Superfund Research Program

Adverse Human Health Impacts of Nanomaterials

Project Leader: Agnes B. Kane
Grant Number: P42ES013660
Funding Period: 2009-2021

Project-Specific Links

Final Progress Reports

Year:   2020  2014 

Studies and Results

During the past year, the Toxicity of Metallic Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotubes and Nanomaterial Design for Environmental Health and Safety projects continued to collaborate on toxicity of 2-dimensional, plate-like, graphene-based nanomaterials (revised Aim 4). In vitro toxicity studies investigated the role of lateral dimension and geometry on internalization and function of macrophages that are the initial target cells following inhalation of nanoparticles. Using sensitive cellular assays developed in Nanomaterial Design for Environmental Health and Safety, graphene-based nanomaterials were found to be effective in scavenging a highly reactive oxidant, the hydroxyl radical. Encapsulation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in folded graphene sacks prevented photoactivatived oxidative damage.

The major current focus of Toxicity of Metallic Nanoparticles is to develop a novel 3-dimensional lung microtissue platform to evaluate toxicity and biopersistence of graphene-based nanomaterials and to validate this approach following subchronic exposure of mice to these engineered nanomaterials. The ultimate goal of this interdisciplinary research collaboration is to provide basic insights about biological interactions of this expanding family of 2-dimensional carbon nanomaterials with target cells in the lungs.

Significance

Two peer-reviewed papers were published during the past year describing this collaborative research. In collaboration with the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, researchers published an assay to assess aquatic toxicity of nanoparticle-based dispersants for remediation of marine oil spills. Current toxicity testing protocols are inadequate to assess potential hazards of the wide range of engineered nanomaterials already in use and under development. These novel materials and nano-enabled products are potential contaminants of the future; however, they also have promise for environmental remediation and as chemical barriers. This interdisciplinary research will elucidate structure-activity relationships to guide safe design and application of new nanoproducts. This work contributes to the goal of the Superfund Research Program to develop new techniques to evaluate the environmental and human health impacts of hazardous substances.