Grouping of orally ingested silica nanomaterials via use of an integrated approach to testing and assessment to streamline risk assessment.

BACKGROUND: Nanomaterials can exist in different nanoforms (NFs). Their grouping may be supported by the formulation of hypotheses which can be interrogated via integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA). IATAs are decision trees that guide the user through tiered testing strategies (TTS) to collect the required evidence needed to accept or reject a grouping hypothesis. In the present paper, we investigated the applicability of IATAs for ingested NFs using a case study that includes different silicon dioxide, SiO2 NFs. Two oral grouping hypotheses addressing local and systemic toxicity were identified relevant for the grouping of these NFs and verified through the application of oral IATAs. Following different Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 in vitro methods of the TTS (i.e., in vitro dissolution, barrier integrity and inflammation assays), we generated the NF datasets. Furthermore, similarity algorithms (e.g., Bayesian method and Cluster analysis) were utilized to identify similarities among the NFs and establish a provisional group(s). The grouping based on Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 testing was analyzed in relation to available Tier 3 in vivo data in order to verify if the read-across was possible and therefore support a grouping decision. RESULTS: The measurement of the dissolution rate of the silica NFs in the oro-gastrointestinal tract and in the lysosome identified them as gradually dissolving and biopersistent NFs. For the local toxicity to intestinal epithelium (e.g. cytotoxicity, membrane integrity and inflammation), the biological results of the gastrointestinal tract models indicate that all of the silica NFs were similar with respect to the lack of local toxicity and, therefore, belong to the same group; in vivo data (although limited) confirmed the lack of local toxicity of NFs. For systemic toxicity, Tier 1 data did not identify similarity across the NFs, with results across different decision nodes being inconsistent in providing homogeneous group(s). Moreover, the available Tier 3 in vivo data were also insufficient to support decisions based upon the obtained in vitro results and relating to the toxicity of the tested NFs. CONCLUSIONS: The information generated by the tested oral IATAs can be effectively used for similarity assessment to support a grouping decision upon the application of a hypothesis related to toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract. The IATAs facilitated a structured data analysis and, by means of the expert's interpretation, supported read-across with the available in vivo data. The IATAs also supported the users in decision making, for example, reducing the testing when the grouping was well supported by the evidence and/or moving forward to advanced testing (e.g., the use of more suitable cellular models or chronic exposure) to improve the confidence level of the data and obtain more focused information.

Biotransformation and Biological Interaction of Graphene and Graphene Oxide during Simulated Oral Ingestion.

The biotransformation and biological impact of few layer graphene (FLG) and graphene oxide (GO) are studied, following ingestion as exposure route. An in vitro digestion assay based on a standardized operating procedure (SOP) is exploited. The assay simulates the human ingestion of nanomaterials during their dynamic passage through the different environments of the gastrointestinal tract (salivary, gastric, intestinal). Physical-chemical changes of FLG and GO during digestion are assessed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the effect of chronic exposure to digested nanomaterials on integrity and functionality of an in vitro model of intestinal barrier is also determined according to a second SOP. These results show a modulation of the aggregation state of FLG and GO nanoflakes after experiencing the complex environments of the different digestive compartments. In particular, chemical doping effects are observed due to FLG and GO interaction with digestive juice components. No structural changes/degradation of the nanomaterials are detected, suggesting that they are biopersistent when administered by oral route. Chronic exposure to digested graphene does not affect intestinal barrier integrity and is not associated with inflammation and cytotoxicity, though possible long-term adverse effects cannot be ruled out.

Relevance to investigate different stages of pregnancy to highlight toxic effects of nanoparticles: The example of silica.

Amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have been recognized as safe nanomaterial, hence their use in biomedical applications has been explored. Data, however, suggest potential toxicity of SiO2 NPs in pregnant individuals. However, no studies relating nanoparticle biokinetic/toxicity to the different gestational stages are currently available. In this respect, we have investigated the possible embryotoxic effects of three-size and two-surface functionalization SiO2NPs in mice. After intravenous administration of different concentrations at different stages of pregnancy, clinical and histopathological evaluations, performed close to parturition, did not show signs of maternal toxicity, nor effects on placental/fetal development, except for amino-functionalized 25 nm NPs. Biodistribution was studied by ICP-AES 24 h after administration, and demonstrates that all particles distributed to placenta and conceptuses/fetuses, although size, surface charge and gestational stage influenced biodistribution. Our data suggest the need of comprehensive toxicological studies, covering the entire gestation to reliably assess the safety of nanoparticle exposure during pregnancy.

The Essential Elements of a Risk Governance Framework for Current and Future Nanotechnologies.

Societies worldwide are investing considerable resources into the safe development and use of nanomaterials. Although each of these protective efforts is crucial for governing the risks of nanomaterials, they are insufficient in isolation. What is missing is a more integrative governance approach that goes beyond legislation. Development of this approach must be evidence based and involve key stakeholders to ensure acceptance by end users. The challenge is to develop a framework that coordinates the variety of actors involved in nanotechnology and civil society to facilitate consideration of the complex issues that occur in this rapidly evolving research and development area. Here, we propose three sets of essential elements required to generate an effective risk governance framework for nanomaterials. (1) Advanced tools to facilitate risk-based decision making, including an assessment of the needs of users regarding risk assessment, mitigation, and transfer. (2) An integrated model of predicted human behavior and decision making concerning nanomaterial risks. (3) Legal and other (nano-specific and general) regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and to stimulate proactive approaches to safety. The implementation of such an approach should facilitate and motivate good practice for the various stakeholders to allow the safe and sustainable future development of nanotechnology.

Negligible particle-specific toxicity mechanism of silver nanoparticles: the role of Ag+ ion release in the cytosol.

Toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is supported by many observations in literature, but no mechanism details have been proved yet. Here we confirm and quantify the toxic potential of fully characterized AgNPs in HeLa and A549 cells. Notably, through a specific fluorescent probe, we demonstrate the intracellular release of Ag(+) ions in living cells after nanoparticle internalization, showing that in-situ particle degradation is promoted by the acidic lysosomal environment. The activation of metallothioneins in response to AgNPs and the possibility to reverse the main toxic pathway by Ag(+) chelating agents demonstrate a cause/effect relationship between ions and cell death. We propose that endocytosed AgNPs are degraded in the lysosomes and the release of Ag(+) ions in the cytosol induces cell damages, while ions released in the cell culture medium play a negligible effect. These findings will be useful to develop safer-by-design nanoparticles and proper regulatory guidelines of AgNPs. From the clinical editor: The authors describe the toxic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in human cancer cell lines. Cell death following the application of AgNPs is dose-dependent, and it is mostly due to Ag+ ions. Further in vivo studies should be performed to gain a comprehensive picture of AgNP-toxicity in mammals.

ITS-NANO--prioritising nanosafety research to develop a stakeholder driven intelligent testing strategy.

BACKGROUND: To assess the risk of all nanomaterials (NMs) on a case-by-case basis is challenging in terms of financial, ethical and time resources. Instead a more intelligent approach to knowledge gain and risk assessment is required. METHODS: A framework of future research priorities was developed from the accorded opinion of experts covering all major stake holder groups (government, industry, academia, funders and NGOs). It recognises and stresses the major topics of physicochemical characterisation, exposure identification, hazard identification and modelling approaches as key components of the current and future risk assessment of NMs. RESULTS: The framework for future research has been developed from the opinions of over 80 stakeholders, that describes the research priorities for effective development of an intelligent testing strategy (ITS) to allow risk evaluation of NMs. In this context, an ITS is a process that allows the risks of NMs to be assessed accurately, effectively and efficiently, thereby reducing the need to test NMs on a case-by-case basis.For each of the major topics of physicochemical characterisation, exposure identification, hazard identification and modelling, key-priority research areas are described via a series of stepping stones, or hexagon diagrams structured into a time perspective. Importantly, this framework is flexible, allowing individual stakeholders to identify where their own activities and expertise are positioned within the prioritisation pathway and furthermore to identify how they can effectively contribute and structure their work accordingly. In other words, the prioritisation hexagon diagrams provide a tool that individual stakeholders can adapt to meet their own particular needs and to deliver an ITS for NMs risk assessment. Such an approach would, over time, reduce the need for testing by increasing the reliability and sophistication of in silico approaches.The manuscript includes an appraisal of how this framework relates to the current risk assessment approaches and how future risk assessment could adapt to accommodate these new approaches. A full report is available in electronic format (pdf) at http://www.nano.hw.ac.uk/research-projects/itsnano.html. CONCLUSION: ITS-NANO has delivered a detailed, stakeholder driven and flexible research prioritisation (or strategy) tool, which identifies specific research needs, suggests connections between areas, and frames this in a time-perspective.

