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Leynen N, Tytgat JS, Bijnens K, Jaenen V, Verleysen E, Artois T, Van Belleghem F, Saenen ND, Smeets K. Assessing the in vivo toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in Schmidtea mediterranea: uptake pathways and (neuro)developmental outcomes. Aquat Toxicol 2024; 270:106895. [PMID: 38554681 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) in aquatic environments, originating from urban run-off, product use and post-consumer degradation, interact with aquatic organisms through water and sediments. Thorough toxicity assessment requires comprehensive data across all ecosystem compartments especially the benthic zone, which is currently lacking. Moreover, a proper physicochemical characterization of the particles is needed before and during toxicity assessment. In the present work, we used the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea to investigate the effects of TiO2-NPs (5 mg/L and 50 mg/L). Planarians are benthic organisms that play an important role in the food chain as predators. Our study integrated particle characterization with toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic parameters and showed that the uptake of TiO2-NPs of 21 nm occurred through the epidermis and intestine. Epidermal irritation and mucus production occurred immediately after exposure, and TiO2-NPs induced stronger effects in regenerating organisms. More specifically, TiO2-NPs interfered with neuroregeneration, inducing behavioral effects. A delay in the formation of the anterior commissure between the two brain lobes after seven and nine days of exposure to 50 mg/L was observed, probably as a result of a decrease in stem cell proliferation. Our findings underscore the need to incorporate multiple exposure routes in toxicity screenings. Additionally, we highlight the vulnerability of developing organisms and recommend their inclusion in future risk assessment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Leynen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - J S Tytgat
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - V Jaenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - E Verleysen
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
| | - T Artois
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - F Van Belleghem
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open Universiteit, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - N D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K Smeets
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
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Desmedt B, Verleysen E, Demaegdt H, van Campenhout P, van Miert E, Deconinck E. The use of nitrous oxide whippets as a recreational drug: Hidden health risks. Drug Test Anal 2024; 16:99-104. [PMID: 37173289 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Whipped cream canisters, also known as nitrous oxide whippets, are traditionally used in the culinary arts to prepare food foams. In recent years, however, these gas canisters have been cracked open and inhaled to produce a "legal" high. Users of these whippets have reported the presence of an oily residue containing metallic particles. This contamination was investigated using liquid chromatography-, gas chromatography- and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The particulate matter was also analyzed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The presence of cyclohexyl isothiocyanate was confirmed at a maximum concentration of 67 μg per whippet. ICP-MS and ICP-OES analysis revealed the presence of mainly iron and zinc, but also, traces of aluminum, chromium, cobalt, nickel, and lead were found. STEM-EDX analysis confirmed the presence of nano-sized particles containing iron and zinc. When simulating inhalation, using the multiple path particle dosimetry model, it was confirmed that these nano-sized particles can reach the deeper parts of the lungs. Most users assume that inhaling a food-grade nitrous oxide whippet for a "legal" high poses no risks. However, this research shows that users are exposed to cyclohexyl isothiocyanate, a substance classified as a respiratory sensitizer. The presence of zinc in the particulate matter could potentially be linked to lung lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Desmedt
- Medicines and Health Products, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eveline Verleysen
- EM-Unit, Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Heidi Demaegdt
- Trace Elements Unit, Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Peter van Campenhout
- Medicines and Health Products, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erik van Miert
- Risk Assessment Unit, Risk and Health Impact Assessment Service, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eric Deconinck
- Medicines and Health Products, Scientific Direction Physical and Chemical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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Mast J, Van Miert E, Siciliani L, Cheyns K, Blaude MN, Wouters C, Waegeneers N, Bernsen R, Vleminckx C, Van Loco J, Verleysen E. Application of silver-based biocides in face masks intended for general use requires regulatory control. Sci Total Environ 2023; 870:161889. [PMID: 36731552 PMCID: PMC9886386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Silver-based biocides are applied in face masks because of their antimicrobial properties. The added value of biocidal silver treatment of face masks to control SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be balanced against possible toxicity due to inhalation exposure. Direct measurement of silver (particle) release to estimate exposure is problematic. Therefore, this study optimized methodologies to characterize silver-based biocides directly in the face masks, by measuring their total silver content using ICP-MS and ICP-OES based methods, and by visualizing the type(s) and localization of silver-based biocides using electron microscopy based methods. Thirteen of 20 selected masks intended for general use contained detectable amounts of silver ranging from 3 μg to 235 mg. Four of these masks contained silver nanoparticles, of which one mask was silver coated. Comparison of the silver content with limit values derived from existing inhalation exposure limits for both silver ions and silver nanoparticles allowed to differentiate safe face masks from face masks that require a more extensive safety assessment. These findings urge for in depth characterization of the applications of silver-based biocides and for the implementation of regulatory standards, quality control and product development based on the safe-by-design principle for nanotechnology applications in face masks in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mast
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium.
