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Testing the Toxicity of Nanomaterials

Continued from page 1

By Alexandra M. Goho

Thursday, June 05, 2008

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"We're trying to get a sense of what these materials do in a broader variety of contexts," says Shaw. "It makes you less dependent on the idiosyncrasies of a particular cell type." By using multiple cell types in different contexts, the researchers were able to identify classes of particles that have similar effects on cells. The group then tested three of the nanoparticles in mice and showed that the effects that the particles produced in the animals matched the effects observed in the cells.

The new screening tool, described in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help narrow the list of nanomaterials that need to undergo animal testing. It could also help researchers who are developing different applications focus their efforts on nanomaterials that are less risky, says Shaw.

Although the researchers tested a small range of materials, there's no reason why this method could not be applied to other types of materials, says Maynard. "The real power of this technique will be shown if it can work for really diverse nanomaterials, including different types of carbon nanotubes and different structures of materials." Recent studies suggest that certain types of carbon nanotubes behave like asbestos. Therefore, it would be interesting to see whether other types of nanotubes are less hazardous, adds Shaw. And although his team used cells that imaging nanoparticles are likely to encounter when injected intravenously, other cell types could be used as well, he says. For instance, if the particle is something that is inhaled, then researchers could use different types of lung cells.

However, Maynard cautions that testing particles for their effect on lung cells could be tricky with this system. The imaging particles used in the study mix well with water and are designed to circulate in the body. Figuring out how to expose the cells to airborne particles might be difficult. Still, he says, the study offers a new paradigm for assessing the toxicity of nanomaterials.

"We need a lot more of these kinds of well-designed and carefully thought-through studies," says John Balbus, chief health scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, based in New York. "I'm optimistic that once these [high-throughput] studies start accumulating, we will gain a real understanding of the biological effects of nanomaterials."

Comments

  • How to detect unimagined dangers?
    Historically, human beings have a fairly poor track record of perceiving new dangers - until detective work unveils the cause of tragedies.

    So this detection effort is extremely laudable!!!

    Humans perceiving the unperceived?
    The Romans used lead.
    Addictive aspect of opioids and other drugs.
    Pasteur found microbials.
    Typhoid Mary as a carrier.
    Madam Curie and radioactivity.
    X-rays.  Cosmic rays.
    Caissons disease - the bends.
    Cyrogenic embrittlement of metals.
    Thalidomide.
    Asbestos.
    Tobacco and lung disease.

    So, heavy metals, addiction, microbials, decompression, radioactivity, pharmaceuticals and brain / placental barriers, particulate inhalants ... are today all recognized.

    That cover everything?
    Or, there are unknown dangers yet?

    We can't imagine what we can't imagine, any better than our ancestors?
    Doomed to tragedy, until after the fact detective work uncovers the new phenomena?

    How to know the unknowable?
    Rate this comment: 12345

    nekote
    06/05/2008
    Posts:138
    Avg Rating:
    3/5
    • Re: How to detect unimagined dangers?
      Yeah, someone always has to get sick before they regulate this kind of stuff. I'm sure the reason this sort of testing has developed is BECAUSE the nanostuff is already out in the wild, and causing havoc. Gotta wonder if the U Oklahoma has turned up any nanomaterial in their Morgellon's testing . . .
      Rate this comment: 12345

      bj
      06/05/2008
      Posts:37
      Avg Rating:
      3/5

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