Nanomaterial Transformations in the Environment: Effects of Changing Exposure Forms on Bioaccumulation and Toxicity

Genetic modulation of rare earth nanoparticle biotransformation shapes biological outcomes

The biotransformation of nanoparticles plays a crucial role in determining their biological fate and responses. Although a few engineering strategies (e.g., surface functionalization and shape control) have been employed to regulate the fate of nanoparticles, the genetic control of nanoparticle biotransformation remains an unexplored avenue. Herein, we utilized a CRISPR-based genome-scale knockout approach to identify genes involved in the biotransformation of rare earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles. We found that the biotransformation of REOs in lysosomes could be genetically controlled via SMPD1. Specifically, suppression of SMPD1 inhibited the transformation of La2O3 into sea urchin-shaped structures, thereby protecting against lysosomal damage, proinflammatory cytokine release, pyroptosis and RE-induced pneumoconiosis. Overall, our study provides insight into how to control the biological fate of nanomaterials.

Co-contaminant risks in water reuse and biosolids application for agriculture

Agriculture made the shift toward resource reuse years ago, incorporating materials such as treated wastewater and biosolids. Since then, research has documented the widespread presence of contaminants of emerging concern in agricultural systems. Chemicals such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and poly- and -perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs); particulate matter such as nanomaterials and microplastics; and biological agents such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacteria (ARB) are inadvertently introduced into arable soils where they can be taken up by crops and introduced to the food-web. Thus, concern about the presence of contaminants in agricultural environments has grown in recent years with evidence emerging linking agricultural exposure and accumulation in crops to ecosystem and human health effects. Our current assessment of risk is siloed by working within disciplines (i.e., chemistry and microbiology) and mostly focused on individual chemical classes. By not acknowledging the fact that contaminants are mostly introduced as a mixture, with the potential for interactions, with each other and with environmental factors, we are limiting our current approach to evaluate the real potential for ecosystem and human health effects. By uniting expertise across disciplines to integrate recent understanding regarding the risks posed by a range of chemically diverse contaminants in resources destined for reuse, this review provides a holistic perspective on the current regulatory challenges to ensure safe and sustainable reuse of wastewater and biosolids to support a sanitation-agriculture circular economy.

A systematic review on the state-of-the-art and research gaps regarding inorganic and carbon-based multicomponent and high-aspect ratio nanomaterials

This review explores the state-of-the-art with respect to multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs) and high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs), with a focus on their physicochemical characterisation, applications, and hazard, fate, and risk assessment. Utilising the PRISMA approach, this study investigates specific MCNMs including cerium-zirconium mixtures (CexZryO2) and ZnO nanomaterials doped with transition metals and rare earth elements, as well as Titanium Carbide (TiC) nanomaterials contained in Ti-6Al-4V alloy powders. HARNs of interest include graphene, carbon-derived nanotubes (CNTs), and metallic nanowires, specifically Ag-based nanowires. The review reveals a significant shift in research and innovation (R&I) efforts towards these advanced nanomaterials due to their unique properties and functionalities that promise enhanced performance across various applications including photocatalysis, antibacterial and biomedical uses, and advanced manufacturing. Despite the commercial potential of MCNMs and HARNs, the review identifies critical gaps in our understanding of their environmental fate and transformations upon exposure to new environments, and their potential adverse effects on organisms and the environment. The findings underscore the necessity for further research focused on the environmental transformations and toxicological profiles of these nanomaterials to inform Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) strategies. This review contributes to the body of knowledge by cataloguing current research, identifying research gaps, and highlighting future directions for the development of MCNMs and HARNs, facilitating their safe and effective integration into industry.

Nanotechnology in healthcare, and its safety and environmental risks

Nanotechnology holds immense promise in revolutionising healthcare, offering unprecedented opportunities in diagnostics, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and combating infectious diseases. This review explores the multifaceted landscape of nanotechnology in healthcare while addressing the critical aspects of safety and environmental risks associated with its widespread application. Beginning with an introduction to the integration of nanotechnology in healthcare, we first delved into its categorisation and various materials employed, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of its potential. We then proceeded to elucidate the diverse healthcare applications of nanotechnology, spanning medical diagnostics, tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, cancer therapy, and the development of antimicrobial agents. The discussion extended to the current situation surrounding the clinical translation and commercialisation of these cutting-edge technologies, focusing on the nanotechnology-based healthcare products that have been approved globally to date. We also discussed the safety considerations of nanomaterials, both in terms of human health and environmental impact. We presented the in vivo health risks associated with nanomaterial exposure, in relation with transport mechanisms, oxidative stress, and physical interactions. Moreover, we highlighted the environmental risks, acknowledging the potential implications on ecosystems and biodiversity. Lastly, we strived to offer insights into the current regulatory landscape governing nanotechnology in healthcare across different regions globally. By synthesising these diverse perspectives, we underscore the imperative of balancing innovation with safety and environmental stewardship, while charting a path forward for the responsible integration of nanotechnology in healthcare.