| | - Erik Van Miert
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lisa Siciliani
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium.
| | - Karlien Cheyns
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium.
| | - Marie-Noëlle Blaude
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Wouters
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium.
| | - Nadia Waegeneers
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ruud Bernsen
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Christiane Vleminckx
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Joris Van Loco
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium; Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Eveline Verleysen
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, Uccle, Belgium.
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Verleysen E, Ledecq M, Siciliani L, Cheyns K, Vleminckx C, Blaude MN, De Vos S, Brassinne F, Van Steen F, Nkenda R, Machiels R, Waegeneers N, Van Loco J, Mast J. Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2529. [PMID: 35169246 PMCID: PMC8847427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06605-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a suspected human carcinogen when inhaled, fiber-grade TiO2 (nano)particles were demonstrated in synthetic textile fibers of face masks intended for the general public. STEM-EDX analysis on sections of a variety of single use and reusable face masks visualized agglomerated near-spherical TiO2 particles in non-woven fabrics, polyester, polyamide and bi-component fibers. Median sizes of constituent particles ranged from 89 to 184 nm, implying an important fraction of nano-sized particles (< 100 nm). The total TiO2 mass determined by ICP-OES ranged from 791 to 152,345 µg per mask. The estimated TiO2 mass at the fiber surface ranged from 17 to 4394 µg, and systematically exceeded the acceptable exposure level to TiO2 by inhalation (3.6 µg), determined based on a scenario where face masks are worn intensively. No assumptions were made about the likelihood of the release of TiO2 particles itself, since direct measurement of release and inhalation uptake when face masks are worn could not be assessed. The importance of wearing face masks against COVID-19 is unquestionable. Even so, these results urge for in depth research of (nano)technology applications in textiles to avoid possible future consequences caused by a poorly regulated use and to implement regulatory standards phasing out or limiting the amount of TiO2 particles, following the safe-by-design principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Verleysen
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Marina Ledecq
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Lisa Siciliani
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Karlien Cheyns
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Christiane Vleminckx
- Service Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Noelle Blaude
- Service Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra De Vos
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Brassinne
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Frederic Van Steen
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Régis Nkenda
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Ronny Machiels
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Nadia Waegeneers
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium.,Service Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joris Van Loco
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium.,Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium.,Service Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Mast
- Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium. .,Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium.
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Verleysen E, Brassinne F, Van Steen F, Waegeneers N, Cheyns K, Machiels R, Mathioudaki S, Jimenez IO, Ledecq M, Mast J. Towards a generic protocol for measuring the constituent particle size distribution of E171 in food by electron microscopy. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Geiss O, Bianchi I, Senaldi C, Bucher G, Verleysen E, Waegeneers N, Brassinne F, Mast J, Loeschner K, Vidmar J, Aureli F, Cubadda F, Raggi A, Iacoponi F, Peters R, Undas A, Müller A, Meinhardt AK, Walz E, Gräf V, Barrero-Moreno J. Particle size analysis of pristine food-grade titanium dioxide and E 171 in confectionery products: Interlaboratory testing of a single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry screening method and confirmation with transmission electron microscopy. Food Control 2021; 120:107550. [PMID: 33536722 PMCID: PMC7730118 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide is a white colourant authorised as food additive E 171 in the EU, where it is used in a range of alimentary products. As these materials may contain a fraction of particulates with sizes below 100 nm and current EU regulation requires specific labelling of food ingredient to indicate the presence of engineered nanomaterials there is now a need for standardised and validated methods to appropriately size and quantify (nano)particles in food matrices. A single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) screening method for the determination of the size distribution and concentration of titanium dioxide particles in sugar-coated confectionery and pristine food-grade titanium dioxide was developed. Special emphasis was placed on the sample preparation procedure, crucial to reproducibly disperse the particles before analysis. The transferability of this method was tested in an interlaboratory comparison study among seven experienced European food control and food research laboratories equipped with various ICP-MS instruments and using different software packages. The assessed measurands included the particle mean diameter, the most frequent diameter, the percentage of particles (in