Nanoliposomal Delivery of MicroRNA-203 Suppresses Migration of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer through Distinct Target Suppression

Triple-negative breast cancers affect thousands of women in the United States and disproportionately drive mortality from breast cancer. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by inhibiting target mRNA translation or by promoting mRNA degradation. We have identified that miRNA-203, silenced by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is a tumor suppressor and can promote differentiation of breast cancer stem cells. In this study, we tested the ability of liposomal delivery of miR-203 to reverse aspects of breast cancer pathogenesis using breast cancer and EMT cell lines. We show that translationally relevant methods for increasing miR-203 abundance within a target tissue affects cellular properties associated with cancer progression. While stable miR-203 expression suppresses LASP1 and survivin, nanoliposomal delivery suppresses BMI1, indicating that suppression of distinct mRNA target profiles can lead to loss of cancer cell migration.

Are Honey Bees at Risk from Microplastics?

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and persistent pollutants, and have been detected in a wide variety of media, from soils to aquatic systems. MPs, consisting primarily of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylamide polymers, have recently been found in 12% of samples of honey collected in Ecuador. Recently, MPs have also been identified in honey bees collected from apiaries in Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as nearby semiurban and rural areas. Given these documented exposures, assessment of their effects is critical for understanding the risks of MP exposure to honey bees. Exposure to polystyrene (PS)-MPs decreased diversity of the honey bee gut microbiota, followed by changes in gene expression related to oxidative damage, detoxification, and immunity. As a result, the aim of this perspective was to investigate whether wide-spread prevalence of MPs might have unintended negative effects on health and fitness of honey bees, as well as to draw the scientific community’s attention to the possible risks of MPs to the fitness of honey bees. Several research questions must be answered before MPs can be considered a potential threat to bees.

Fluorescently Labeled Cellulose Nanofibers for Environmental Health and Safety Studies

An optimal methodology for locating and tracking cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) in vitro and in vivo is crucial to evaluate the environmental health and safety properties of these nanomaterials. Here, we report the use of a new boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) reactive fluorescent probe, meso-DichlorotriazineEthyl BODIPY (mDTEB), tailor-made for labeling CNFs used in simulated or in vivo ingestion exposure studies. Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was used to confirm covalent attachment and purity of mDTEB-labeled CNFs. The photoluminescence properties of mDTEB-labeled CNFs, characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy, include excellent stability over a wide pH range (pH2 to pH10) and high quantum yield, which provides detection at low (μM) concentrations. FLIM analysis also showed that lignin-like impurities present on the CNF reduce the fluorescence of the mDTEB-labeled CNF, via quenching. Therefore, the chemical composition and the methods of CNF production affect subsequent studies. An in vitro triculture, small intestinal, epithelial model was used to assess the toxicity of ingested mDTEB-labeled CNFs. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to assess in vivo environmental toxicity studies. No cytotoxicity was observed for CNFs, or mDTEB-labeled CNFs, either in the triculture cells or in the zebrafish embryos.

Physical, chemical, and toxicological characterization of sulfated cellulose nanocrystals for food-related applications using in vivo and in vitro strategies

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a next-generation cellulose product with many unique properties including applications in the food industry as a food additive, food coating, and in food-contact packaging material. While CNC is anticipated to be safe due to its similarity to the many forms of cellulose currently used as food additives, special consideration is given to it as it is the first manufactured form of cellulose that is nanoscale in both length and width. A proactive approach to safety has been adopted by manufacturers to demonstrate CNC safety toward responsible commercialization. As part of the safety demonstration, in vivo and in vitro testing strategies were commissioned side-by-side with conventional cellulose, which has been safely used in food for decades. Testing included a 90-day rodent feeding study as well as additional physical, chemical, and biological studies in vitro that follow European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance to demonstrate the safe use of novel food ingredients. The strategy includes assessment of neat materials side-by-side with simulated digestion, mimicking conditions that occur along the gastrointestinal tract as well as intracellularly. An intestinal co-culture model examined any potential toxicological effects from exposure to either pristine or digested forms of CNC including cytotoxicity, metabolic activity, membrane permeability, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory responses. None of the studies demonstrated any toxicity via oral or simulated oral exposure. These studies demonstrate that CNC produced by InnoTech Alberta is similarly safe by ingestion as conventional cellulose with a no-observed-adverse-effect level of 2085.3 (males) and 2682.8 (females) mg/kg/day.