Critical aspects in dissolution testing of nanomaterials in the oro-gastrointestinal tract: the relevance of juice composition for hazard identification and grouping.

The dissolution of a nanomaterial (NM) in an in vitro simulant of the oro-gastrointestinal (OGI) tract is an important predictor of its biodurability in vivo. The cascade addition of simulated digestive juices (saliva, stomach and intestine), including inorganic/organic biomacromolecules and digestive enzymes (complete composition, referred to as "Type 1 formulation"), strives for realistic representation of chemical composition of the OGI tract. However, the data robustness requires consideration of analytical feasibility, such as the use of simplified media. Here we present a systematic analysis of the effects exerted by different digestive juice formulations on the dissolution% (or half-life values) of benchmark NMs (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, and silicon dioxide). The digestive juices were progressively simplified by removal of components such as organic molecules, enzymes, and inorganic molecules (Type 2, 3 and 4). The results indicate that the "Type 1 formulation" augments the dissolution via sequestration of ions by measurable factors compared to formulations without enzymes (i.e., Type 3 and 4). Type 1 formulation is thus regarded as a preferable option for predicting NM biodurability for hazard assessment. However, for grouping purposes, the relative similarity among diverse nanoforms (NFs) of a NM is decisive. Two similarity algorithms were applied, and additional case studies comprising NFs and non NFs of the same substance were included. The results support the grouping decision by simplified formulation (Type 3) as a robust method for screening and grouping purposes.

Cell Cultures at the Air-Liquid Interface and Their Application in Cancer Research.

Air-liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures are considered a valid tool for the replacement of animals in biomedical research. By mimicking crucial features of the human in vivo epithelial barriers (e.g., lung, intestine, and skin), ALI cell cultures enable proper structural architectures and differentiated functions of normal and diseased tissue barriers. Thereby, ALI models realistically resemble tissue conditions and provide in vivo-like responses. Since their implementation, they are routinely used in several applications, from toxicity testing to cancer research, receiving an appreciable level of acceptance (in some cases a regulatory acceptance) as attractive testing alternatives to animals. In this chapter, an overview of the ALI cell cultures will be presented together with their application in cancer cell culture, highlighting the potential advantages and disadvantages of the model.

How to formulate hypotheses and IATAs to support grouping and read-across of nanoforms.

Manufacturing and functionalizing materials at the nanoscale has led to the generation of a whole array of nanoforms (NFs) of substances varying in size, morphology, and surface characteristics. Due to financial, time, and ethical considerations, testing every unique NF for adverse effects is virtually impossible. Use of hypothesis-driven grouping and read-across approaches, as supported by the GRACIOUS Framework, represents a promising alternative to case-by-case testing that will make the risk assessment process more efficient. Through application of appropriate grouping hypotheses, the Framework facilitates the assessment of similarity between NFs, thereby supporting grouping and read-across of information, minimizing the need for new testing, and aligning with the 3R principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animals in toxicology studies. For each grouping hypothesis an integrated approach to testing and assessment (IATA) guides the user in data gathering and acquisition to test the hypothesis, following a structured format to facilitate efficient decision-making. Here we present the template used to generate the GRACIOUS grouping hypotheses encompassing information relevant to "Lifecycle, environmental release, and human exposure", "What they are: physicochemical characteristics", "Where they go: environmental fate, uptake, and toxicokinetics", and "What they do: human and environmental toxicity". A summary of the template-derived hypotheses focusing on human health is provided, along with an overview of the IATAs generated by the GRACIOUS project. We discuss the application and flexibility of the template, providing the opportunity to expand the application of grouping and read-across in a logical, evidence-based manner to a wider range of NFs and substances.

