Inhalation Toxicology of Manufactured Nanomaterials

Sponsor: Via Foundation

PI: Linsey Marr (Virginia Tech); Beverly Rzigalinski (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine); M.R. Prater (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine)

A wide variety of nanomaterials are being produced at industrial facilities around the world. Unfortunately, little is known about the potential health effects associated with exposure to these materials. Recent reports have suggested that some types of nanomaterials may cause adverse effects, while other types of nanomaterials may improve cell integrity. No reported studies have investigated the health effects of manufactured nanomaterials inhaled at concentrations typical of those within manufacturing facilities or at the lower levels found in ambient air.

This research focuses on the three types of manufactured nanomaterials shown in Figure 1: (1) cerium oxide, (2) trimetallic nitride template endohedral metallofullerenes (TNT EMFs), and (3) carbon nanotubes.

Figure 1. Engineered nanomaterials under investigation. a) cerium oxide nanoparticles (image from http://www.nanophase.com/images/upload/items/NAS-Cerium-Oxide-full-image.jpg), b) TNT EMFs (image from http://www.lunananoworks.com/products/
trimetaspheres.asp), and c) carbon nanotubes (image from www.physics.purdue.edu
/nanophys/ experiments.html).

IIn this collaborative effort, the toxiciologic effects of each type of nanomaterial are being evaluated by examining their biodistribution in vivo after exposure to aerosolized nanomaterials. In vitro studies are being conducted in parallel to assess stress responses to nanomaterial exposure. Within the Vikesland lab, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is being used to characterize nanoparticle association, uptake, and distribution within cultured lung cells.