Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
using a battery of short-term screening tests, such as the 15-min Microtox
and the PAM (photosystem-II inhibition assay) [82]. The same NM was, how-
ever, repeatedly found to be a strong inhibitor of algal growth, using a 4-day
exposure [92,100,101]. Similar limitations have been observed for many short-
term exposure assays, suggesting that components of a valuable test battery
should be selected with care.
Chronic toxicity assays should be implemented for NM studies. Such
effects are not well studied, except for immune toxicity (inflammatory
response) reported in animal inhalation studies. Genotoxic effects might also
be examined because changes in genetic diversity are considered important
endpoints for the ecological perspective, as they could alter the ability of
populations to adapt to new conditions or stressors [154]. In case of bacteria,
such mutations may alter their resistance to metals or even antibiotics, and
the mutants could subsequently act as new pathogens for higher animals
and humans.
To avoid possible risks, a complete evaluation should be made of human
and/or environmental exposure resulting from emission throughout the
NM life cycle, including the manufacturing process, the various expected
use situations, and the final disposal or recycling processes. This informa-
tion may be beneficial for the potential risks assessment and hazard iden-
tification of NMs. In addition, the early recognition of potential risks, at all
stages of product life cycles, will provide better opportunities for risk mitiga-
tion and management.
References
1. Baun, A. et al. Ecotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles to aquatic invertebrates:
A brief review and recommendations for future toxicity testing.
Ecotoxicology
,
17, 387, 2008.
2. Oberdörster, G., Oberdörster, E., and Oberdorster, J. Nanotoxicology: An
emerging discipline evolving from studies of ultrafine particles.
Environ. Health
Perspect.
, 113, 823, 2005.
3. Nel, A. et al. Toxic potential of materials at the nanolevel.
Science
, 311, 622, 2006.
4. Farré, M. et al. Ecotoxicity and analysis of nanomaterials in the aquatic environ-
ment.
Anal. Bioanal. Chem.
, 393, 81, 2009.
5. Heinlaan, M. et al. Toxicity of nanosized and bulk ZnO, CuO and TiO
2
to bacte-
ria
Vibrio fischeri
and crustaceans
Daphnia magna
and
Thamnocephalus platyurus
.
Chemosphere
, 71, 1308, 2008.
6. Kuzma, J. and VerHage, P.
Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Production:
Anticipated Applications
, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars,
Washington DC, 2006, Available at:
http://www.nanotechproject.org/process/
assets/iles/2706/94_pen4_agfood.pdf
,
accessed October 2009.
7. Cao, Y. et al. HPLC/UV analysis of chlorfenapyr residues in cabbage and soil to
study the dynamics of different formulations.
Sci
.
Total Environ
., 350, 38, 2005.