number) with a diameter below 100 nm, the particles' number concentration and a number of cumulative particle size distribution parameters (D0, D10, D50, D99.5, D99.8 and D100). The evaluated method's performance characteristics were, the within-laboratory precision, expressed as the relative repeatability standard deviation (RSDr), and the between-laboratory precision, expressed as the relative reproducibility standard deviation (RSDR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used as a confirmatory technique and served as the basis for bias estimation. The optimisation of the sample preparation step showed that when this protocol was applied to the relatively simple sample food matrices used in this study, bath sonication turned out to be sufficient to reach the highest, achievable degree of dispersed constituent particles. For the pristine material, probe sonication was required. Repeatability and reproducibility were below 10% and 25% respectively for most measurands except for the lower (D0) and the upper (D100) bound of the particle size distribution and the particle number concentration. The broader distribution of the lower and the upper bounds could be attributed to instrument-specific settings/setups (e.g. the timing parameters, the transport efficiency, type of mass-spectrometer) and software-specific data treatment algorithms. Differences in the upper bound were identified as being due to the non-harmonised application of the upper counting limit. Reporting D99.5 or D99.8 instead of the effectively largest particle diameter (D100) excluded isolated large particles and considerably improved the reproducibility. The particle number-concentration was found to be influenced by small differences in the sample preparation procedure. The comparison of these results with those obtained using electron microscopy showed that the mean and median particle diameter was, in all cases, higher when using spICP-MS. The main reason for this was the higher size detection limit for spICP-MS plus the fact that some of the analysed particles remained agglomerated/aggregated after sonication. Single particle ICP-MS is a powerful screening technique, which in many cases provides sufficient evidence to confirm the need to label a food product as containing (engineered) titanium dioxide nanomaterial according to the current EU regulatory requirements. The overall positive outcome of the method performance evaluation and the current lack of alternative standardised procedures, would indicate this method as being a promising candidate for a full validation study. Standardised methods for sizing of E171 particles in food matrices are unavailable. Screening method based on spICP-MS is proposed. Analytical performance parameters and transferability tested in ILC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otmar Geiss
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Ivana Bianchi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Chiara Senaldi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Guillaume Bucher
- Service Commun des Laboratoires (SCL), 3 Avenue Dr Albert Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Eveline Verleysen
- Sciensano, Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Uccle/Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Nadia Waegeneers
- Sciensano, Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Uccle/Tervuren, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Mast
- Sciensano, Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Uccle/Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Katrin Loeschner
- Division for Food Technology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 201, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Janja Vidmar
- Division for Food Technology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 201, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Federica Aureli
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cubadda
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Raggi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruud Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Business Unit Contaminants & Toxins, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708, WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Undas
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Business Unit Contaminants & Toxins, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708, WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Müller
- Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Food Technology and Bioprocess Engineering, Haid-und-Neu-Straße 9, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ann-Katrin Meinhardt
- Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Food Technology and Bioprocess Engineering, Haid-und-Neu-Straße 9, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Elke Walz
- Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Food Technology and Bioprocess Engineering, Haid-und-Neu-Straße 9, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Volker Gräf
- Max Rubner-Institut (MRI), Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Food Technology and Bioprocess Engineering, Haid-und-Neu-Straße 9, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