Long-Term Exposure of Fresh and Aged Nano Zinc Oxide Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Malignancy by Up-Regulating Claudin-2

Background

Tumor development and progression is a long and complex process influenced by a combination of intrinsic (eg, gene mutation) and extrinsic (eg, environmental pollution) factors. As a detoxification organ, the liver plays an important role in human exposure and response to various environmental pollutants including nanomaterials (NMs). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and remains a serious threat to human health. Whether NMs promote liver cancer progression remains elusive and assessing long-term exposure to subtoxic doses of nanoparticles (NPs) remains a challenge. In this study, we focused on the promotional effects of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) on the malignant progression of human HCC cells HepG2, especially aged nZnO that has undergone physicochemical transformation.

Methods

In in vitro experiments, we performed colony forming efficiency, soft agar colony formation, and cell migration/invasion assays on HepG2 cells that had been exposed to a low dose of nZnO (1.5 μg/mL) for 3 or 4 months. In in vivo experiments, we subcutaneously inoculated HepG2 cells that had undergone long-term exposure to nZnO for 4 months into BALB/c athymic nude mice and observed tumor formation. ZnCl2 was administered to determine the role of zinc ions.

Results

Chronic low-dose exposure to nZnO significantly intensified the malignant progression of HCC cells, whereas aged nZnO may exacerbate the severity of malignant progression. Furthermore, through transcriptome sequencing analysis and in vitro cellular rescue experiments, we demonstrated that the mechanism of nZnO-induced malignant progression of HCC could be linked to the activation of Claudin-2 (CLDN2), one of the components of cellular tight junctions, and the dysregulation of its downstream signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Long-term exposure of fresh and aged nZnO promotes hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy by up-regulating CLDN2. The implications of this work can be profound for cancer patients, as the use of various nanoproducts and unintentional exposure to environmentally transformed NMs may unknowingly hasten the progression of their cancers.

Antioxidant-related enzymes and peptides as biomarkers of metallic nanoparticles (eco)toxicity in the aquatic environment

Increased awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment has emerged in recent decades. One significant global environmental and human health issue is the development of materials that could potentially have negative effects. These materials can accumulate in the environment, infiltrate organisms, and move up the food chain, causing toxic effects at various levels. Therefore, it is crucial to assess materials comprising nano-scale particles due to the rapid expansion of nanotechnology. The aquatic environment, particularly vulnerable to waste pollution, demands attention. This review provides an overview of the behavior and fate of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in the aquatic environment. It focuses on recent studies investigating the toxicity of different metallic NPs on aquatic organisms, with a specific emphasis on thiol-biomarkers of oxidative stress such as glutathione, thiol- and related-enzymes, and metallothionein. Additionally, the selection of suitable measurement methods for monitoring thiol-biomarkers in NPs' ecotoxicity assessments is discussed. The review also describes the analytical techniques employed for determining levels of oxidative stress biomarkers.

Investigation of the effects and mechanisms of manganese-based NMs on rice growth

Manganese-based (Mn-based) nanomaterials (NMs) have great potential as alternatives to conventional Mn fertilizers. Yet, its environmental risks and effects on plant growth are not completely well understood. This study investigated the physiological effects of manganese dioxide (MnO2) and manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) NMs on inter-root exposure (0-500 mg/L) of hydroponically grown rice. The results showed that on inter-root exposure, 50 mg/L Mn-based NMs promoted the uptake of mineral elements and enhanced the enzymatic activities of antioxidant systems (CAT and SOD) in rice, whereas 500 mg/L Mn3O4 NMs disrupted the mineral element homeostasis and led to phytotoxicity. The promotion effect of MnO2 NMs was better, firstly because MnO2 NMs treatment had lower Mn content in the plant than Mn3O4 NMs. In addition, MnO2 NMs are more transported and absorbed in the plant in ionic form, while Mn3O4 NMs exist in granular form. MnO2 NMs and Mn3O4 NMs both can be used as nano-fertilizers to improve the growth of rice by inter-root application, but the doses should be carefully selected.