Mutagenic effects of gold nanoparticles induce aberrant phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster.

The peculiar physical/chemical characteristics of engineered nanomaterials have led to a rapid increase of nanotechnology-based applications in many fields. However, before exploiting their huge and wide potential, it is necessary to assess their effects upon interaction with living systems. In this context, the screening of nanomaterials to evaluate their possible toxicity and understand the underlying mechanisms currently represents a crucial opportunity to prevent severe harmful effects in the next future. In this work we show the in vivo toxicity of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in Drosophila melanogaster, highlighting significant genotoxic effects and, thus, revealing an unsettling aspect of the long-term outcome of the exposure to this nanomaterial. After the treatment with Au NPs, we observed dramatic phenotypic modifications in the subsequent generations of Drosophila, demonstrating their capability to induce mutagenic effects that may be transmitted to the descendants. Noteworthy, we were able to obtain the first nanomaterial-mutated organism, named NM-mut. Although these results sound alarming, they underline the importance of systematic and reliable toxicology characterizations of nanomaterials and the necessity of significant efforts by the nanoscience community in designing and testing suitable nanoscale surface engineering/coating to develop biocompatible nanomaterials with no hazardous effects for human health and environment. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: While the clinical application of nanomedicine is still in its infancy, the rapid evolution of this field will undoubtedly result in a growing number of clinical trials and eventually in human applications. The interactions of nanoparticles with living organisms determine their toxicity and long-term safety, which must be properly understood prior to large-scale applications are considered. The paper by Dr. Pompa's team is the first ever demonstration of mutagenesis resulting in clearly observable phenotypic alterations and the generation of nano-mutants as a result of exposure to citrate-surfaced gold nanoparticles in drosophila. These groundbreaking results are alarming, but represent a true milestone in nanomedicine and serve as a a reminder and warning about the critical importance of "safety first" in biomedical science.

Integrated approaches to testing and assessment for grouping nanomaterials following dermal exposure.

Exposure to different nanoforms (NFs) via the dermal route is expected in occupational and consumer settings and thus it is important to assess their dermal toxicity and the contribution of dermal exposure to systemic bioavailability. We have formulated four grouping hypotheses for dermal toxicity endpoints which allow NFs to be grouped to streamline and facilitate risk assessment. The grouping hypotheses are developed based on insight into how physicochemical properties of NFs (i.e. composition, dissolution kinetics, size, and flexibility) influence their fate and hazard following dermal exposure. Each hypothesis is accompanied by a tailored Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) that is structured as a decision tree and tiered testing strategies (TTS) for each relevant question (at decision nodes) that indicate what information is needed to guide the user to accept or reject the grouping hypothesis. To develop these hypotheses and IATAs, we gathered and analyzed existing information on skin irritation, skin sensitization, and dermal penetration of NFs from the published literature and performed experimental work to generate data on NF dissolution in sweat simulant fluids. We investigated the dissolution of zinc oxide and silicon dioxide NFs in different artificial sweat fluids, demonstrating the importance of using physiologically relevant conditions for dermal exposure. All existing and generated data informed the formulation of the grouping hypotheses, the IATAs, and the design of the TTS. It is expected that the presented IATAs will accelerate the NF risk assessment for dermal toxicity via the application of read-across.

A follow-up study on workers involved in the graphene production process after the introduction of exposure mitigation measures: evaluation of genotoxic and oxidative effects.

