased lysosomal membrane stability in haemocytes sampled from bivalves, a phenomenon often associated with exposure to environmental pollutants including nanomaterials. Bivalves are popular sentinel species in ecotoxicology and use of NRRT in study of species in the genus Mytilus is widespread in environmental monitoring. The NRRT assay has been used as an in vivo test for toxicity of carbon nanoparticles (Moore MN, Readman JAJ, Readman JW, Lowe DM, Frickers PE, Beesley A.

Interfacial characteristics and determination of cohesive and adhesive strength of plasma-coated hydroxyapatite via nanoindentation and microscratch techniques.

We investigate the chemical composition and mechanical properties of plasma-deposited hydroxyapatite on grit-blasted Ti-6Al-4V coupons as models of typical prosthetic hip implants. Nanoindentation is used to extract the mechanical properties of the hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and to evaluate the behavior of the material as a function of distance from the interface. A microscratch technique was used to determine parameters of cohesive and adhesive failure of the material that are critical in determining the functionality of these biomedical devices.

Toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis: a redox proteomic investigation.

Relatively little is known about the fate and effects of nanomaterials even in relatively simple organisms such as Mytilus edulis. Here, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) are shown to induce dose-dependent toxic effects at the biochemical, physiological and tissue levels in the blue mussel. Stable CuO NP suspensions were sized by differential light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis to yield average particle diameters of approximately 100 nm.

A new methodology for studying nanoparticle interactions in biological systems: dispersing titania in biocompatible media using chemical stabilisers.

We report here a highly successful and original protocol for the dispersion of nanoparticles in biocompatible fluids for in vitro and in vivo studies of the nanoparticle-biology interaction. Titania is chosen as a suitable model as it is one of the priority materials listed by the OECD and small particles of the anatase structure are extensively used as e.g.

Influence of alumina coating on characteristics and effects of SiO2 nanoparticles in algal growth inhibition assays at various pH and organic matter contents.

Silica nanoparticles (NPs) belong to the industrially most important NP types. In a previous study it was shown that amorphous SiO(2) NPs of 12.5 and 27.

Carbon composite microelectrodes: charge percolation and electroanalytical performance.

Microelectrodes based on two different epoxy-graphite composites (Araldite-M/HY5162 and Araldite-PY302-2/HY943) that are compatible with organic solvents have been developed and characterized. The variation in the bulk conductivity with graphite particle loading is described by percolation theory and indicates that the particles interact strongly with one another. The percolation threshold is 52% v/v loading of graphite, and this composite exhibits a bulk conductivity of 15 S m(-1).

Carbon composite electrodes: surface and electrochemical properties.

Electrodes based on particulate carbon-epoxy or silicone composites have been formed and characterised using electrochemical methods, scanning electron microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy. These composites are rigid, exhibit high electrical conductivity and are stable in organic solvents for prolonged periods. The bulk resistance of the Araldite-M and Araldite-CW2215 based electrodes is low, 130+/-12 and 185+/-15 ohms, respectively.