Assessing the Redox Toxicity of 2D Nanosheets Based on Their Redox Effect on Cytochrome c in Microchannels

2D nanosheets (NSs) have been widely used in drug-related applications. However, a comprehensive investigation into the cytotoxicity mechanism linked to the redox activity is lacking. In this study, with cytochrome c (Cyt c) as the model biospecies, the cytotoxicity of 2D NSs was evaluated systematically based on their redox effect with microfluidic techniques. The interface interaction, dissolution, and redox effect of 2D NSs on Cyt c were monitored with pulsed streaming potential (SP) measurement and capillary electrophoresis (CE). The relationship between the redox activity of 2D NSs and the function of Cyt c was evaluated in vitro with Hela cells. The results indicated that the dissolution and redox activity of 2D NSs can be simultaneously monitored with CE under weak interface interactions and at low sample volumes. Both WS2 NSs and MoS2 NSs can reduce Cyt c without significant dissolution, with reduction rates measured at 6.24 × 10-5 M for WS2 NSs and 3.76 × 10-5 M for MoS2 NSs. Furthermore, exposure to 2D NSs exhibited heightened reducibility, which prompted more pronounced alterations associated with Cyt c dysfunction, encompassing ATP synthesis, modifications in mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased reactive oxygen species production. These observations suggest a positive correlation between the redox activity of 2D NSs and their redox toxicity in Hela cells. These findings provide valuable insight into the redox properties of 2D NSs regarding cytotoxicity and offer the possibility to modify the 2D NSs to reduce their redox toxicity for clinical applications.

The gut microbiome meets nanomaterials: exposure and interplay with graphene nanoparticles

Graphene-based nanoparticles are widely applied in many technology and science sectors, raising concerns about potential health risks. Emerging evidence suggests that graphene-based nanomaterials may interact with microorganisms, both pathogens and commensal bacteria, that dwell in the gut. This review aims to demonstrate the current state of knowledge on the interplay between graphene nanomaterials and the gut microbiome. In this study, we briefly overview nanomaterials, their usage and the characteristics of graphene-based nanoparticles. We present and discuss experimental data from in vitro studies, screening tests on small animals and rodent experiments related to exposure and the effects of graphene nanoparticles on gut microbiota. With this in mind, we highlight the reported crosstalk between graphene nanostructures, the gut microbial community and the host immune system in order to shed light on the perspective to bear on the biological interactions. The studies show that graphene-based material exposure is dosage and time-dependent, and different derivatives present various effects on host bacteria cells. Moreover, the route of graphene exposure might influence a shift in the gut microbiota composition, including the alteration of functions and diversity and abundance of specific phyla or genera. However, the mechanism of graphene-based nanomaterials' influence on gut microbiota is poorly understood. Accordingly, this review emphasises the importance of studies needed to establish the most desirable synthesis methods, types of derivatives, properties, and safety aspects mainly related to the routes of exposure and dosages of graphene-based nanomaterials.

Differentially Charged Nanoplastics Induce Distinct Effects on the Growth and Gut of Benthic Insects (Chironomus kiinensis) via Charge-Specific Accumulation and Perturbation of the Gut Microbiota

Nanoplastics (NPs), as an emerging contaminant, have usually been found charged in the environment, posing threats to aquatic animals. However, the underlying mechanisms governing the gut toxicity of differentially charged NPs to benthic insects are not well understood. In this study, the gut toxicity in larvae of Chironomus kiinensis exposed to negatively charged NPs (PS-COOH, 50 nm) and positively charged NPs (PS-NH₂, 50 nm) at 0.1 and 1 g/kg was investigated through fluorescence imaging, histopathology, biochemical approaches, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that PS-NH₂ caused more adverse effect on the larval growth performance and induced more severe oxidative stress, epithelial damage, and inflammatory responses in the gut than PS-COOH. The stronger impact caused by PS-NH₂ was because the gut accumulated PS-NH₂ more readily than PS-COOH for its negatively charged cell membrane. In addition, PS-NH₂ were less agglomerated compared with PS-COOH, leading to an increased interaction with gut cell membranes and microbiota. Furthermore, alpha diversity and relative abundance of the keystone microbiota related to gut barrier and nutrient absorption were markedly lower exposed to PS-NH₂ than PS-COOH, indirectly exacerbating stronger gut and growth damage. This study provides novel insights into the effect mechanisms underlying differentially charged NPs on benthic insects.