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De Vos S, Waegeneers N, Verleysen E, Smeets K, Mast J. Physico-chemical characterisation of the fraction of silver (nano)particles in pristine food additive E174 and in E174-containing confectionery. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2020; 37:1831-1846. [PMID: 32946346 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2020.1809719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Silver (E174) is authorised as a food additive in the EU. The unknown particle size distribution of E174 is a specific concern for the E174 risk assessment. This study characterised the fraction of silver (nano)particles in 10 commercially available pristine E174 food additives and 10 E174-containing products by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (spICP-MS). TEM analysis showed that all samples contained micrometre-sized flakes and also a fraction of (nano)particles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron diffraction confirmed that the (nano)particles and micrometre-sized flakes consisted of silver. A higher amount of (nano)particles was observed in the products than in the food additives. In addition, the surface of the micrometre-sized flakes was rougher in products. The median of the minimum external dimension, assessed as minimal Feret diameter, of the fraction of (nano)particles determined by quantitative TEM analysis was 11 ± 4 nm and 18 ± 7 nm (overall mean ± standard deviation), for food additives and products, respectively. Similar size distributions were obtained by spICP-MS and TEM, considering the limit of detection of spICP-MS. The median of the equivalent spherical diameter of the fraction of (nano)particles determined by spICP-MS was 19 ± 4 nm and 21 ± 2 nm (overall mean ± standard deviation), for food additives and products, respectively. In all samples, independent of the choice of technique, the nano-sized particles represented more than 97% (by number) of the silver particles, even though the largest mass of silver was present as flakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra De Vos
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano , Uccle, Belgium
| | - Nadia Waegeneers
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano , Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Eveline Verleysen
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano , Uccle, Belgium
| | - Karen Smeets
- Zoology: Biodiversity and Toxicology, Hasselt University , Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jan Mast
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano , Uccle, Belgium
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8
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Verleysen E, Waegeneers N, Brassinne F, De Vos S, Jimenez IO, Mathioudaki S, Mast J. Physicochemical Characterization of the Pristine E171 Food Additive by Standardized and Validated Methods. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:E592. [PMID: 32213951 PMCID: PMC7153509 DOI: 10.3390/nano10030592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
E171 (titanium dioxide) is a food additive that has been authorized for use as a food colorant in the European Union. The application of E171 in food has become an issue of debate, since there are indications that it may alter the intestinal barrier. This work applied standardized and validated methodologies to characterize representative samples of 15 pristine E171 materials based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS). The evaluation of selected sample preparation protocols allowed identifying and optimizing the critical factors that determine the measurement of the particle size distribution by TEM. By combining optimized sample preparation with method validation, a significant variation in the particle size and shape distributions, the crystallographic structure (rutile versus anatase), and the physicochemical form (pearlescent pigments versus anatase and rutile E171) was demonstrated among the representative samples. These results are important for risk assessment of the E171 food additive and can contribute to the implementation of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance on risk assessment of the application of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Verleysen
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium; (F.B.); (S.D.V.); (I.O.J.); (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Nadia Waegeneers
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium;
| | - Frédéric Brassinne
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium; (F.B.); (S.D.V.); (I.O.J.); (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Sandra De Vos
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium; (F.B.); (S.D.V.); (I.O.J.); (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Isaac Ojea Jimenez
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium; (F.B.); (S.D.V.); (I.O.J.); (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Stella Mathioudaki
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium; (F.B.); (S.D.V.); (I.O.J.); (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Jan Mast
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium; (F.B.); (S.D.V.); (I.O.J.); (S.M.); (J.M.)
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9
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Barfod KK, Bendtsen KM, Berthing T, Koivisto AJ, Poulsen SS, Segal E, Verleysen E, Mast J, Holländer A, Jensen KA, Hougaard KS, Vogel U. Increased surface area of halloysite nanotubes due to surface modification predicts lung inflammation and acute phase response after pulmonary exposure in mice. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 73:103266. [PMID: 31707308 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.103266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological potential of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and variants after functional alterations to surface area are not clear. We assessed the toxicological response to HNTs (NaturalNano (NN)) before and after surface etching (NN-etched). Potential cytotoxicity of the two HNTs was screened in vitro in MutaTMMouse lung epithelial cells. Lung inflammation, acute phase response and genotoxicity were assessed 1, 3, and 28 days after a single intratracheal instillation of adult female C57BL/6 J BomTac mice. The doses were 6, 18 or 54 μg of HNTs, compared to vehicle controls and the Carbon black NP (Printex 90) of 162 μg/mouse. The cellular composition of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was determined as a measure of lung inflammation. The pulmonary and hepatic acute phase responses were assessed by Serumamyloida mRNA levels in lung and liver tissue by real-time quantitative PCR. Pulmonary and systemic genotoxicity were analyzed by the alkaline comet assay as DNA strand breaks in BAL cells, lung and liver tissue. The etched HNT (NN-etched) had 4-5 times larger BET surface area than the unmodified HNT (NN). Instillation of NN-etched at the highest dose induced influx of neutrophils into the lungs at all time points and increased Saa3 mRNA levels in lung tissue on day 1 and 3 after exposure. No genotoxicity was observed at any time point. In conclusion, functionalization by etching increased BET surface area of the studied NN and enhanced pulmonary inflammatory toxicity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Klingenberg Barfod