During nanomaterial (NM) production, workers could be exposed, particularly by inhalation, to NMs and other chemicals used in the synthesis process, so it is important to have suitable biomarkers to monitor potential toxic effects. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduction of exposure mitigation measures on workers unintentionally exposed to graphene co-pollutants during production process monitoring the presumable reduction of workplace NM contamination and of early genotoxic and oxidative effects previously found on these workers. We used Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay and Fpg-comet test, resulted the most sensitive biomarkers on our first biomonitoring work, to measure the genotoxic effects. We also detected urinary oxidized nucleic acid bases 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodGuo to evaluate oxidative damage. The genotoxic and oxidative effects were assessed on the same graphene workers (N = 6) previously studied, comparing the results with those found in the first biomonitoring and with the control group (N = 11). This was achieved 6 months after the installation of a special filter hood (where to perform the phases at higher risk of NM emission) and the improvement of environmental and personal protective equipment. Particle number concentration decreased after the mitigation measures. We observed reduction of Micronucleus (MN) frequency and oxidative DNA damage and increase of 8-oxodGuo excretion compared to the first biomonitoring. These results, although limited by the small subject number, showed the efficacy of adopted exposure mitigation measures and the suitability of used sensitive and noninvasive biomarkers to bio-monitor over time workers involved in graphene production process.

An integrated approach to testing and assessment of high aspect ratio nanomaterials and its application for grouping based on a common mesothelioma hazard.

Here we describe the development of an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) to support the grouping of different types (nanoforms; NFs) of High Aspect Ratio Nanomaterials (HARNs), based on their potential to cause mesothelioma. Hazards posed by the inhalation of HARNs are of particular concern as they exhibit physical characteristics similar to pathogenic asbestos fibres. The approach for grouping HARNs presented here is part of a framework to provide guidance and tools to group similar NFs and aims to reduce the need to assess toxicity on a case-by-case basis. The approach to grouping is hypothesis-driven, in which the hypothesis is based on scientific evidence linking critical physicochemical descriptors for NFs to defined fate/toxicokinetic and hazard outcomes. The HARN IATA prompts users to address relevant questions (at decision nodes; DNs) regarding the morphology, biopersistence and inflammatory potential of the HARNs under investigation to provide the necessary evidence to accept or reject the grouping hypothesis. Each DN in the IATA is addressed in a tiered manner, using data from simple in vitro or in silico methods in the lowest tier or from in vivo approaches in the highest tier. For these proposed methods we provide justification for the critical descriptors and thresholds that allow grouping decisions to be made. Application of the IATA allows the user to selectively identify HARNs which may pose a mesothelioma hazard, as demonstrated through a literature-based case study. By promoting the use of alternative, non-rodent approaches such as in silico modelling, in vitro and cell-free tests in the initial tiers, the IATA testing strategy streamlines information gathering at all stages of innovation through to regulatory risk assessment while reducing the ethical, time and economic burden of testing.

Occupational exposure to graphene and silica nanoparticles. Part II: pilot study to identify a panel of sensitive biomarkers of genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory effects on suitable biological matrices.

The available biomonitoring studies on workers producing/handling nanomaterials (NMs) focused on potential effects on respiratory, immune and cardio-vascular system. Aim of this study was to identify a panel of sensitive biomarkers and suitable biological matrices to evaluate particularly genotoxic and oxidative effects induced on workers unintentionally exposed to graphene or silica nanoparticles during the production process. These nanomaterials have been chosen for 'NanoKey' project, integrating the workplace exposure assessment (reported in part I) with the biomonitoring of exposed workers reported in the present work. Simultaneously to workplace exposure characterization, we monitored the workers using: Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay, fpg-comet test (lymphocytes), oxidized DNA bases 8-oxoGua, 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodGuo measurements (urine), analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), FENO measurement and cytokines release detection (serum). Since buccal cells are among the main targets of NM occupational exposure, particular attention was posed to the BMCyt assay that represents a noninvasive assay. This pilot study, performed on 12 workers vs.11 controls, demonstrates that BMCyt and fpg-comet assays are the most sensitive biomarkers of early, still reparable, genotoxic and oxidative effects. The findings suggest that these biomarkers could represent useful tools for the biomonitoring of workers exposed to nanoparticles, but they need to be confirmed on a high number of subjects. However, such biomarkers don't discriminate the effects of NM from those due to other chemicals used in the NM production process. Therefore, they could be suitable for the biomonitoring of workers exposed to complex scenario, including nanoparticles exposure.