Daphnia as a model organism to probe biological responses to nanomaterials-from individual to population effects via adverse outcome pathways

The importance of the cladoceran Daphnia as a model organism for ecotoxicity testing has been well-established since the 1980s. Daphnia have been increasingly used in standardised testing of chemicals as they are well characterised and show sensitivity to pollutants, making them an essential indicator species for environmental stress. The mapping of the genomes of D. pulex in 2012 and D. magna in 2017 further consolidated their utility for ecotoxicity testing, including demonstrating the responsiveness of the Daphnia genome to environmental stressors. The short lifecycle and parthenogenetic reproduction make Daphnia useful for assessment of developmental toxicity and adaption to stress. The emergence of nanomaterials (NMs) and their safety assessment has introduced some challenges to the use of standard toxicity tests which were developed for soluble chemicals. NMs have enormous reactive surface areas resulting in dynamic interactions with dissolved organic carbon, proteins and other biomolecules in their surroundings leading to a myriad of physical, chemical, biological, and macromolecular transformations of the NMs and thus changes in their bioavailability to, and impacts on, daphnids. However, NM safety assessments are also driving innovations in our approaches to toxicity testing, for both chemicals and other emerging contaminants such as microplastics (MPs). These advances include establishing more realistic environmental exposures via medium composition tuning including pre-conditioning by the organisms to provide relevant biomolecules as background, development of microfluidics approaches to mimic environmental flow conditions typical in streams, utilisation of field daphnids cultured in the lab to assess adaption and impacts of pre-exposure to pollution gradients, and of course development of mechanistic insights to connect the first encounter with NMs or MPs to an adverse outcome, via the key events in an adverse outcome pathway. Insights into these developments are presented below to inspire further advances and utilisation of these important organisms as part of an overall environmental risk assessment of NMs and MPs impacts, including in mixture exposure scenarios.

Eco-toxicity of nano-plastics and its implication on human metabolism: Current and future perspective

In the current scenario, plastic pollution has become one of the serious environmental hazard problems due to its improper handling and insufficiency in degradation. Nanoplastics (NPs) are formed when plastic fragments are subjected to ultraviolet radiation, natural weathering, and biodegradation. This review paper focuses on the source of origin, bioaccumulation, potential nanoplastics toxicity impact towards environment and human system and management strategies towards plastic pollution. Moreover, this study demonstrates that nanoplastics interfere with metabolic pathways and cause organ dysfunction. A wide range of studies have documented the alteration of organism physiology and behavior, caused by NPs exposure. A major source of NPs exposure is via ingestion because these plastics are found in foods or food packaging, however, they can also enter the human body via inhalation but in a less well-defined form. In recent literature, the studies demonstrate the mechanisms for NP uptake, affecting factors that have been discussed followed by cytotoxic mechanisms of NPs. However, study on challenges regarding NPs toxicity for the risk assessment of human health is limited. It is important to perform and focus more on the possible impacts of NPs on human health to identify the key challenges and explore the potential impacts of their environmental accumulation and its toxicity impacts.

Soil properties influence the toxicity and availability of Zn from ZnO nanoparticles to earthworms

To develop models that support site-specific risk assessment for nanoparticles (NPs), a better understanding of how NP transformation processes, bioavailability and toxicity are influenced by soil properties is needed. In this study, the influence of differing soil properties on the bioavailability and toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs and ionic Zn to the earthworm Eisenia fetida was investigated. Earthworms were exposed to ZnO_NPs and ionic Zn, between 100 and 4400 mg Zn/kg, in four different natural soils (organic matter content: 1.8-16.7%, soil pH: 5.4-8.3, representing sandy loam to calcareous soils). Survival and reproduction were assessed after 28 and 56 days, respectively. Zn concentrations in soil pore waters were measured while labile concentrations of Zn were measured using an in-situ dynamic speciation technique (diffusive gradient in thin films, DGT). Earthworm Zn tissue concentrations were also measured. Soil properties influenced earthworm reproduction between soil controls, with highest reproductive output in soils with pH values of 6-7. Toxicity was also influenced by soil properties, with EC₅₀s based on total Zn in soil ranging from 694 to >2200 mg Zn/kg for ZnO_NP and 277-734 mg Zn/kg for ionic Zn. Soil pore water and DGT measurements showed good agreement in the relative amount of Zn extracted across the four soils. Earthworms exposed to ZnO_NPs survived higher Zn concentrations in the soils and had higher tissue concentrations compared with ionic Zn exposures, particularly in the high organic content calcareous soil. These higher tissue concentrations in ZnO_NP exposed earthworm could have consequences for the persistence and trophic mobility of Zn in terrestrial systems and need to be further investigated to elucidate if there any longer-term risks associated with sustained input of ZnO_NP to soil.

