Nanoparticles in powders, dispersions or sprays pose a yet unknown risk for incidental exposure, especially in persons with lung disease, children and the elderly. Safety testing of abundant engineered nanoparticles is performed in cells from healthy and diseased lungs using a novel, portable and realistic test system.
Background
Safe application of the rapidly growing nanotechnology requires a comprehensive clarification of effects on people and the environment. Inhalation of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the processing industry and by consumer products poses a yet unknown risk. Thereby individuals with chronic lung disease as well as children and the elderly are expected to be more vulnerable than healthy adults. Safety testing needs to include studies in the susceptible population. Furthermore, for efficient, economical, and ethically sound toxicity testing, animal-testing-free test systems are needed that represent real inhalation conditions.
Aim
This project investigates health impacts of inhaled, widely used ENPs on healthy adults and persons with the most prevalent lung diseases using a specially developed test system. Experiments will be performed in cell cultures that replicate the inner lung surface. We will investigate whether and how the most important defence systems of the lungs are affected by the nanoparticles and whether lung inflammation is triggered or perhaps aggravated. We will expose cells in a new aerosol deposition chamber to ENPs out of a continuous air-stream, as occurs in living organisms. The chamber will be mobile so as to be used at any particle source of interest. Dose-response curves will be established in cells from healthy and diseased donors.
Significance
The project aims to better understand the toxicity potential of inhaled ENPs and the underlying biological mechanisms. The newly developed system is unique as it fulfils all requirements for realistic in vitro testing: accurate aerosol deposition, cell cultures replicating the inner lung surface and quantitative measurements of relevant cellular responses. The system is versatile and can be used for a wide range of particles, cell cultures and particle sources. The anticipated comprehensive combined mechanical and biological unit will likely advance the knowledge about possible health risks of inhaled ENPs. We expect that it will trigger many follow up studies nationally as well as internationally.
Original title: Risk of inhaled nanoparticles in health and disease by in vitro technology
Grant: CHF 370'480.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Prof. Marianne Geiser Kamber