Biotransformation of Silver Nanoparticles into Oro-Gastrointestinal Tract by Integrated In Vitro Testing Assay: Generation of Exposure-Dependent Physical Descriptors for Nanomaterial Grouping.

Grouping approaches of nanomaterials have the potential to facilitate high throughput and cost effective nanomaterial screening. However, an effective grouping of nanomaterials hinges on the application of suitable physicochemical descriptors to identify similarities. To address the problem, we developed an integrated testing approach coupling acellular and cellular phases, to study the full life cycle of ingested silver nanoparticles (NPs) and silver salts in the oro-gastrointestinal (OGI) tract including their impact on cellular uptake and integrity. This approach enables the derivation of exposure-dependent physical descriptors (EDPDs) upon biotransformation of undigested nanoparticles, digested nanoparticles and digested silver salts. These descriptors are identified in: size, crystallinity, chemistry of the core material, dissolution, high and low molecular weight Ag-biomolecule soluble complexes, and are compared in terms of similarities in a grouping hypothesis. Experimental results indicate that digested silver nanoparticles are neither similar to pristine nanoparticles nor completely similar to digested silver salts, due to the presence of different chemical nanoforms (silver and silver chloride nanocrystals), which were characterized in terms of their interactions with the digestive matrices. Interestingly, the cellular responses observed in the cellular phase of the integrated assay (uptake and inflammation) are also similar for the digested samples, clearly indicating a possible role of the soluble fraction of silver complexes. This study highlights the importance of quantifying exposure-related physical descriptors to advance grouping of NPs based on structural similarities.

Grouping Hypotheses and an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment of Nanomaterials Following Oral Ingestion.

The risk assessment of ingested nanomaterials (NMs) is an important issue. Here we present nine integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATAs) to group ingested NMs following predefined hypotheses. The IATAs are structured as decision trees and tiered testing strategies for each decision node to support a grouping decision. Implications (e.g., regulatory or precautionary) per group are indicated. IATAs integrate information on durability and biopersistence (dissolution kinetics) to specific hazard endpoints, e.g., inflammation and genotoxicity, which are possibly indicative of toxicity. Based on IATAs, groups of similar nanoforms (NFs) of a NM can be formed, such as very slow dissolving, highly biopersistent and systemically toxic NFs. Reference NMs (ZnO, SiO2 and TiO2) along with related NFs are applied as case studies to testing the oral IATAs. Results based on the Tier 1 level suggest a hierarchy of biodurability and biopersistence of TiO2 > SiO2 > ZnO, and are confirmed by in vivo data (Tier 3 level). Interestingly, our analysis suggests that TiO2 and SiO2 NFs are able to induce both local and systemic toxicity along with microbiota dysbiosis and can be grouped according to the tested fate and hazard descriptors. This supports that the decision nodes of the oral IATAs are suitable for classification and assessment of the toxicity of NFs.

An integrated and multi-technique approach to characterize airborne graphene flakes in the workplace during production phases.

Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern and its unique and amazing properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications ranging from electronic devices to food packaging. However, the biocompatibility of graphene is dependent on the complex interplay of its several physical and chemical properties. The main aim of the present study is to highlight the importance of integrating different characterization techniques to describe the potential release of airborne graphene flakes in a graphene processing and production research laboratory. Specifically, the production and processing (i.e., drying) of few-layer graphene (FLG) through liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite are analysed by integrated characterization techniques. For this purpose, the exposure measurement strategy was based on the multi-metric tiered approach proposed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) via integrating high-frequency real-time measurements and personal sampling. Particle number concentration, average diameter and lung deposition surface area time series acquired in the worker's personal breathing zone (PBZ) were compared simultaneously to background measurements, showing the potential release of FLG. Then, electron microscopy techniques and Raman spectroscopy were applied to characterize particles collected by personal inertial impactors to investigate the morphology, chemical composition and crystal structure of rare airborne graphene flakes. The gathered information provides a valuable basis for improving risk management strategies in research and industrial laboratories.

