Designed synthesis of CeO2 nanorods and nanowires for studying toxicological effects of high aspect ratio nanomaterials

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Functionalization with High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan Significantly Reduces Pulmonary Injury

Commercialization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-based applications has been hampered by concerns regarding their lung toxicity potential. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a ubiquitously found polysaccharide, which is anti-inflammatory in its native high molecular weight form. HA-functionalized smart MWCNTs have shown promise as tumor-targeting drug delivery agents and can enhance bone repair and regeneration. However, it is unclear whether HA functionalization could reduce the pulmonary toxicity potential of MWCNTs. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we investigated the effectiveness of MWCNT functionalization with HA in increasing nanotube biocompatibility and reducing lung inflammatory and fibrotic effects. We utilized three-dimensional cultures of differentiated primary human bronchial epithelia to translate findings from rodent assays to humans. We found that HA functionalization increased stability and dispersion of MWCNTs and reduced postexposure lung inflammation, fibrosis, and mucus cell metaplasia compared with nonfunctionalized MWCNTs. Cocultures of fully differentiated bronchial epithelial cells (cultivated at air-liquid interface) and human lung fibroblasts (submerged) displayed significant reduction in injury, oxidative stress, as well as pro-inflammatory gene and protein expression after exposure to HA-functionalized MWCNTs compared with MWCNTs alone. In contrast, neither type of nanotubes stimulated cytokine production in primary human alveolar macrophages. In aggregate, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of HA functionalization as a safer design approach to eliminate MWCNT-induced lung injury and suggest that HA functionalization works by reducing MWCNT-induced epithelial injury.

The complex cascade of cellular events governing inflammasome activation and IL-1β processing in response to inhaled particles

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against inhaled particles. Macrophages serve important roles in particle clearance and inflammatory reactions. Following recognition and internalization by phagocytes, particles are taken up in vesicular phagolysosomes. Intracellular phagosomal leakage, redox unbalance and ionic movements induced by toxic particles result in pro-IL-1β expression, inflammasome complex engagement, caspase-1 activation, pro-IL-1β cleavage, biologically-active IL-1β release and finally inflammatory cell death termed pyroptosis. In this review, we summarize the emerging signals and pathways involved in the expression, maturation and secretion of IL-1β during these responses to particles. We also highlight physicochemical characteristics of particles (size, surface and shape) which determine their capacity to induce inflammasome activation and IL-1β processing.

Toxicological Profiling of Highly Purified Metallic and Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in the Rodent Lung and E. coli

The electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are potentially useful for electronics, optics, and sensing applications. Depending on the chirality and diameter, individual SWCNTs can be classified as semiconducting (S-SWCNT) or metallic (M-SWCNT). From a biological perspective, the hazard profiling of purified metallic versus semiconducting SWCNTs has been pursued only in bacteria, with the conclusion that aggregated M-SWCNTs are more damaging to bacterial membranes than S-SWCNTs. However, no comparative studies have been performed in a mammalian system, where most toxicity studies have been undertaken using relatively crude SWCNTs that include a M:S mix at 1:2 ratio. In order to compare the toxicological impact of SWCNTs sorted to enrich them for each of the chirality on pulmonary cells and the intact lung, we used density gradient ultracentrifugation and extensive rinsing to prepare S- and M-SWCNTs that are >98% purified. In vitro screening showed that both tube variants trigger similar amounts of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) production in THP-1 and BEAS-2B cells, without cytotoxicity. Oropharyngeal aspiration confirmed that both SWCNT variants induce comparable fibrotic effects in the lung and abundance of IL-1β and TGF-β1 release in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. There was also no change in the morphology, membrane integrity, and viability of E. coli, in contradistinction to the previously published effects of aggregated tubes on the bacterial membrane. Collectively, these data indicate that the electronic properties and chirality do not independently impact SWCNT toxicological impact in the lung, which is of significance to the safety assessment and incremental use of purified tubes by industry.

