Systematic evaluation of nanomaterial toxicity: utility of standardized materials and rapid assays.

TitleSystematic evaluation of nanomaterial toxicity: utility of standardized materials and rapid assays.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsHarper, SL, Carriere, JLee, Miller, JM, Hutchison, JEvan, Maddux, BLS, Tanguay, RL
JournalACS Nano
Volume5
Issue6
Pagination4688-97
Date Published2011 Jun 28
ISSN1936-086X
KeywordsAnimals, Biocompatible Materials, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Gold, Humans, Ligands, Metal Nanoparticles, Models, Chemical, Nanostructures, Nanotechnology, Surface Properties, Zebrafish
Abstract

The challenge of optimizing both performance and safety in nanomaterials hinges on our ability to resolve which structural features lead to desired properties. It has been difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about biological impacts from many studies of nanomaterials due to the lack of nanomaterial characterization, unknown purity, and/or alteration of the nanomaterials by the biological environment. To investigate the relative influence of core size, surface chemistry, and charge on nanomaterial toxicity, we tested the biological response of whole animals exposed to a matrix of nine structurally diverse, precision-engineered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of high purity and known composition. Members of the matrix include three core sizes and four unique surface coatings that include positively and negatively charged headgroups. Mortality, malformations, uptake, and elimination of AuNPs were all dependent on these parameters, showing the need for tightly controlled experimental design and nanomaterial characterization. Results presented herein illustrate the value of an integrated approach to identify design rules that minimize potential hazard.

DOI10.1021/nn200546k
Alternate JournalACS Nano
PubMed ID21609003
PubMed Central IDPMC3124923
Grant ListP30 ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
R01 ES016896 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
ES016896 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P3000210 / / PHS HHS / United States