Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Effects of a Magnetic Zeolite Composite in Daphnia magna (Straus, 1820).

Zeolite type 5A combined with the magnetic properties of maghemite nanoparticles facilitate the rapid absorption of heavy metals, which makes them an interesting proposal for the remediation of water contaminated with lead and arsenic. However, the physicochemical analysis related to concentration and size for the use of this magnetic zeolite composite (MZ0) in water bodies and the possible toxicological effects on aquatic fauna has not yet been carried out. The main objective of the research work is to determine lethal concentrations that cause damage to Daphnia magna based on LC50 tests, morphology, reproductive rate, and quantification of the expression of three genes closely involved in the morphological development of vital structures (Glass, NinaE, Pph13). To achieve this objective, populations of neonates and young individuals were used, and results showed that the LC50 for neonates was 11,314 mg L-1, while for young individuals, it was 0.0310 mg L-1. Damage to morphological development was evidenced by a decrease in eye size in neonates, an increase in eye size in young individuals, variations in the size of the caudal spine for both age groups, and slight increases in the heart size, body, and antenna for both age groups. The reproductive rate of neonates was not affected by the lower concentrations of MZ0, while in young individuals, the reproductive rate decreased by more than 50% from the minimum exposure concentration of MZ0. And for both ages, Glass gene expression levels decreased as the MZ0 concentration increased. Also, the MZ0 evidenced its affinity for the exoskeleton of D. magna, which was observed using both light microscopy and electron microscopy. It is concluded that MZ0 did not generate significant damage in the mortality, morphology, reproductive rate, or gene expression in D. magna at lower concentrations, demonstrating the importance of evaluating the possible impacts on different life stages of the cladoceran.

Effect of zeolites on the reduction of the ecotoxicity of carbamazepine in the environment.

In this study, the impact of calcination of zeolites on the ecotoxicity of carbamazepine solutions in two matrices, water and synthetic sewage, was assessed. Two types of zeolites were tested: natural zeolite, in the form of a zeolite rock consisting mainly of clinoptilolite, and a synthetic zeolite type 5 A. Additionally, zeolites were calcined at a temperature of 200 °C. The kinetics of carbamazepine adsorption in aqueous solutions and in synthetic sewage matrix was determined. Higher adsorption capacity was obtained for carbamazepine aqueous solutions as well as zeolites after the calcination process. Considering type of zeolite, the highest and fastest uptake of carbamazepine was observed for natural zeolite after calcination. In the case of ecotoxicity, carbamazepine solutions before adsorption was the most toxic towards Raphidocelis subcapitata, next Aliivibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna, regardless to the matrix type. The differentiation in toxicity regarding the type of matrix was observed, in the case of algae and bacteria, higher toxicity was demonstrated by carbamazepine solutions in the water matrix, while in the case of crustaceans-the sewage matrix. After the adsorption process, the toxicity of carbamazepine solutions on zeolites decreased by 34.5-60.9 % for R. subcapitata, 33-39 % for A. fischeri and 55-60 % for D. magna, thus confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method of carbamazepine immobilization.

The influence of cation exchange on the possible mechanism of erionite toxicity: A synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence study on THP-1-derived macrophages exposed to erionite-Na.

Fibrous erionite is the only zeolite classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Carcinogenesis induced by erionite is thought to involve several factors as biopersistence, the iron role and cation exchange processes. To better understand these mechanisms, a detailed investigation at the micro scale was performed, collecting elemental information on iron and cation release and their distribution in biological systems by synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence mapping (SR-micro-XRF) and synchrotron micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy (SR-micro-XANES) at the TwinMic beamline (Elettra synchrotron) and at the ID21 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). By microscopy and chemical mapping, highly detailed maps of the chemical and morphological interaction of biological systems with fibres could be produced. In detail, THP-1 cell line derived macrophages, used as in vitro model, were analysed during erionite-Na phagocytosis at different time intervals, after single dose exposure. For comparison, cellular fluorescent probes were also used to evaluate the intracellular free sodium and calcium concentrations. Synchrotron analyses visualised the spatial distribution of both fibre and mineral particle associated metals during the phagocytosis, describing the mechanism of internalisation of erionite-Na and its accessory mineral phases. The intracellular distribution of metals and other cations was mapped to evaluate metal release, speciation changes and/or cation exchange during phagocytosis. The fluorescent probes complemented microchemical data clarifying, and confirming, the cation distribution observed in the SR-micro-XRF maps. The significant cytoplasmic calcium decrease, and the concomitant sodium increase, after the fibre phagocytosis seemed due to activation of plasma membrane cations exchangers triggered by the internalisation while, surprisingly, the ion-exchange capacity of erionite-Na could play a minor role in the disruption of the two cations intracellular homeostasis. These results help to elucidate the role of cations in the toxicity of erionite-treated THP-1 macrophages and add knowledge to its carcinogenicity process.