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-1014, Denmark
| | - Katja Maria Bendtsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Trine Berthing
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Antti Joonas Koivisto
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Sarah Søs Poulsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Ester Segal
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | | | - Jan Mast
- Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180, Uccle, Belgium
| | - Andreas Holländer
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Polymerforschung, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Keld Alstrup Jensen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-1014, Denmark
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark; DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
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Waegeneers N, De Vos S, Verleysen E, Ruttens A, Mast J. Estimation of the Uncertainties Related to the Measurement of the Size and Quantities of Individual Silver Nanoparticles in Confectionery. Materials (Basel) 2019; 12:E2677. [PMID: 31443380 PMCID: PMC6747558 DOI: 10.3390/ma12172677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
E174 (silver) is a food additive that may contain silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Validated methods are needed to size and quantify these particles in a regulatory context. However, no validations have yet been performed with food additives or real samples containing food additives requiring a sample preparation step prior to analysis. A single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) method was developed and validated for sizing and quantifying the fraction of AgNP in E174 and in products containing E174, and associated uncertainties related to sample preparation, analysis and data interpretation were unraveled. The expanded measurement uncertainty for AgNP sizing was calculated to be 16% in E174-containing food products and increased up to 23% in E174 itself. The E174 food additives showed a large silver background concentration combined with a relatively low number of nanoparticles, making data interpretation more challenging than in the products. The standard uncertainties related to sample preparation, analysis, and challenging data interpretation were respectively 4.7%, 6.5%, and 6.0% for triplicate performances. For a single replicate sample, the uncertainty related to sample preparation increased to 6.8%. The expanded measurement uncertainty related to the concentration determination was 25-45% in these complex samples, without a clear distinction between additives and products. Overall, the validation parameters obtained for spICP-MS seem to be fit for the purpose of characterizing AgNP in E174 or E174-containing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Waegeneers
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium.
| | - Sandra De Vos
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eveline Verleysen
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Ruttens
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Jan Mast
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
- Service Trace Elements and Nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
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Verleysen E, Wagner T, Lipinski HG, Kägi R, Koeber R, Boix-Sanfeliu A, De Temmerman PJ, Mast J. Evaluation of a TEM based Approach for Size Measurement of Particulate (Nano)materials. Materials (Basel) 2019; 12:E2274. [PMID: 31311143 PMCID: PMC6679035 DOI: 10.3390/ma12142274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
An approach for the size measurement of particulate (nano)materials by transmission electron microscopy was evaluated. The approach combines standard operating procedures for specimen preparation, imaging, and image analysis, and it was evaluated on a series of certified reference materials and representative test materials with varying physical properties, including particle size, shape, and agglomeration state. The measurement of the median value of the minimal external particle diameter distribution was intra-laboratory validated. The validation study included an assessment of the limit of detection, working range, selectivity, precision, trueness, robustness, and ruggedness. An uncertainty that was associated to intermediate precision in the range of 1-7% and an expanded measurement uncertainty in the range of 7-20% were obtained, depending on the material and image analysis mode. No bias was observed when assessing the trueness of the approach on the certified reference materials ERM-FD100 and ERM-FD304. The image analysis method was validated in an inter-laboratory study by 19 laboratories, which resulted in a within-laboratory precision in the range of 2-8% and a between-laboratory precision of between 2% and 14%. The automation and standardization of the proposed approach significantly improves labour and cost efficiency for the accurate and precise size measurement of the particulate materials. The approach is shown to be implementable in many other electron microscopy laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Verleysen
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium.