Addition of lemon before boiling chlorinated tap water: A strategy to control halogenated disinfection byproducts

Chlorine disinfection is required to inactivate pathogens in drinking water, but it inevitably generates potentially toxic halogenated disinfection byproducts (halo-DBPs). A previous study has reported that the addition of ascorbate to tap water before boiling could significantly decrease the concentration of overall halo-DBPs in the boiled water. Since the fruit lemon is rich in vitamin C (i.e., ascorbic acid), adding it to tap water followed by heating and boiling in an effort to decrease levels of halo-DBPs was investigated in this study. We examined three approaches that produce lemon water: (i) adding lemon to tap water at room temperature, termed "Lemon"; (ii) adding lemon to boiled tap water (at 100 °C) and then cooling to room temperature, termed "Boiling + Lemon"; and (iii) adding lemon to tap water then boiling and cooling to room temperature, termed "Lemon + Boiling". The concentrations of total and individual halo-DBPs in the resultant water samples were quantified with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and the cytotoxicity of DBP mixtures extracted from the water samples was evaluated using human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells and hepatoma HepG2 cells. Our results show that the "Lemon + Boiling" approach substantially decreased the concentrations of halo-DBPs and the cytotoxicity of tap water. This strategy could be applied to control halo-DBPs, as well as to lower the adverse health effects of halo-DBPs on humans through tap water ingestion.

Ferrate(VI) pretreatment of water containing natural organic matter, bromide, and iodide: A potential strategy to control soluble lead release from PbO2(s)

Lead dioxide (PbO₂(s)) is a corrosion product of lead-containing plumbing materials in water distribution pipelines. The presence of reductants in water could cause the release of soluble lead (mainly Pb(II)) from PbO₂(s). Lead in drinking water is detrimental to public health. This paper presents the first application of ferrate (Fe^VIO₄^2-, Fe(VI)) to decreasing the generation of soluble lead in water containing PbO₂(s) and common reducing constituents (e.g., natural organic matter (NOM), iodide (I^-), and bromide (Br^-)) at different pH conditions (i.e., 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0). The released soluble lead from PbO₂(s) was found to be dominantly controlled by NOM in water, via the redox dissolution of PbO₂(s) and the reduction of PbO₂(s) by reducing moieties of NOM. The feasibility of both processes increased when pH decreased. The I^- and Br^- in water played minor roles in generating soluble lead. Fe(VI) reacted with reducing functional groups of NOM, as determined by ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Water pretreatment with Fe(VI) inhibited the reaction of NOM with PbO₂(s) and therefore, caused lower soluble lead concentrations compared to water samples without Fe(VI) treatment. This study indicates that Fe(VI) pretreatment is a potential approach to controlling soluble lead in drinking water.

Differential Cytotoxicity of Haloaromatic Disinfection Byproducts and Lead Co-exposures against Human Intestinal and Neuronal Cells

Disinfecting drinking water with chlorine inadvertently generates disinfection byproducts (DBPs) which can cause potential adverse health effects to humans. Haloaromatic DBPs are a group of emerging DBPs recently identified, suspected to be substantially more toxic than haloaliphatic DBPs but have not been extensively studied. Simultaneously, service pipelines made of lead materials are widely used in water distribution systems and become a source of dissolved lead (Pb) in tap water. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of nine haloaromatic DBPs and lead ion (Pb²⁺), both separately as well as in combination, to human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Results show that the cytotoxicity of the DBPs against Caco-2 cells followed the descending rank order of 2,4,6-triiodophenol ≅ 2,5-dibromohydroquinone > 2,4,6-tribromophenol > 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde ≅ 2,4,6-trichlorophenol > 4-chlorophenol ≅ 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid > 2,6-dichlorophenol >5-chlorosalicylic acid, and the cytotoxicity of the DBPs against SH-SY5Y cells followed a similar rank order, 2,4,6-triiodophenol ≅ 2,5-dibromohydroquinone > 2,4,6-tribromophenol > 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde ≅ 2,4,6-trichlorophenol > 4-chlorophenol > 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid > 2,6-dichlorophenol ≅ 5-chlorosalicylic acid. Lead in water did not change the toxicity of 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (to either cell-type) or the toxicity of 4-chlorophenol (to the neuronal cell-type); but Pb²⁺ exhibited different degrees of synergistic effects with other tested DBPs. The synergism resulted in different rank orders of cytotoxicity against both intestinal and neuronal cells. These data indicate that future prioritization and regulation of emerging haloaromatic DBPs in drinking water should be considered in terms of their own toxicity and combinatorial effects with lead in water.