Functional groups effect on the toxicity of modified ZIF-90 to Photobacterium phosphoreum.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) is of wide interest in biomedical applications due to its extraordinary properties such as high storage capacity, functionality and favorable biocompatibility. However, more comprehensive safety assessments are still essential before ZIF is broadly used in biomedicine. Using the characteristic that aldehyde groups on the surface of ZIF-90 can be modified with other functional groups, a series of ZIF-90s modified with different functional groups (oxime group, carboxyl group, amino group and sulfhydryl group) were synthesized to investigate the effect of functionalization on the toxicity of ZIF-90. ZIF-90 series showed concentration-dependent toxic effects on Photobacterium phosphoreum T3 and the functionalized ZIF-90s are more toxic than pristine ZIF-90, with the ZIF-90 modified with amino group (ZIF-90-NH2) showing the strongest toxicity (IC50 = 23.06 mg/L). Based on the results of the cellular assay and stability exploration, we concluded that corresponding imidazole-ligand release and the property of positively charged are responsible for the elevated toxicity of ZIF-90-NH2. Cell membrane damage, oxidative damage and luminescence damage are the main contributors to the toxic effects of ZIF-90 series. This study explored the effect of surface functionalization on the toxicity of ZIF and proposed mechanistic clues for the safety application of ZIF.

SOD mineralized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 for the treatment of chemotherapy-related acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a prevalent and fatal adverse event, seriously affects cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The most important pathological mechanism of AKI is oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Currently, ROS scavenging is a promising strategy to manage the risk of chemotherapy-induced AKI. Herein, we successfully synthesized SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles by biomimetic mineralization, which were taken up by cells and could improve cell viability by limiting oxidative stress damage, as found in in vitro studies. Moreover, SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum antioxidant properties in addition to significant renal accumulation in AKI mice, preventing clinically related cisplatin-induced AKI in murine models. AKI alleviation in the model was validated by measuring blood serum, staining kidney tissue, and related biomarkers. SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticle therapeutic efficiency exceeds NAC, a small molecular antioxidant functioning through free radical scavenging. The results suggest SOD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic option for AKI and other ROS-related disorders.

Low-dose of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticle cause energy metabolism disorder through lysosome-mitochondria dysfunction.

Understanding the underlying interaction between nanoparticle and organelles is conclusive to the nanotoxicology. According to existing literatures, lysosome is a crucial target of the nanoparticle carrier. Meanwhile, mitochondria could provide the essential energy for nanopaticles entering/exiting the cell. Based on the investigation of lysosome-mitochondria connection, we decoded the effects of low-dose ZIF-8 on energy metabolism, which are still largely obscure beforehand. In this research, low-dose ZIF-8 NPs were utilized to explore the effects on vascular endothelial cells, the first cells exposed to NPs during intravenous injection. Consequently, ZIF-8 could damage the energy metabolism, mainly manifested as mitochondrial fission, the decreased ATP production, and lysosomal dysfuction, which would subsequently affect the cell survival, proliferation and protein expression. This study highlights the fundamental understanding for exploring the regulation of nanoscale ZIF-8 in biological processes and its further application in biomedical field.