Antioxidant Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in Biology and Medicine

Previously, catalytic cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs, nanoceria, CeO2-x NPs) have been widely utilized for chemical mechanical planarization in the semiconductor industry and for reducing harmful emissions and improving fuel combustion efficiency in the automobile industry. Researchers are now harnessing the catalytic repertoire of CNPs to develop potential new treatment modalities for both oxidative- and nitrosative-stress induced disorders and diseases. In order to reach the point where our experimental understanding of the antioxidant activity of CNPs can be translated into useful therapeutics in the clinic, it is necessary to evaluate the most current evidence that supports CNP antioxidant activity in biological systems. Accordingly, the aims of this review are three-fold: (1) To describe the putative reaction mechanisms and physicochemical surface properties that enable CNPs to both scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to act as antioxidant enzyme-like mimetics in solution; (2) To provide an overview, with commentary, regarding the most robust design and synthesis pathways for preparing CNPs with catalytic antioxidant activity; (3) To provide the reader with the most up-to-date in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence supporting the ROS-scavenging potential of CNPs in biology and medicine.

Influence of nanomechanical stress induced by ZnO nanoparticles of different shapes on the viability of cells

There is growing interest in nanostructures interacting with living organisms. However, there are still no general rules for the design of biocompatible nanodevices. Here, we present a step towards understanding the interactions between nanostructures and living cells. We study the influence of nanomechanical stress induced by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures of different shapes on the viability of both prokaryotic (Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes, and Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium glutamicum) and eukaryotic cells (yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and liver cancer cell line HepG2). Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods (NRs) of matching crystallographic structure (P63mc) and active surface area (in the order of 5 × 10(-2)μm(2)) are almost non-toxic for cells under static conditions. However, under conditions that enable collisions between ZnO nanostructures and cells, NRs appear to be more damaging compared to NPs. This is due to the increased probability of mechanical damage caused by nanorods upon puncturing of the cell wall and membranes. Gram-positive bacteria, which have thicker cell walls, are more resistant to nanomechanical stress induced by NRs compared to Gram-negative strains and eukaryotic cells. The presented results may be exploited to improve the properties of nanotechnology based products such as implants, drug delivery systems, antibacterial emulsions and cosmetics.

Semiconductor Electronic Label-Free Assay for Predictive Toxicology

While animal experimentations have spearheaded numerous breakthroughs in biomedicine, they also have spawned many logistical concerns in providing toxicity screening for copious new materials. Their prioritization is premised on performing cellular-level screening in vitro. Among the screening assays, secretomic assay with high sensitivity, analytical throughput, and simplicity is of prime importance. Here, we build on the over 3-decade-long progress on transistor biosensing and develop the holistic assay platform and procedure called semiconductor electronic label-free assay (SELFA). We demonstrate that SELFA, which incorporates an amplifying nanowire field-effect transistor biosensor, is able to offer superior sensitivity, similar selectivity, and shorter turnaround time compared to standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We deploy SELFA secretomics to predict the inflammatory potential of eleven engineered nanomaterials in vitro, and validate the results with confocal microscopy in vitro and confirmatory animal experiment in vivo. This work provides a foundation for high-sensitivity label-free assay utility in predictive toxicology.

Hydrophilic CeO2 nanocubes protect pancreatic β-cell line INS-1 from H2O2-induced oxidative stress

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the occurrence and development of diabetes. With their unique redox properties, CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) exhibit promising potential for the treatment of diabetes resulting from oxidative stress. Here, we develop a novel preparation of hydrophilic CeO2 nanocubes (NCs) with two different sizes (5 nm and 25 nm) via an acetate assisted hydrothermal method. Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements and thermogravimetric analyses were utilized to investigate the changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of CeO2 NCs when exposed to in vitro cell culture conditions. CCK-8 assays revealed that the CeO2 NCs did not impair cell proliferation in the pancreatic β-cell line INS-1 at the highest dose of 200 μg mL(-1) over the time scale of 72 h, while being able to protect INS-1 cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity even after protein adsorption. It is also noteworthy that nanoceria with a smaller hydrodynamic radius exhibit stronger antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, which is consistent with their H2O2 quenching capability in biological systems. These findings suggest that nanoceria can be used as an excellent antioxidant for controlling oxidative stress-induced pancreatic β-cell damage.