Effects of ascorbate and carbonate on the conversion and developmental toxicity of halogenated disinfection byproducts during boiling of tap water

Chlorine disinfection inactivates pathogens in drinking water, but meanwhile it causes the formation of halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which may induce adverse health effects. Humans are unavoidably exposed to halogenated DBPs via tap water ingestion. Boiling of tap water has been found to significantly reduce the concentrations of halogenated DBPs. In this study, we found that compared with boiling only, adding ascorbate (vitamin C) or carbonate (baking soda) to tap water and then boiling the water further reduced the level of total organic halogen (a collective parameter for all halogenated DBPs) by up to 36% or 28%, respectively. Adding ascorbate removed the chlorine residual in tap water and thus prevented the formation of more halogenated DBPs in the boiling process. Adding carbonate elevated pH of tap water and consequently enhanced the hydrolysis (dehalogenation) of halogenated DBPs or led to the formation of more trihalomethanes that might volatilize to air during the boiling process. The comparative developmental toxicity of the DBP mixtures in the water samples was also evaluated. The results showed that adding a tiny amount of sodium ascorbate or carbonate (2.5-5.0 mg/L) to tap water followed by boiling for 5 min reduced the developmental toxicity of tap water to a substantially lower level than boiling only. The addition of sodium ascorbate or carbonate to tap water in household could be realized by preparing them in tiny pills. This study suggests simple and effective methods to reduce the adverse effects of halogenated DBPs on humans through tap water ingestion.

Physical, chemical, and toxicological characterization of fibrillated forms of cellulose using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and co-culture model

Fibrillated cellulose is a next-generation material in development for a variety of applications, including use in food and food-contact materials. An alternative testing strategy including simulated digestion was developed to compare the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of seven different types of fibrillated cellulose, following European Food Safety Authority guidance. Fibrillated forms were compared to a conventional form of cellulose which has been used in food for over 85 years and has Generally Recognized as safe regulatory status in the USA. The physical and chemical characterization of fibrillated celluloses demonstrate that these materials are similar physically and chemically, which composed of the same fundamental molecular structure and exhibit similar morphology, size, size distribution, surface charge, and low levels of impurities. Simulated gastrointestinal and lysosomal digestions demonstrate that these physical and chemical similarities remain following exposure to conditions that mimic the gastrointestinal tract or intracellular lysosomes. A toxicological investigation with an advanced intestinal co-culture model found that exposure to each of the fibrillated and conventional forms of cellulose, in either the pristine or digested form at 0.4% by weight, showed no adverse toxicological effects including cytotoxicity, barrier integrity, oxidative stress, or inflammation. The results demonstrate the physical, chemical, and biological similarities of these materials and provide substantive evidence to support their grouping and ability to read-across data as part of a food safety demonstration.

Ferrate(VI) pretreatment before disinfection: An effective approach to controlling unsaturated and aromatic halo-disinfection byproducts in chlorinated and chloraminated drinking waters

