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Ma-Hock L, Strauss V, Treumann S, Küttler K, Wohlleben W, Hofmann T, Gröters S, Wiench K, van Ravenzwaay B, Landsiedel R. Comparative inhalation toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low surface carbon black. Part Fibre Toxicol 2013; 10:23. [PMID: 23773277 PMCID: PMC3720229 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8977-10-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black are seemingly chemically identical carbon-based nano-materials with broad technological applications. Carbon nanotubes and carbon black possess different inhalation toxicities, whereas little is known about graphene and graphite nanoplatelets. METHODS In order to compare the inhalation toxicity of the mentioned carbon-based nanomaterials, male Wistar rats were exposed head-nose to atmospheres of the respective materials for 6 hours per day on 5 consecutive days. Target concentrations were 0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 0.5, 2.5, or 10 mg/m3 for graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low-surface carbon black. Toxicity was determined after end of exposure and after three-week recovery using broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and microscopic examinations of the entire respiratory tract. RESULTS No adverse effects were observed after inhalation exposure to 10 mg/m3 graphite nanoplatelets or relatively low specific surface area carbon black. Increases of lavage markers indicative for inflammatory processes started at exposure concentration of 0.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 for graphene. Consistent with the changes in lavage fluid, microgranulomas were observed at 2.5 mg/m3 multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 graphene. In order to evaluate volumetric loading of the lung as the key parameter driving the toxicity, deposited particle volume was calculated, taking into account different methods to determine the agglomerate density. However, the calculated volumetric load did not correlate to the toxicity, nor did the particle surface burden of the lung. CONCLUSIONS The inhalation toxicity of the investigated carbon-based materials is likely to be a complex interaction of several parameters. Until the properties which govern the toxicity are identified, testing by short-term inhalation is the best option to identify hazardous properties in order to avoid unsafe applications or select safer alternatives for a given application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma-Hock
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Volker Strauss
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Silke Treumann
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Karin Küttler
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Hofmann
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Sibylle Gröters
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Karin Wiench
- Product Safety, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Robert Landsiedel
- Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
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202
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Lim J, Ryu SY, Kim J, Jun Y. A study of TiO2/ carbon black composition as counter electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells. Nanoscale Res Lett 2013; 8:227. [PMID: 23672498 PMCID: PMC3665677 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276x-8-227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study describes a systematic approach of TiO2/carbon black nanoparticles with respect to the loading amount in order to optimize the catalytic ability of triiodide reduction for dye-sensitized solar cells. In particular, the cell using an optimized TiO2 and carbon black electrode presents an energy conversion efficiency of 7.4% with a 5:1 ratio of a 40-nm TiO2 to carbon black. Based on the electrochemical analysis, the charge-transfer resistance of the carbon counter electrode changed based on the carbon black powder content. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry study show lower resistance compared to the Pt counter electrode. The obtained nanostructures and photo electrochemical study were characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Lim
- Interdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yeoul Ryu
- Fine Chemical and Material Technical Institute, Ulsan Techno Park, Ulsan 681-802, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Kim
- Interdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Jun
- Interdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea
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203
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Vanrell L, Gonzalez-Techera A, Hammock BD, Gonzalez-Sapienza G. Nanopeptamers for the development of small-analyte lateral flow tests with a positive readout. Anal Chem 2013; 85:1177-82. [PMID: 23214940 PMCID: PMC3904493 DOI: 10.1021/ac3031114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is a great demand for rapid tests that can be used on-site for the detection of small analytes, such as pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, explosives, toxins, medicinal and abused drugs, hormones, etc. Dipsticks and lateral flow devices, which are simple and provide a visual readout, may be the answer, but the available technology for these compounds requires a competitive format that loses sensitivity and produces readings inversely proportional to the analyte concentration, which is counterintuitive and may lead to potential misinterpretation of the result. In this work, protein-multipeptide constructs composed of anti-immunocomplex peptides selected from phage libraries and streptavidin/avidin as core protein were used for direct detection of small compounds in a noncompetitive two-site immunoassay format that performs with increased sensitivity and positive readout. These constructs that we termed "nanopeptamers" allow the development of rapid point-of-use tests with a positive visual end point of easy interpretation. As proof of concept, lateral flow assays for the herbicides molinate and clomazone were developed and their performance was characterized with field samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Vanrell
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Instituto de Higiene, UdelaR, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Gonzalez-Techera