A comparative study of the toxic effect of ZIF-8 and ZIF-L on the colonization and decomposition of shaded outdoor mice carrions by arthropods.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for several applications. Thus, they have been intensively reported and commercialized by several international companies. However, little is known about the fate and risk of MOFs to living organisms. Here, the toxic effect of two Zinc (Zn)-based MOFs; zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) and leaf-like ZIF (ZIF-L), was tested to investigate the impact of the postmortem period of mice carrions and arthropods which found in decomposing carrions. The data analysis revealed an increase in zinc content over time. Toxicology in forensics studies biological materials for the presence of poisons, such as pharmaceuticals. The toxicology report can provide important details about the types of chemicals present in a person and whether the amount of those substances is in line with a therapeutic dose or exceeds a dangerous level. These findings conclude the possible fate and impact after mortality. This study presents the first study of the toxic effect of ZIFs materials using mice carrions and arthropods (Sarcophaga sp. Larvae) via morphological and microscopic studies compared with control, providing important biological information could aid in the environmental impact of the toxic level of MOF materials.

ZIF-8 nanoparticles induce neurobehavioral disorders through the regulation of ROS-mediated oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos.

Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a nanomaterial of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have various applications in drug delivery and water pollution remediation. However, little is known about its developmental neurotoxicity in aquatic organisms, especially on the low-level exposure. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of ZIF-8 NPs on the neuron development, behavioral traits, oxidative stress and gene expression in zebrafish embryos. Firstly, our results showed that ZIF-8 induced significantly embryonic malformations and abnormal development of nervous system in zebrafish embryos with a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the locomotor behavior was obviously inhibited while the anxiety behavior was greatly increased after ZIF-8 exposure. Secondly, the levels of ROS and antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD and MDA) together with AChE and ATPase were substantially increased in the ZIF-8 exposed groups. At the molecular level, ZIF-8 NPs could down-regulate the expression profiles of neural development-related genes (gap43, synapsin 2a and neurogenin 1) and PD-like related genes (dj-1, dynactin and parkin), but up-regulate the expression levels of neuro-inflammatory genes (nox-1, glip1a and glip1b) in larval zebrafish. In addition, we further explored the molecular mechanism of neurotoxicity induced by ZIF-8 with pharmacological experiments. The results showed that specific inhibition of ROS-mediated oxidative stress by the astaxanthin could reverse the expression patterns of ATPase, AChE and neurodevelopmental genes. Moreover, astaxanthin can partially rescue the ZIF-8-modulated locomotor behavior. Taken together, our results demonstrated that ZIF-8 had the potential to cause neurotoxicity in zebrafish embryos. These informations presented in this study will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ZIF-8 nanoparticles exposure in zebrafish, which providing a scientific evaluation of its safety to aquatic ecosystems.

Nano-sized zeolite-like metal-organic frameworks induced hematological effects on red blood cell.

Understanding the toxicity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is important for improving their biocompatibility in further applications, especially the hematotoxicity of MOFs due to the unavoidable contact of MOFs with blood in biomedical science. Here we report the hematotoxicity and underlying mechanisms of nano-sized zeolite-like MOFs ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 because of their wide applications in biomedical science. ZIF-67 induced significant hemolysis of red blood cell (Rb) through breaking the structure of membrane due to the generation of free radicals, whereas ZIF-8 was hematocompatible. ZIF-67 was thus internalized by Rb and then bound with hemoglobin via hydrogen bond and van der Waals force, which influenced the structure and function of hemoglobin in accompany with heme release. These findings reveal the detailed mechanism of the hematological effects of MOFs on Rb and are helpful to the assessment of the toxicity and potential health risks of MOFs and the design of biosafe MOFs for biomedical applications.

Acute cytotoxicity of mineral fibres observed by time-lapse video microscopy.

Inhalation of mineral fibres is associated with the onset of an inflammatory activity in the lungs and the pleura responsible for the development of fatal malignancies. It is known that cell damage is a necessary step for triggering the inflammatory response. However, the mechanisms by which mineral fibres exert cytotoxic activity are not fully understood. In this work, the kinetics of the early cytotoxicity mechanisms of three mineral fibres (i.e., chrysotile, crocidolite and fibrous erionite) classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, was determined for the first time in a comparative manner using time-lapse video microscopy coupled with in vitro assays. All tests were performed using the THP-1 cell line, differentiated into M0 macrophages (M0-THP-1) and exposed for short times (8 h) to 25 µg/mL aliquots of chrysotile, crocidolite and fibrous erionite. The toxic action of fibrous erionite on M0-THP-1 cells is manifested since the early steps (2 h) of the experiment while the cytotoxicity of crocidolite and chrysotile gradually increases during the time span of the experiment. Chrysotile and crocidolite prompt cell death mainly via apoptosis, while erionite exposure is also probably associated to a necrotic-like effect. The potential mechanisms underlying these different toxicity behaviours are discussed in the light of the different morphological, and chemical-physical properties of the three fibres.