Disinfection is an essential process of drinking water treatment to eliminate harmful pathogens, but it generates potentially toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Ferrate (FeO₄^2-, Fe(VI)) was used to pre-oxidize natural organic matter (NOM, the precursor of DBPs) in source water to control DBP formation in subsequent chlorine or chloramine disinfection. Currently, it is unclear how Fe(VI) changes the structure of NOM, and no information details the effect of Fe(VI) pretreatment on the aromatic DBPs or the speciation of overall DBPs generated in subsequent disinfection of drinking water. In the present paper, Fe(VI) was applied to pretreat simulated source water samples at a Fe(VI) to dissolved organic carbon mole ratio of 1:1 at pH 8.0. ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was newly employed to characterize NOM in simulated source waters with and without Fe(VI) treatment, and it was demonstrated that Fe(VI) converted unsaturated aromatic C functional groups in NOM to saturated aliphatic ones. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and high performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole MS were applied to analyze the DBPs generated in chlorination and chloramination of the source waters with and without Fe(VI) pretreatment. It was confirmed that Fe(VI) pretreatment followed by chlorination (or chloramination), generated DBPs containing less unsaturated, halogenated, and aromatic moieties than chlorination (or chloramination) without pretreatment by Fe(VI). Finally, the cytotoxicity of disinfected drinking water samples were assessed with the human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line (a model of the intestinal barrier for ingested toxicants), and the results show that Fe(VI) pretreatment detoxified the chlorinated and chloraminated drinking waters.

Immune response of human cultured cells towards macrocyclic Fe2PO and Fe2PC bioactive cyclophane complexes

Synthetic molecules that mimic the function of natural enzymes or molecules have untapped potential for use in the next generation of drugs. Cyclic compounds that contain aromatic rings are macrocyclic cyclophanes, and when they coordinate iron ions are of particular interest due to their antioxidant and biomimetic properties. However, little is known about the molecular responses at the cellular level. This study aims to evaluate the changes in immune gene expression in human cells exposed to the cyclophanes Fe₂PO and Fe₂PC. Confluent human embryonic kidney cells were exposed to either the cyclophane Fe₂PO or Fe₂PC before extraction of RNA. The expression of a panel of innate and adaptive immune genes was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Evidence was found for an inflammatory response elicited by the cyclophane exposures. After 8 h of exposure, the cells increased the relative expression of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 1; IRAK, which transduces signals between interleukin 1 receptors and the NFκB pathway; and the LPS pattern recognition receptor CD14. After 24 h of exposure, regulatory genes begin to counter the inflammation, as some genes involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis and non-inflammatory immune responses come into play. Both Fe₂PO and Fe₂PC induced similar immunogenetic changes in transcription profiles, but equal molar doses of Fe₂PC resulted in more robust responses. These data suggest that further work in whole animal models may provide more insights into the extent of systemic physiological changes induced by these cyclophanes.

A 90-day dietary study with fibrillated cellulose in Sprague-Dawley rats

Novel forms of fibrillated cellulose offer improved attributes for use in foods. Conventional cellulose and many of its derivatives are already widely used as food additives and are authorized as safe for use in foods in many countries. However, novel forms have not yet been thoroughly investigated using standardized testing methods. This study assesses the 90-day dietary toxicity of fibrillated cellulose, as compared to a conventional cellulose, Solka Floc. Sprague Dawley rats were fed 2 %, 3 %, or 4 % fibrillated cellulose for 90 consecutive days, and parallel Solka Floc groups were used as controls. Survival, clinical observations, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmologic evaluations, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, post-mortem anatomic pathology, and histopathology were monitored and performed. No adverse observations were noted in relation to the administration of fibrillated cellulose. Under the conditions of this study and based on the toxicological endpoints evaluated, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for fibrillated cellulose was 2194.2 mg/kg/day (males) and 2666.6 mg/kg/day (females), corresponding to the highest dose tested (4 %) for male and female Sprague Dawley rats. These results demonstrate that fibrillated cellulose behaves similarly to conventional cellulose and raises no safety concerns when used as a food ingredient at these concentrations.

Sample preparation utilizing sputter coating increases contrast of cellulose nanocrystals in the transmission electron microscope

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using positive or negative stains in an effort to increase the contrast between the specimen and background. When imaging CNCs, conventional stains have been shown to induce particle aggregation and produce artifacts. In this study, we report on methods used to image CNCs. To increase contrast and decrease artifacts and aggregation, sputter coating was used to coat the samples. CNCs were loaded onto copper grids and sputter coated with one of four different metals: iridium, carbon, gold, and titanium. The final layer was deposited at 5 nm to ensure surface homogeneity. The thin layer of conductive metal atoms deposited onto the specimen surface significantly increased contrast and improved image quality. The results presented here demonstrate the advantages of using sputter coating for imaging of highly crystalline cellulose materials with TEM.