Potential Environmental and Health Implications from the Scaled-Up Production and Disposal of Nanomaterials Used in Biosensors

Biosensors often combine biological recognition elements with nanomaterials of varying compositions and dimensions to facilitate or enhance the operating mechanism of the device. While incorporating nanomaterials is beneficial to developing high-performance biosensors, at the stages of scale-up and disposal, it may lead to the unmanaged release of toxic nanomaterials. Here we attempt to foster connections between the domains of biosensors development and human and environmental toxicology to encourage a holistic approach to the development and scale-up of biosensors. We begin by exploring the toxicity of nanomaterials commonly used in biosensor design. From our analysis, we introduce five factors with a role in nanotoxicity that should be considered at the biosensor development stages to better manage toxicity. Finally, we contextualize the discussion by presenting the relevant stages and routes of exposure in the biosensor life cycle. Our review found little consensus on how the factors presented govern nanomaterial toxicity, especially in composite and alloyed nanomaterials. To bridge the current gap in understanding and mitigate the risks of uncontrolled nanomaterial release, we advocate for greater collaboration through a precautionary One Health approach to future development and a movement towards a circular approach to biosensor use and disposal.

Nano-bio interfacial interactions determined the contact toxicity of nTiO2 to nematodes in various soils

The biological effect of soilborne nanoparticles (NPs) is a manifestation of soil-NMs-bio interactions. Soil factors are known to restructure NPs surfaces and thus influence the nanotoxicity. However, the mechanisms by which environmental factors affecting nano-bio interactions to aggravate or alleviate nanotoxicities are poorly understood. Herein, we compared the toxicity of TiO₂ NPs (nTiO₂) in five soils using the model nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), and investigated the variation of nano-bio interactions under different conditions. A correlation analysis showed that pH and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were dominant regulators of nTiO₂ toxicity. At the nano-bio interface, low pH (5.0) led to nTiO₂ adhesion to micron-sized furrows and aggravated dermal wrinkling, while humid acid (HA) alleviated these impacts. Mechanically, low pH increased nTiO₂ adhesion through enhanced electrostatic attraction and subsequent stimulation of mucin and collagen synthesis, resulting in a positive feed cycle of pH-dependent contact nanotoxicity. HA not only prevented nTiO₂ adhesion onto the epidermis due to its negative charge, but also relieved the overstimulation of stress response pathways, thereby alleviating nanotoxicity. These findings broaden our knowledge of how NPs induce contact toxicity in soil invertebrates through specific biointerfacial interactions, and highlight the important role of DOM in alleviating the combined hazards of NPs and soil acidification.

Aquatic organisms modulate the bioreactivity of engineered nanoparticles: focus on biomolecular corona

The increased use of nanoparticle (NP)-enabled materials in everyday-life products have raised concerns about their environmental implications and safety. This motivated the extensive research in nanoecotoxicology showing the possibility that NPs could cause harm to the aquatic organisms if present at high concentrations. By contrast, studies dealing with influence that organisms could exert on the fate and thus effects of NPs are still very rare. Drawing on the existing up-to-date knowledge we critically discuss the formation of biomolecular corona as one of the mechanisms by which organisms exerted control on the NPs fate in the aquatic and biotic environments. We focused the formation of corona by exogeneous and endogenous biomolecules and illustrated the discussion with the specific example of phytoplankton and aquatic invertebrate species. We highlighted the necessity to incorporate the concept of biomolecular corona within more general framework considering the feedback of aquatic organisms and the control they exert in shaping the fate and impact of NPs in the aquatic and biological environment. In our view such broader perspective will contribute to get novel insights into the drivers of environmental transformations of NPs and their mechanisms, which are important in environmental risk assessment.

A review on the generation, discharge, distribution, environmental behavior, and toxicity (especially to microbial aggregates) of nano-TiO2 in sewage and surface-water and related research prospects

This article reviews the nano-effects and applications of different crystalline nano‑titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂), identifies their discharge, distribution, behavior, and toxicity to aquatic organisms (focusing on microbial aggregates) in sewage and surface-water, summarizes related toxicity mechanisms, and critically proposes future perspectives. The results show that: 1) based on crystal type, application boundaries of nano-TiO₂ have become clear, extending from traditional manufacturing to high-tech fields; 2) concentration of nano-TiO₂ in water is as high as hundreds of thousands of μg/L (sewage) or several to dozens of μg/L (surface-water) due to direct application or indirect release; 3) water environmental behaviors of nano-TiO₂ are mainly controlled by hydration conditions and particle characteristics; 4) aquatic toxicities of nano-TiO₂ are closely related to their water environmental behavior, in which crystal type and tested species (such as single species and microbial aggregates) also play the key role. Going forward, the exploration of the toxicity mechanism will surely become a hot topic in the aquatic-toxicology of nano-TiO₂, because most of the research so far has focused on the responses of biological indicators (such as metabolism and damage), while little is known about the stress imprint caused by the crystal structures of nano-TiO₂ in water environments. Additionally, the aging of nano-TiO₂ in a water environment should be heeded to because the continuously changing surface structure is bound to have a significant impact on its behavior and toxicity. Moreover, for microbial aggregates, comprehensive response analysis should be conducted in terms of the functional activity, surface features, composition structure, internal microenvironment, cellular and molecular level changes, etc., to find the key point of the interaction between nano-TiO₂ and microbial aggregates, and to take mitigation or beneficial measures to deal with the aquatic-toxicity of nano-TiO₂. In short, this article contributes by 1) reviewing the research status of nano-TiO₂ in all aspects: application and discharge, distribution and behavior, and its aquatic toxicity; 2) suggesting the response mechanism of microbial aggregates and putting forward the toxigenic mechanism of nanomaterial structure; 3) pointing out the future research direction of nano-TiO₂ in water environment.