Environmental decomposition and remodeled phytotoxicity of framework-based nanomaterials.

Zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) have attracted a considerable amount of attention for use in environmental applications (e.g., pollutant adsorption and photocatalysis in water treatments). The environmental stability and toxicity of ZIFs are key prerequisites for their practical applications, but information about these factors is largely lacking. The present work finds that pristine ZIFs (ZIF-8 and ZIF-67) photodegrade from frame structures into two-dimensional nanosheets and are oxidized to zinc carbonate (ZIF-8) and Co3O4 (ZIF-67) under visible-light irradiation. The photoinduced electrons, holes and free radicals promote dissolution of the metal cores and organic ligands, leading to collapse of the frame structure. The photodegradation of ZIF-8 alleviates developmental inhibition, oxidative stress, plasmolysis, and photosynthetic toxicity, while the photodegradation of ZIF-67 aggravates nanotoxicity. The integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis reveals that unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and metal ion-binding transcription contribute to the altered toxicity of ZIF photodegradation. These findings highlight the roles of photodegradation in structural transformation and alteration of the toxicity of ZIFs, alarming the study of pristine metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Persistence and Recovery of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 Phytotoxicity.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been developed quickly and have attracted considerable attention for use in the detection and removal of various pollutants. Understanding the environmental risks of ZIFs is a prerequisite to their safe application by industry and new chemical registration by governments; however, the persistence and recovery of toxicity induced by ZIFs remain largely unclear. This study finds that typical ZIFs (e.g., ZIF-8 and ZIF-67) at a concentration of 0.01-1 mg/L induce significant algal growth inhibition, plasmolysis, membrane permeability, chloroplast damage, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, and the above alterations are recoverable. Unexpectedly, a persistent decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) is observed due to the quenching of hydroxyl free radicals. The adverse effects of ZIF-8 are weak and easily alleviated compared with those of ZIF-67. ZIF-8 is internalized mainly by caveolae-mediated endocytosis, while ZIF-67 is internalized mainly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Omics studies reveal that the downregulation of mRNA associated with oxidative phosphorylation and the inhibition of chlorophyll and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in mitochondria are related to the persistence of phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the phenomena and mechanisms of the persistence and recovery of phytotoxicity, indicating the need to reconsider the environmental risk assessments of ZIFs.

Near-Infrared Radiation-Assisted Drug Delivery Nanoplatform to Realize Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing and Protection for Parkinsonian Therapy.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, which is directly involved in Parkinson's disease (PD), is characterized by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aberrant energy metabolism. Thus, regulating mitochondrial function might be an effective strategy to treat PD. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a significant challenge for the intracerebral delivery of drugs. Here, we synthesized a zeolitic imidazolate framework 8-coated Prussian blue nanocomposite (ZIF-8@PB), which was encapsulated with quercetin (QCT), a natural antioxidant, to treat PD. ZIF-8@PB-QCT exhibited superior near-infrared radiation (NIR) response and penetrated through the BBB to the site of mitochondrial damage guided by the photothermal effect. In the mice model of PD, the QCT released from ZIF-8@PB-QCT significantly increased the adenosine triphosphate levels, reduced the oxidative stress levels, and reversed dopaminergic neuronal damage as well as PD-related behavioral deficits without any damage to the normal tissues. Furthermore, we explored the underlying neuroprotective mechanism of ZIF-8@PB-QCT that was mediated by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, combined with noninvasive NIR radiation, the biocompatible ZIF-8@PB-QCT nanocomposite could be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

A Comparative Analysis of In Vitro Toxicity of Synthetic Zeolites on IMR-90 Human Lung Fibroblast Cells.