The potential exposure and hazards of copper nanoparticles: A review

Copper is an essential element for metabolism in plants and animals. In its nanoform, copper has found various applications, thus increasing potential environmental exposure. Released nanoparticles in the environment undergo various transformation processes while bioaccumulation and toxicity of copper nanoparticles have been demonstrated in plants and animals. This toxicity is thought to be a combined effect of intracellular particles and the release of dissolved copper ions. Oxidative stress responses have been studied in copper nanoparticle induced effects as well as other pathways to cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial potential of copper nanoparticles makes them excellent components for application in biomedicine and more recently, they have been investigated for applications as drug delivery agents in cancer therapy. These properties of copper nanoparticles necessitate a thorough review and understanding of toxic mechanisms of action and the associated implications of exposure to human and environmental health.

Synthesis and characterization of nanometer-sized liposomes for encapsulation and microRNA transfer to breast cancer cells

Introduction: The use of liposomes as a drug delivery carrier (DDC) for the treatment of various diseases, especially cancer, is rapidly increasing, requiring more stringent synthesis, formulation, and preservation techniques to bolster safety and efficacy. Liposomes otherwise referred to as phospholipid vesicles are self-assembled colloidal particles. When formed in either the micrometer or nanometer size range, they are ideal candidates as DDC because of their biological availability, performance, activity, and compatibility. Defining and addressing the critical quality attributes (CQAs) along the pharmaceutical production scale will enable a higher level of quality control for reproducibility. More specifically, understanding the CQAs of nanoliposomes that dictate its homogeneity and stability has the potential to widen applications in biomedical science.

Methods: To this end, we designed a study that aimed to define synthesis, characterization, formulation (encapsulation), preservation, and cargo delivery and trafficking as the major components within a target product profile for nanoliposomes. A series of synthetic schemes were employed to measure physicochemical properties relevant to nanomaterial drug product development, including concentration gradients, probe versus bath sonication, and storage temperature measured by microscopy (electron and light) and dynamic light scattering.

Results: Concentration was found to be a vital CQA as reducing concentrations resulted in nanometer-sized liposomes of <350 nm. Liposomes were loaded with microRNA and fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine loading efficacy and stability over time. Lyophilization was used to create a dry powder formulation that was then assessed for stability for 6 months. Lastly, breast cancer cell lines were used to ensure efficacy of microRNA delivery and localization.

Conclusion: We conclude that microRNA can be loaded into nanometer-sized liposomes, preserved for months in a dried form, and maintain encapsulation after extended time periods in storage.

Interactions between silver nanoparticles and other metal nanoparticles under environmentally relevant conditions: A review

Global production of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) continues to increase due to the demand of enabling properties in consumer products and industrial applications. Release of individual or aggregates of ENPs have been shown to interact with one another subsequently resulting in adverse biological effects. This review focuses on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are currently used in numerous applications, including but not limited to antibacterial action. Consequently, the release of AgNPs into the aquatic environment, the dissociation into ions, the binding to organic matter, reactions with other metal-based materials, and disruption of normal biological and ecological processes at the cellular level are all potential negative effects of AgNPs usage. The potential sources of AgNPs includes leaching of intact particles from consumer products, disposal of waste from industrial processes, intentional release into contaminated waters, and the natural formation of AgNPs in surface and ground water. Formation of natural AgNPs is greatly influenced by different chemical parameters including: pH, oxygen levels, and the presence of organic matter, which results in AgNPs that are stable for several months. Both engineered and natural AgNPs can interact with metal and metal oxide particles/nanoparticles. However, information on the chemical and toxicological interactions between AgNPs and other nanoparticles is limited. We have presented current knowledge on the interactions of AgNPs with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs). The interaction between AgNPs and AuNPs result in stable bimetallic Ag-Au alloy NPs. Whereas the interaction of AgNPs with TiO₂ NPs under dark and light conditions results in the release of Ag⁺ ions, which may be subsequently converted back into AgNPs and adsorb on TiO₂ NPs. The potential chemical mechanisms and toxic effects of AgNPs with AuNPs and TiO₂ NPs are discussed within this review and show that further investigation is warranted.