Charge transport and intrinsic fluorescence in amyloid-like fibrils.

The self-assembly of polypeptides into stable, conductive, and intrinsically fluorescent biomolecular nanowires is reported. We have studied the morphology and electrical conduction of fibrils made of an elastin-related polypeptide, poly(ValGlyGlyLeuGly). These amyloid-like nanofibrils, with a diameter ranging from 20 to 250 nm, result from self-assembly in aqueous solution at neutral pH. Their morphological properties and conductivity have been investigated by atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and two-terminal transport experiments at the micro- and nanoscales. We demonstrate that the nanofibrils can sustain significant electrical conduction in the solid state at ambient conditions and have remarkable stability. We also show intrinsic blue-green fluorescence of the nanofibrils by confocal microscopy analyses. These results indicate that direct (label-free) excitation can be used to investigate the aggregation state or the polymorphism of amyloid-like fibrils (and possibly of other proteinaceous material) and open up interesting perspectives for the use of peptide-based nanowire structures, with tunable physical and chemical properties, for a wide range of nanobiotechnological and bioelectronic applications.

A Human-Relevant 3D In Vitro Platform for an Effective and Rapid Simulation of Workplace Exposure to Nanoparticles: Silica Nanoparticles as Case Study.

In this contribution, we show the suitability of a 3D airway model, when coupled with a nebulizer system, for simulating workplace exposure to nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, workplace exposure to silica nanoparticles was experimentally measured in an occupational facility where nanoparticles are produced weekly, and compared with the official limit value for bulk silica materials. These values of potential exposure were simulated in a 3D airway model by nebulizing low doses (from 0.90 to 55 µg/cm2) of silica nanoparticles over a prolonged period (12 weeks of repeated exposure, 5 days per week). Overall, the results suggest the efficiency of the defense mechanisms of the respiratory system and the clearance of the breathed silica nanoparticles by the mucociliary apparatus in accordance with the recent in vivo data. This in vitro platform shows that the doses tested may correlate with the occupational exposure limit values. Such relationship could provide regulatory-oriented data useful for risk classification of nanomaterials.

Occupational exposure to graphene and silica nanoparticles. Part I: workplace measurements and samplings.

Few-Layers Graphene (FLG) are able to improve the performance of materials, due to their chemical-physical properties. Engineered amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are among the most widespread nanomaterials (NMs) in the world. Such nanomaterials are two case studies of the research project 'NanoKey' that integrated the exposure assessment through personal measurements and sampling in the workplace, as described in the present work (part I), with the biomonitoring of exposed workers (reported in part II). Measurement campaigns were conducted according to OECD and WHO harmonized approach in two production sites. The set of instruments included real-time devices for high-resolution measurements at the nanoscale and time-integrated samplers for the off-line gravimetric analysis and chemical and morphological (SEM-EDS) characterization of exposure in order to identify the contribution of production compared to the background. Values of particle number concentration (PNC) and lung deposited surface area (LDSA) within the FLG production resulted higher than the background far field (FF), even if they are always similar to the near field (NF) ones: the average diameter (Davg) during the production was higher than the NF background but always lower than the FF values. SEM-EDS analysis highlighted the presence of structures comparable to those produced. During the SiO2NPs production, the PBZ values showed PNC and LDSA levels higher than the background, with a decrease in the Davg probably due to NPs emission. SEM-EDS confirms the presence of rare silica nanoparticles. Since the exposure to airborne NMs cannot be excluded in both production sites, a prevention-through-design approach to mitigate the potential risk for workers has been recommended.