The Relevance of Physico-Chemical Properties and Protein Corona for Evaluation of Nanoparticles Immunotoxicity-In Vitro Correlation Analysis on THP-1 Macrophages

Alongside physiochemical properties (PCP), it has been suggested that the protein corona of nanoparticles (NPs) plays a crucial role in the response of immune cells to NPs. However, due to the great variety of NPs, target cells, and exposure protocols, there is still no clear relationship between PCP, protein corona composition, and the immunotoxicity of NPs. In this study, we correlated PCP and the protein corona composition of NPs to the THP-1 macrophage response, focusing on selected toxicological endpoints: cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokine secretion. We analyzed seven commonly used engineered NPs (SiO2, silver, and TiO2) and magnetic NPs. We show that with the exception of silver NPs, all of the tested TiO2 types and SiO2 exhibited moderate toxicities and a transient inflammatory response that was observed as an increase in ROS, IL-8, and/or IL-1β cytokine secretion. We observed a strong correlation between the size of the NPs in media and IL-1β secretion. The induction of IL-1β secretion was completely blunted in NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) knockout THP-1 cells, indicating activation of the inflammasome. The correlations analysis also implicated the association of specific NP corona proteins with the induction of cytokine secretion. This study provides new insights toward a better understanding of the relationships between PCP, protein corona, and the inflammatory response of macrophages for different engineered NPs, to which we are exposed on a daily basis.

Assessing the similarity of nanoforms based on the biodegradation of organic surface treatment chemicals

A substance may have one or more nanoforms, defined for regulatory purposes under EU chemicals legislation REACH based on differences in physicochemical properties such as size, shape, specific surface area and surface chemistry including coatings. To reduce the burden of testing each unique nanoform for the environmental risk assessment of nanomaterials, grouping approaches allow simultaneous assessment of multiple nanoforms. Nanoforms with initially different intrinsic properties, could still be considered similar if their environmental fate and effects can be demonstrated to be similar. One hypothesis to group nanoforms with different organic surface modifications is to use parameters linked to biodegradation of the organic surface. The hypothesis contends that nanoforms with a similar core chemistry, but different organic surface treatments may be grouped, if the surface treatment is likely to be lost through biodegradation rapidly upon entering an environmental compartment, such that it no longer modulates fate, exposure and toxicity of the nanoform. To implement grouping according to surface treatment biodegradability, a robust approach to measure the breakdown of particle surface treatments is needed. We present a tiered testing strategy to assess the biodegradation of organic surface treatments used with nanomaterials that can be implemented as part of an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) for grouping based on surface treatment stability. The tiered approach consists of an initial pre-screening MT2 colorimetric carbon substrate utilisation assay, to provide a rapid assessment of coating degradation, and a second tier of testing using OECD Test Guideline 301F for assessing organic chemical biodegradability. Six common surface treatment substances are assessed using the tiered testing strategy to refine rules for escalating between tiers. Similarity assessment using absolute Euclidean distances and x-fold difference concluded that the Tier 1 assessment can be used as conservative binary screening for biodegradability (no false positive results in Tier 1), whilst for substances showing intermediate biodegradation (10-60% in OECD 301F, Tier 2), similarity assessments can be informative for grouping surface treatments not considered readily biodegradable. Further validation using higher tier tests (e.g., mesocosms) is needed to define acceptable limits of similarity between intermediately biodegradable substances, where differences in biodegradability of the surface coating lead to negligible differences in fate, behaviour and toxicity of the nanoforms, and this is critically discussed.