Broad industrial application of zeolites increases the opportunity of inhalation. However, the potential impact of different types and compositions of zeolite on cytotoxicity is still unknown. Four types of synthetic zeolites have been prepared for assessing the effect on lung fibroblast: two zeolite L (LTL-R and LTL-D), ZSM-5 (MFI-S), and faujasite (FAU-S). The cytotoxicity of zeolites on human lung fibroblast (IMR-90) was assessed using WST1 cell proliferation assay, mitochondrial function, membrane leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed under control. Intracellular changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Toxicity-related gene expressions were evaluated by PCR array. The result showed significantly higher toxicity in IMR-90 cells with FAU-S than LTL-R, LTL-D and MFI-S exposure. TEM showed FAU-S, spheroidal zeolite with a low Si/Al ratio, was readily internalized forming numerous phagosomes in IMR-90 cells, while the largest and disc-shaped zeolites showed the lowest toxicity and were located in submembranous phagosomes in IMR-90 cells. Differential expression of TNF related genes was detected using PCR arrays and confirmed using qRT-PCR analysis of selected genes. Collectively, the exposure of different zeolites shows different toxicity on IMR-90 cells.

Nanoscale cobalt-based metal-organic framework impairs learning and memory ability without noticeable general toxicity: First in vivo evidence.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit broad potential applications in the environmental, biomedical, catalyst, and energy fields. However, the currently existing data hardly shed light on their health risks before the MOFs' large-scale usage. In this context, we exploratively investigated the in vivo fate and effect of one representative cobalt-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) at the nano- (60 nm) and submicron- (890 nm) scales. Different from submicron-scale ZIF-67 showing better biosafety, nanoscale particles manifested a neurodegenerative risk at the dose of no general toxicity, evidenced by the impairment of learning and memory ability and disordered function of the neuropeptide signaling pathway in a rat model. The involvement of oxidative damage and inflammatory processes in the neurotoxicity induced by ZIF-67 was discussed as well. These findings not only provide a wake-up call for the prudent applications of MOFs but also provide insight into the better design and safer use of MOFs for broader applications.

Low doses of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles alter the actin organization and contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery and controlled release. Considering most ZIF-8 nanoparticle drug carriers are designed to be administered intravenously, and thus would directly contact vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in many circumstances, the potential interactions of ZIF-8 nanoparticles with VSMCs require investigation. Here, the effects of low doses of ZIF-8 nanoparticles on VSMC morphology, actin organization, and contractility are investigated. Two nanoscale imaging tools, atomic force microscopy, and direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, show that even at the concentrations (12.5 and 25 µg/ml) that were deemed "safe" by conventional biochemical cell assays (MTT and LDH assays), ZIF-8 nanoparticles can still cause changes in cell morphology and actin cytoskeleton organization at the cell apical and basal surfaces. These cytoskeletal structural changes impair the contractility function of VSMCs in response to Angiotensin II, a classic vasoconstrictor. Based on intracellular zinc and actin polymerization assays, we conclude that the increased intracellular Zn2+ concentration due to the uptake and dissociation of ZIF-8 nanoparticles could cause the actin cytoskeleton dis-organization, as the elevated Zn2+ directly disrupts the actin assembly process, leading to altered actin organization such as branches and networks. Since the VSMC phenotype change and loss of contractility are fundamental to the development of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases, it is worth noting that these low doses of ZIF-8 nanoparticles administered intravenously could still be a safety concern in terms of cardiovascular risks. Moving forward, it is imperative to re-consider the "safe" nanoparticle dosages determined by biochemical cell assays alone, and take into account the impact of these nanoparticles on the biophysical characteristics of VSMCs, including changes in the actin cytoskeleton and cell morphology.

Cyto-genotoxic and inflammatory effects of commercial Linde Type A (LTA) nanozeolites on human alveolar epithelial cells.