| | - Thorsten Wagner
- Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Straβe 42, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Hans-Gerd Lipinski
- Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Straβe 42, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ralf Kägi
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Robert Koeber
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Ana Boix-Sanfeliu
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Mast
- Trace elements and nanomaterials, Sciensano, Groeselenbergstraat 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
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Verleysen E, Van Doren E, Waegeneers N, De Temmerman PJ, Abi Daoud Francisco M, Mast J. TEM and SP-ICP-MS analysis of the release of silver nanoparticles from decoration of pastry. J Agric Food Chem 2015; 63:3570-3578. [PMID: 25768118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Metallic silver is an EU approved food additive referred to as E174. It is generally assumed that silver is only present in bulk form in the food chain. This work demonstrates that a simple treatment with water of "silver pearls", meant for decoration of pastry, results in the release of a subfraction of silver nanoparticles. The number-based size and shape distributions of the single, aggregated, and/or agglomerated particles released from the silver pearls were determined by combining conventional bright-field TEM imaging with semiautomatic particle detection and analysis. In addition, the crystal structure of the particles was studied by electron diffraction and chemical information was obtained by combining HAADF-STEM imaging with EDX spectroscopy and mapping. The TEM results were confirmed by SP-ICP-MS. The representative Ag test nanomaterial NM-300 K was used as a positive control to determine the uncertainty on the measurement of the size and shape of the particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Verleysen
- †EM-Service, Interactions and Surveillance, CODA-CERVA, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
| | - E Van Doren
- †EM-Service, Interactions and Surveillance, CODA-CERVA, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
| | - N Waegeneers
- ‡Trace Elements Service, Chemical Safety of the Food Chain, CODA-CERVA, Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
| | - P-J De Temmerman
- †EM-Service, Interactions and Surveillance, CODA-CERVA, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
| | - M Abi Daoud Francisco
- †EM-Service, Interactions and Surveillance, CODA-CERVA, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
| | - J Mast
- †EM-Service, Interactions and Surveillance, CODA-CERVA, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
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De Temmerman PJ, Verleysen E, Lammertyn J, Mast J. Semi-automatic size measurement of primary particles in aggregated nanomaterials by transmission electron microscopy. POWDER TECHNOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2014.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hougaard KS, Jackson P, Kyjovska ZO, Birkedal RK, De Temmerman PJ, Brunelli A, Verleysen E, Madsen AM, Saber AT, Pojana G, Mast J, Marcomini A, Jensen KA, Wallin H, Szarek J, Mortensen A, Vogel U. Effects of lung exposure to carbon nanotubes on female fertility and pregnancy. A study in mice. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 41:86-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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De Temmerman PJ, Van Doren E, Verleysen E, Van der Stede Y, Francisco MAD, Mast J. Quantitative characterization of agglomerates and aggregates of pyrogenic and precipitated amorphous silica nanomaterials by transmission electron microscopy. J Nanobiotechnology 2012; 10:24. [PMID: 22709926 PMCID: PMC3462150 DOI: 10.1186/1477-3155-10-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction of a nanomaterial (NM) with a biological system depends not only on the size of its primary particles but also on the size, shape and surface topology of its aggregates and agglomerates. A method based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to visualize the NM and on image analysis, to measure detected features quantitatively, was assessed for its capacity to characterize the aggregates and agglomerates of precipitated and pyrogenic synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide (SAS), or silica, NM. RESULTS Bright field (BF) TEM combined with systematic random imaging and semi-automatic image analysis allows measuring the properties of SAS NM quantitatively. Automation allows measuring multiple and arithmetically complex parameters simultaneously on high numbers of detected particles. This reduces operator-induced bias and assures a statistically relevant number of measurements, avoiding the tedious repetitive task of manual measurements. Access to multiple parameters further allows selecting the optimal parameter in function of a specific purpose.Using principle component analysis (PCA), twenty-three measured parameters were classified into three classes containing measures for size, shape and surface topology of the NM. CONCLUSION The presented method allows a detailed quantitative characterization of NM, like dispersions of precipitated and pyrogenic SAS based on the number-based distributions of their mean diameter, sphericity and shape factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Jan De Temmerman
- Electron Microscopy-unit, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Groeselenbergstraat 99, Brussels, 1180, Belgium
| | - Elke Van Doren
- Electron Microscopy-unit, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Groeselenbergstraat 99, Brussels, 1180, Belgium
| | - Eveline Verleysen
- Electron Microscopy-unit, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Groeselenbergstraat 99, Brussels, 1180, Belgium
| | - Yves Van der Stede
- Unit for Coordination of Veterinary Diagnostics, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (CVD-ERA), Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Groeselenbergstraat 99, Brussels, 1180, Belgium
| | - Michel Abi Daoud Francisco
- Electron Microscopy-unit, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Groeselenbergstraat 99, Brussels, 1180, Belgium
| | - Jan Mast
- Electron Microscopy-unit, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Groeselenbergstraat 99, Brussels, 1180, Belgium
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