Ecotoxicity and fate of silver nanomaterial in an outdoor lysimeter study after twofold application by sewage sludge

The increasing use of antibacterial silver nanomaterials (AgNM) in consumer products leads to their release into sewers. High amounts of AgNM become retained in sewage sludge, which causes their accumulation in agricultural soils when sewage sludge is applied as fertilizer. This increase in AgNM arouses concerns about toxicity to soil organisms and transfer within trophic levels. Long-term field studies simulating the sewage sludge pathway to soils are sparse, and the effects of a second sewage sludge application are unknown. In this perennial field lysimeter study, a twofold application of AgNM (NM-300K, 2 + 3 mg AgNM/kg dry matter soil (DMS)) and a onefold application of silver nitrate (AgNO₃, 2 mg Ag/kg DMS) by sewage sludge to the uppermost 20 cm of the soil (Cambisol) were applied. The response of microorganisms to the applications was determined by measuring the inhibition of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Silver concentration in soil, leachates, and crops were measured after acid digestion by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Almost no vertical Ag translocation to deeper soil layers and negligible Ag release to leachates suggest that soil is a large sink for AgNM and AgNO₃. For AgNM, an increase in toxicity to AOB was shown after the second sewage sludge application. The application of AgNO₃ resulted in long-term toxicity comparable to the toxicity of AgNM. Low root uptake from both AgNM- and AgNO₃-spiked lysimeters to crops indicates their incomplete immobilization, which is why food chain uptake cannot completely be excluded. However, the root-shoot barrier for wheat (9.8 → 0.1 mg/kg) and skin body barrier for sugar beets (1.0 → 0.2 mg/kg) will further reduce the accumulation within trophic levels. Moreover, the applied AgNM concentration was above the predicted environmental concentration, which is why the root uptake might be negligible in agricultural practice.

Molecular impacts of dietary exposure to nanoplastics combined with arsenic in Canadian oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and bioaccumulation comparison with Caribbean oysters (Isognomon alatus)

Despite the urge need to address the possible impact of plastic debris, up to now, little is known about the translocation of nanoplastics through the trophic web. Plus, due to their surface reactivity, nanoplastics could sorb and thus increase metals bioavailability to aquatic filter-feeding organisms (e.g., bivalves). In this study, we investigated the dietary exposure route on the oyster Crassostrea virginica through microalgae themselves exposed to three nanoplastic dispersions (PSL, PSC and NPG) at reportedly environmental concentrations combined or not with arsenic. Interactive effects of nanoplastics on arsenic bioaccumulation were studied, along with the expression of key genes in gills and visceral mass. The investigated gene functions were endocytosis (cltc), oxidative stress (gapdh, sod3, cat), mitochondrial metabolism (12S), cell cycle regulation (gadd45, p53), apoptosis (bax, bcl-2), detoxification (cyp1a, mdr, mt), and energy storage (vit). Results showcased that nanoplastic treatments combined with arsenic triggered synergetic effects on gene expressions. Relative mRNA level of 12S significantly increased at 10 and 100 μg L^-1 for NPG combined with arsenic and for PSC combined with arsenic. Relative mRNA level of bax increased for PSL combined with arsenic and for PSC combined with arsenic at 10 and 100 μg L^-1 respectively. We also observed that relative arsenic bioaccumulation was significantly higher in Crassostrea virginica gills compared to Isognomon alatus'. These results are the first comparative molecular effects of nanoplastics alone and combined with arsenic investigated in farmed C. virginica oysters. Together with I. alatus results we thus shed light on species different sensitivity.

Cross-Species Comparisons of Nanoparticle Interactions with Innate Immune Systems: A Methodological Review

Many components of the innate immune system are evolutionarily conserved and shared across many living organisms, from plants and invertebrates to humans. Therefore, these shared features can allow the comparative study of potentially dangerous substances, such as engineered nanoparticles (NPs). However, differences of methodology and procedure between diverse species and models make comparison of innate immune responses to NPs between organisms difficult in many cases. To this aim, this review provides an overview of suitable methods and assays that can be used to measure NP immune interactions across species in a multidisciplinary approach. The first part of this review describes the main innate immune defense characteristics of the selected models that can be associated to NPs exposure. In the second part, the different modes of exposure to NPs across models (considering isolated cells or whole organisms) and the main endpoints measured are discussed. In this synergistic perspective, we provide an overview of the current state of important cross-disciplinary immunological models to study NP-immune interactions and identify future research needs. As such, this paper could be used as a methodological reference point for future nano-immunosafety studies.

Toxicity-attenuated mesoporous silica Schiff-base bonded anticancer drug complexes for chemotherapy of drug resistant cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR), evoked by improper chemotherapeutic practices, poses a serious threat to public health, which leads to increased medical burdens and weakened curative effects. Taking advantage of the enhanced pharmaceutical effect of Schiff base compounds, an aldehyde-modified mesoporous silica SBA-15 (CHO-SBA-15)-bonded anticancer drug combined with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was synthesized via a Schiff base reaction. Due to the acid-sensitive imine bonds formed between CHO-SBA-15 and DOX, the as-prepared nanocomposites exhibited pH-responsive drug releasing behaviours, resulting in a more enhanced cytotoxic effect on DOX-resistant tumour cells than that of free drugs. Notably, the in vivo studies indicated that mice treated with CHO-SBA-15/DOX composites evidently showed more attenuated systemic toxicity than the free drug molecules. The siliceous mesopore Schiff base-bonded anticancer drug nanocomposite, with minimal chemical modifications, provides a simplified yet efficient therapeutic nanoplatform to deal with drug-resistant cancer.