Nanozeolites (NZs) are increasingly used in several sectors, including catalysts, ion exchange materials or thermal isolators, taking advantage of the major property of NZs to absorb residual water and moisture to preserve the insulation of devices and products, but very few data are available on their toxicity. We investigated the potential cyto-genotoxicity and pro-inflammatory effects of manufactured Linde Type A (LTA)-NZs on human alveolar cells (A549) exposed to 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL. LTA NZs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cell viability, mortality and apoptosis were evaluated by cytofluorimetric assay after 24h exposure. Membrane damage was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase release and direct and oxidative DNA damage induction by formamide-pyrimidine glycosylase-Comet assay after 4 and 24 h. The induction of pro-inflammatory effects was evaluated in terms of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 cytokine release after 24 h by ELISA. We found a slight increase in apoptotic cell percentage at 50 and 100 µg/mL and dead cell percentage at 100 µg/mL after 24 h; slight, but statistically significant, direct DNA damage starting from 25 µg/mL and slight oxidative DNA damage both at 4 and at 24 h; increased release of IL-6 only at the lowest concentration after 24 h. The results show lack of cytotoxicity, early moderate genotoxicity and slight inflammatory effects at the lowest used concentration. These findings represent the first data on potential genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory effects of LTA NZs and highlight the need to perform further studies to confirm such results.

Anticancer activity modulation of an innovative solid formulation of extra virgin olive oil by cultured zeolite scaffolds.

This paper deals with the design and manufacture of pure and hybrid synthetic (Mixed Matrix Membranes, MMMs) zeolite scaffolds (containing various amount of zeolite crystals dispersed in a polymeric matrix) to obtain new biomaterials. These scaffolds can potentially be used in the field of translational medicine to obtain innovative results to address tumorigenesis mechanisms with the promotion of an effort to deal with technical methods and information. Since olive oil has beneficial effects in healthy human cells and slows down and/or inhibits cell growth, the aim of this work was to monitor the protective and beneficial antitumor effects of olive oil in a new solid formulation (Spread Bio-Oil) on cancer cell cultured on zeolite scaffolds. In order to investigate the cytotoxicity of the new bio-oil spread and to test antiproliferative activity on the cancer cells we used two phenotypically different human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) seeded on various morphologies of zeolite membranes. We report the fabrication and characterization of pure and hybrid (MMMs) zeolite membranes and evaluated the intensively cell adhesion, spreading and cell growth by adhesion test, MTT, optical microscopy analyses and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) microphotography analyses. Our results demonstrate that both cell lines adhered and grow on all zeolite surfaces and that both show better viability after Spread Bio-Oil treatments. All cell adhesions are a specific membrane-type and, in particular, MCF-7 cells interact and adhere preferentially on pure zeolite membranes. Cancer cells seem to recognize and prefer the characteristics of the supports according to the following trend: Co-ZSM-5 > Co-S-1 > 13X. Moreover, Co-ZSM-5 zeolite membranes were the best scaffolds and MDA-MB-231 cells after administration of Spread Bio-Oil showed less viability with respect to MCF-7 responding better to all concentrations of the innovative food. Our data indicate that Spread Bio-Oil decreases at very low concentration values (5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 µg/mL) cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The work confirms both the superiority of pure zeolite scaffolds for cultures of human normal and cancer cells and Spread Bio-Oil as an innovative food preserving all the beneficial and healthy properties of the extra virgin olive oil from which it derives.

A review of the cohorts with environmental and occupational mineral fiber exposure.

The aim of the study was to examine factors associated with Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) incidence rate of the groups with occupational asbestos and environmental asbestos or erionite exposure in rural area. In this ecological study, a total of 21 cohort datasets (8 environmental and 13 occupational) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a multiple linear regression analysis model. In environmental cohorts, the risk of MM incidence was higher in women and people exposed to erionite. In this cohort, the incidence rate of MM increased as the median exposure time increased, while the incidence decreased as the median cumulative exposure dose increased. In occupational cohorts, the incidence rate of MM was positively correlated with the median cumulative exposure dose. The risk of mesothelioma was lower in those exposed to tremolite than others. Environmental asbestos exposure is as important as occupational exposure to develop MM, and it has its own unique exposure features on the risk of MM.

A core-shell nanoparticle-peptide@metal-organic framework as pH and enzyme dual-recognition switch for stepwise-responsive imaging in living cells.

A core-shell nanostructure is fabricated with a pH-sensitive metal-organic framework shell and a peptide functionalized gold nanoparticle core via a mild synthetic route. The nanostructure can be applied as a dual-recognition switch in response to an acidic environment and enzyme activity, sequentially, leading to a stepwise-responsive strategy for imaging lysosomal cathepsin B.