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Química, Instituto de Higiene, UdelaR, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and UCD Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
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204
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Han D, Meng Z, Wu D, Zhang C, Zhu H. Thermal properties of carbon black aqueous nanofluids for solar absorption. Nanoscale Res Lett 2011; 6:457. [PMID: 21767359 PMCID: PMC3211877 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276x-6-457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this article, carbon black nanofluids were prepared by dispersing the pretreated carbon black powder into distilled water. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored. The photothermal properties, optical properties, rheological behaviors, and thermal conductivities of the nanofluids were also investigated. The results showed that the nanofluids of high-volume fraction had better photothermal properties. Both carbon black powder and nanofluids had good absorption in the whole wavelength ranging from 200 to 2,500 nm. The nanofluids exhibited a shear thinning behavior. The shear viscosity increased with the increasing volume fraction and decreased with the increasing temperature at the same shear rate. The thermal conductivity of carbon black nanofluids increased with the increase of volume fraction and temperature. Carbon black nanofluids had good absorption ability of solar energy and can effectively enhance the solar absorption efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiao Han
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Zhaoguo Meng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Daxiong Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Canying Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Haitao Zhu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
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205
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Gramowski A, Flossdorf J, Bhattacharya K, Jonas L, Lantow M, Rahman Q, Schiffmann D, Weiss DG, Dopp E. Nanoparticles induce changes of the electrical activity of neuronal networks on microelectrode array neurochips. Environ Health Perspect 2010; 118:1363-1369. [PMID: 20457553 PMCID: PMC2957913 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanomaterials are extensively used in industry and daily life, but little is known about possible health effects. An intensified research regarding toxicity of nanomaterials is urgently needed. Several studies have demonstrated that nanoparticles (NPs; diameter < 100 nm) can be transported to the central nervous system; however, interference of NPs with the electrical activity of neurons has not yet been shown. OBJECTIVES/METHODS We investigated the acute electrophysiological effects of carbon black (CB), hematite (Fe2O3), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs in primary murine cortical networks on microelectrode array (MEA) neurochips. Uptake of NPs was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied by flow cytometry. RESULTS The multiparametric assessment of electrical activity changes caused by the NPs revealed an NP-specific and concentration-dependent inhibition of the firing patterns. The number of action potentials and the frequency of their patterns (spike and burst rates) showed a significant particle-dependent decrease and significant differences in potency. Further, we detected the uptake of CB, Fe2O3, and TiO2 into glial cells and neurons by TEM. Additionally, 24 hr exposure to TiO2 NPs caused intracellular formation of ROS in neuronal and glial cells, whereas exposure to CB and Fe2O3 NPs up to a concentration of 10 µg/cm2 did not induce significant changes in free radical levels. CONCLUSION NPs at low particle concentrations are able to exhibit a neurotoxic effect by disturbing the electrical activity of neuronal networks, but the underlying mechanisms depend on the particle type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gramowski
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cell Biology and Biosystems Technology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- NeuroProof GmbH, Rostock, Germany
| | - Juliane Flossdorf
- Institute of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kunal Bhattacharya
- Institute of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ludwig Jonas
- Institute of Pathology, Electron Microscopic Center, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Margareta Lantow
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cell Biology and Biosystems Technology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Institut für Zelltechnologie IZT e.V., Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Dietmar Schiffmann
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cell Biology and Biosystems Technology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dieter G. Weiss
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cell Biology and Biosystems Technology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Elke Dopp
- Institute of Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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206
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Cochrane C, Lewandowski M, Koncar V. A flexible strain sensor based on a Conductive Polymer Composite for in situ measurement of parachute canopy deformation. Sensors (Basel) 2010; 10:8291-303. [PMID: 22163654 PMCID: PMC3231193 DOI: 10.3390/s100908291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A sensor based on a Conductive Polymer Composite (CPC), fully compatible with a textile substrate and its general properties, has been developed in our laboratory, and its electromechanical characterization is presented herein. In particular the effects of strain rate (from 10 to 1,000 mm/min) and of repeated elongation cycles on the sensor behaviour are investigated. The results show that strain rate seems to have little influence on sensor response. When submitted to repeated tensile cycles, the CPC sensor is able to detect accurately fabric deformations over each whole cycle, taking into account the mechanical behaviour of the textile substrate. Complementary information is given concerning the non-effect of aging on the global resistivity of the CPC sensor. Finally, our sensor was tested on a parachute canopy during a real drop test: the canopy fabric deformation during the critical inflation phase was successfully measured, and was found to be less than 9%.