Characterizing the Nano-Bio Interface Using Microscopic Techniques: Imaging the Cell System is Just as Important as Imaging the Nanoparticle System

The rapid growth of nanotechnology and its industries has elevated the need to understand the risks associated with handling, using, and disposing of nanomaterials. These risks can be assessed through exposure measurement and hazard identification. One of the common challenges associated with quantifying nanomaterials in products, waste, humans, or the environment is the lack of tools available to measure concentration. The ability of refined tools and techniques to qualitatively detect nanoparticles in complex matrices has been demonstrated. For biological and ecological tests systems, dose can be represented as initial concentration in the applied matrix, concentration administered during the route of exposure, concentration at the target organ, and intake concentration at the cellular level. Each of these concentration measurements requires different sets of tools to perform accurate analyses. Advances in microscopy techniques provide new opportunities for reporting observations occurring at the interaction of a nanoparticle with a biomolecular entity of similar size within a biological test(s) system. This protocol outlines the steps to image nanomaterials within cell-based systems. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Cytotoxicological pathways induced after nanoparticle exposure: studies of oxidative stress at the 'nano-bio' interface

Nanotechnology is advancing rapidly; many industries are utilizing nanomaterials because of their remarkable properties. As of 2017, over 1800 "nano-enabled products" (i.e. products that incorporate a nanomaterial feature and alter the product's performance) have been used to revolutionize pharmaceutical, transportation, and agriculture industries, just to name a few. As the number of nano-enabled products continues to increase, the risk of nanoparticle exposure to humans and the surrounding environment also increases. These exposures are usually classified as either intentional or unintentional. The increased rate of potential nanoparticle exposure to humans has required the field of 'nanotoxicology' to rapidly screen for key biological, biochemical, chemical, or physical signals, signatures, or markers associated with specific toxicological pathways of injury within in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo models. One of the common goals of nanotoxicology research is to identify critical perturbed biological pathways that can lead to an adverse outcome. This review focuses on the most common toxicological pathways induced by nanoparticle exposure and provides insights into how these perturbations could aid in the development of nanomaterial specific adverse outcomes, inform nano-enabled product development, ensure safe manufacturing practices, promote intentional product use, and avoid environmental health hazards.

Nanomaterial Drug Products: Manufacturing and Analytical Perspectives

The increasing use of nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, in the preparation of drug products requires both manufacturing and analytical considerations in order to establish the quality metrics suitable for performance and risk assessment. A range of different nanoparticle systems exists including (but not limited to) nano-drugs, nano-additives, and nano-carriers. These systems generally require more complex production and characterization strategies than conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms. The advantage of using nanoparticle systems in pharmaceutical science is that the effective and desired function of the material can be designed through modern manufacturing processes. This paper offers a systematic nomenclature which allows for greater understanding of the drug product under evaluation based on available data from other nanoparticle reports. Analytical considerations of nano-drugs, nano-additives, and nano-carriers and the way in which they are measured are directly connected to quality control. Ultimately, the objective is to consider the entire nano-drug, nano-additive, and nano-carrier product life cycle with respect to its manufacture, use, and eventual fate. The tools and approaches to address the needs of these products exist; it should be the task of the pharmaceutical scientists and those in related disciplines to increase their understanding of nanomedicine and its novel products.

Aerosol generation and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes exposed to cells cultured at the air-liquid interface

Aerosol generation and characterization are critical components in the assessment of the inhalation hazards of engineered nanomaterials (NMs). An extensive review was conducted on aerosol generation and exposure apparatus as part of an international expert workshop convened to discuss the design of an in vitro testing strategy to assess pulmonary toxicity following exposure to aerosolized particles. More specifically, this workshop focused on the design of an in vitro method to predict the development of pulmonary fibrosis in humans following exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Aerosol generators, for dry or liquid particle suspension aerosolization, and exposure chambers, including both commercially available systems and those developed by independent researchers, were evaluated. Additionally, characterization methods that can be used and the time points at which characterization can be conducted in order to interpret in vitro exposure results were assessed. Summarized below is the information presented and discussed regarding the relevance of various aerosol generation and characterization techniques specific to aerosolized MWCNTs exposed to cells cultured at the air-liquid interface (ALI). The generation of MWCNT aerosols relevant to human exposures and their characterization throughout exposure in an ALI system is critical for extrapolation of in vitro results to toxicological outcomes in humans.