What Is on the Outside Matters-Surface Charge and Dissolve Organic Matter Association Affect the Toxicity and Physiological Mode of Action of Polystyrene Nanoplastics to C. elegans

To better understand nanoplastic effects, the potential for surface functionalization and dissolve organic matter eco-corona formation to modify the mechanisms of action and toxicity of different nanoplastics needs to be established. Here, we assess how different surface charges modifying functionalization (postive (+ve) aminated; neutral unfunctionalized; negative (-ve) carboxylated) altered the toxicity of 50 and 60 nm polystyrene nanoplastics to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The potency for effects on survival, growth, and reproduction reduced in the order +ve aminated > neutral unfunctionalized ≫ -ve carboxylated with toxicity >60-fold higher for the +ve than -ve charged forms. Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic modeling (DEBtox) showed that the charge-related potency was primarily linked to differences in effect thresholds and dose-associated damage parameters, rather than to toxicokinetic parameters. This suggests that surface functionalization may change the nature of nanoplastic interactions with membrane and organelles leading to variations in toxicity. Eco-corona formation reduced the toxicity of all nanoplastics indicating that organic molecule associations may passivate surfaces. Between particles, eco-corona interactions resulting in more equivalent effects; however, even despite these changes, the order of potency of the charged forms was retained. These results have important implications for the development of future grouping approaches.

Harmful effects of metal(loid) oxide nanoparticles

The incorporation of nanomaterials (NMs), including metal(loid) oxide (MOx) nanoparticles (NPs), in the most diversified consumer products, has grown enormously in recent decades. Consequently, the contact between humans and these materials increased, as well as their presence in the environment. This fact has raised concerns and uncertainties about the possible risks of NMs to human health and the adverse effects on the environment. These concerns underline the need and importance of assessing its nanosecurity. The present review focuses on the main mechanisms underlying the MOx NPs toxicity, illustrated with different biological models: release of toxic ions, cellular uptake of NPs, oxidative stress, shading effect on photosynthetic microorganisms, physical restrain and damage of cell wall. Additionally, the biological models used to evaluate the potential hazardous of nanomaterials are briefly presented, with particular emphasis on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as an alternative model in nanotoxicology. An overview containing recent scientific advances on cellular responses (toxic symptoms exhibited by yeasts) resulting from the interaction with MOx NPs (inhibition of cell proliferation, cell wall damage, alteration of function and morphology of organelles, presence of oxidative stress bio-indicators, gene expression changes, genotoxicity and cell dead) is critically presented. The elucidation of the toxic modes of action of MOx NPs in yeast cells can be very useful in providing additional clues about the impact of NPs on the physiology and metabolism of the eukaryotic cell. Current and future trends of MOx NPs toxicity, regarding their possible impacts on the environment and human health, are discussed. KEY POINTS: • The potential hazardous effects of MOx NPs are critically reviewed. • An overview of the main mechanisms associated with MOx NPs toxicity is presented. • Scientific advances about yeast cell responses to MOx NPs are updated and discussed.

A Review of Microwave Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials: Reactants, Process Parameters and Morphoslogies

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multifunctional material due to its exceptional physicochemical properties and broad usefulness. The special properties resulting from the reduction of the material size from the macro scale to the nano scale has made the application of ZnO nanomaterials (ZnO NMs) more popular in numerous consumer products. In recent years, particular attention has been drawn to the development of various methods of ZnO NMs synthesis, which above all meet the requirements of the green chemistry approach. The application of the microwave heating technology when obtaining ZnO NMs enables the development of new methods of syntheses, which are characterised by, among others, the possibility to control the properties, repeatability, reproducibility, short synthesis duration, low price, purity, and fulfilment of the eco-friendly approach criterion. The dynamic development of materials engineering is the reason why it is necessary to obtain ZnO NMs with strictly defined properties. The present review aims to discuss the state of the art regarding the microwave synthesis of undoped and doped ZnO NMs. The first part of the review presents the properties of ZnO and new applications of ZnO NMs. Subsequently, the properties of microwave heating are discussed and compared with conventional heating and areas of application are presented. The final part of the paper presents reactants, parameters of processes, and the morphology of products, with a division of the microwave synthesis of ZnO NMs into three primary groups, namely hydrothermal, solvothermal, and hybrid methods.