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207
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Brauer M, Lencar C, Tamburic L, Koehoorn M, Demers P, Karr C. A cohort study of traffic-related air pollution impacts on birth outcomes. Environ Health Perspect 2008; 116:680-6. [PMID: 18470315 PMCID: PMC2367679 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that air pollution exposure adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have examined individual-level intraurban exposure contrasts. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the impacts of air pollution on small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight, low full-term birth weight (LBW), and preterm birth using spatiotemporal exposure metrics. METHODS With linked administrative data, we identified 70,249 singleton births (1999-2002) with complete covariate data (sex, ethnicity, parity, birth month and year, income, education) and maternal residential history in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We estimated residential exposures by month of pregnancy using nearest and inverse-distance weighting (IDW) of study area monitors [carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter < 2.5 (PM2.5) or < 10 (PM10) microm in aerodynamic diameter], temporally adjusted land use regression (LUR) models (NO, NO2, PM2.5, black carbon), and proximity to major roads. Using logistic regression, we estimated the risk of mean (entire pregnancy, first and last month of pregnancy, first and last 3 months) air pollution concentrations on SGA (< 10th percentile), term LBW (< 2,500 g), and preterm birth. RESULTS Residence within 50 m of highways was associated with a 22% (95% CI, 0.81-1.87) [corrected] increase in LBW. Exposure to all air pollutants except O3 was associated with SGA, with similar odds ratios (ORs) for LUR and monitoring estimates (e.g., LUR: OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04; IDW: OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.08 per 10-microg/m3 increase in NO). For preterm births, associations were observed with PM2.5 for births < 37 weeks gestation (and for other pollutants at < 30 weeks). No consistent patterns suggested exposure windows of greater relevance. CONCLUSION Associations between traffic-related air pollution and birth outcomes were observed in a population-based cohort with relatively low ambient air pollution exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brauer
- School of Environmental Health, The University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver BC V6T1Z3 Canada.
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208
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Rittinghausen S, Mohr U, Dungworth DL. Pulmonary cystic keratinizing squamous cell lesions of rats after inhalation/instillation of different particles. Exp Toxicol Pathol 1997; 49:433-46. [PMID: 9495643 PMCID: PMC7135811 DOI: 10.1016/s0940-2993(97)80131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/1997] [Accepted: 07/14/1997] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cystic keratinizing squamous cell lesions from three inhalation studies (Study A, B, C) and one intratracheal instillation study (Study D) in rats were reclassified and a certain number of lesions examined immunohistochemically for PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as a marker of cellular proliferation. The following classification was used: squamous cell metaplasia with marked keratinization, keratinizing cyst, cystic keratinizing epithelioma, cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. In study A (inhalation of coal oven exhaust and subcutaneous injection of a high dose of DB (ah)A) 49.3% of rats developed cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. Inhalation of coal oven exhaust gas together with intratracheal instillation of crocidolite or subcutaneous injection of a low dose DB(ah)A (dibenz(ah)anthracene) resulted in cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas in 23% to 24% of the rats. High incidences of cystic squamous cell carcinomas in the range of 31.9% to 76.4% were observed in rats of Study B1 after a 10-months exposure to tar/pitch condensation aerosol (different B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene) concentrations) with added carbon black in some groups. After a 20-months exposure period to the same inhalation atmospheres (Study B2) the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas was increased up to 95.8%. Exposure of rats to various concentrations of unfiltered diesel exhaust (Study C) resulted in incidences of cystic keratinizing epitheliomas ranging from 2.5% (2.5 mg/m3) to 10.7% (7.5 mg/m3). Epitheliomas were also observed in 16.2% of carbon black and 16.0% of titanium dioxide exposed rats. Only a few cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas occurred. In the intratrachel instillation study (Study D) increased incidences of cystic keratinizing epitheliomas occurred in rats exposed to native diesel exhaust particles (16.7%), high dose of extracted diesel exhaust particles (14.6%), extracted printex 90-carbon black particles (18.8%), and extracted printex 90-carbon black particles + B(a)P (18.8%). High indicences of cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas were noted in rats that received 15 mg B(a)P (14.6%) or 30 mg B(a)P (72.7%) intratracheally. Immunohistochemical labeling of nuclei with PCNA demonstrated proliferative activity in one or two (and focally more than two) peripheral cell layers of cystic keratinizing epitheliomas and in more than three peripheral cell layers of cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas and keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. The wall of keratinizing cysts showed no or a weak reaction.
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Key Words
- keratinizing squamous cell lesion, pulmonary
- pulmonary keratinizing squamous cell lesion
- inhalation, different particles
- particles, inhalation
- particles, instillation
- instillation, different particles
- diesel exhaust particles
- coal oven exhaust
- crocidolite instillation
- db (ah) a
- dibenz(ah)antracene
- b(a)p
- benzo(a)pyrene
- carbon black
- gas, irritant
- irritant gas
- tar/pitch condensation aerosol
- titanium dioxide
- aerosol, inhalation
- lung, inhalation, different particles
- lung, keratinizing squamous cell lesion
- proliferative cell nuclear antigen (pcna)
- squamous metaplasia, lun
- keratinizing cysts, lung
- epithelioma, cystic, keratinizing, lung
- carcinoma, squamous cell, keratinizing, lung
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rittinghausen
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Aerosol Research, Hannover, Germany
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