A work group report on ultrafine particles (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology): Why ambient ultrafine and engineered nanoparticles should receive special attention for possible adverse health outcomes in human subjects

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are airborne particulates of less than 100 nm in aerodynamic diameter. Examples of UFPs are diesel exhaust particles, products of cooking, heating, and wood burning in indoor environments, and, more recently, products generated through the use of nanotechnology. Studies have shown that ambient UFPs have detrimental effects on both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including a higher incidence of atherosclerosis and exacerbation rate of asthma. UFPs have been found to alter in vitro and in vivo responses of the immune system to allergens and can also play a role in allergen sensitization. The inflammatory properties of UFPs can be mediated by a number of different mechanisms, including the ability to produce reactive oxygen species, leading to the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and airway inflammation. In addition, because of their small size, UFPs also have unique distribution characteristics in the respiratory tree and circulation and might be able to alter cellular function in ways that circumvent normal signaling pathways. Additionally, UFPs can penetrate intracellularly and potentially cause DNA damage. The recent advances in nanotechnology, although opening up new opportunities for the advancement of technology and medicine, could also lead to unforeseen adverse health effects in exposed human subjects. Further research is needed to clarify the safety of nanoscale particles, as well as the elucidation of the possible beneficial use of these particulates to treat disease.

Smart micro/nanoparticles in stimulus-responsive drug/gene delivery systems

New achievements in the realm of nanoscience and innovative techniques of nanomedicine have moved micro/nanoparticles (MNPs) to the point of becoming actually useful for practical applications in the near future. Various differences between the extracellular and intracellular environments of cancerous and normal cells and the particular characteristics of tumors such as physicochemical properties, neovasculature, elasticity, surface electrical charge, and pH have motivated the design and fabrication of inventive "smart" MNPs for stimulus-responsive controlled drug release. These novel MNPs can be tailored to be responsive to pH variations, redox potential, enzymatic activation, thermal gradients, magnetic fields, light, and ultrasound (US), or can even be responsive to dual or multi-combinations of different stimuli. This unparalleled capability has increased their importance as site-specific controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) and has encouraged their rapid development in recent years. An in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these DDS approaches is expected to further contribute to this groundbreaking field of nanomedicine. Smart nanocarriers in the form of MNPs that can be triggered by internal or external stimulus are summarized and discussed in the present review, including pH-sensitive peptides and polymers, redox-responsive micelles and nanogels, thermo- or magnetic-responsive nanoparticles (NPs), mechanical- or electrical-responsive MNPs, light or ultrasound-sensitive particles, and multi-responsive MNPs including dual stimuli-sensitive nanosheets of graphene. This review highlights the recent advances of smart MNPs categorized according to their activation stimulus (physical, chemical, or biological) and looks forward to future pharmaceutical applications.

Controllable synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes and their application in NO oxidation

This study describes the synthesis of ceria catalysts with octahedron and nanosphere shapes via a facile and surfactant-free hydrothermal method. The morphology of the products could be controlled by adjusting the proportions of the solvent.

Untangling the biological effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles: the role of surface valence states

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria; CNPs) have been found to have both pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant effects on different cell systems or organisms. In order to untangle the mechanisms which underlie the biological activity of nanoceria, we have studied the effect of five different CNPs on a model relevant aquatic microorganism. Neither shape, concentration, synthesis method, surface charge (ζ-potential), nor nominal size had any influence in the observed biological activity. The main driver of toxicity was found to be the percentage of surface content of Ce(3+) sites: CNP1 (58%) and CNP5 (40%) were found to be toxic whereas CNP2 (28%), CNP3 (36%) and CNP4 (26%) were found to be non-toxic. The colloidal stability and redox chemistry of the most and least toxic CNPs, CNP1 and CNP2, respectively, were modified by incubation with iron and phosphate buffers. Blocking surface Ce(3+) sites of the most toxic CNP, CNP1, with phosphate treatment reverted toxicity and stimulated growth. Colloidal destabilization with Fe treatment only increased toxicity of CNP1. The results of this study are relevant in the understanding of the main drivers of biological activity of nanoceria and to define global descriptors of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) bioactivity which may be useful in safer-by-design strategies of nanomaterials.

Can oriented-attachment be an efficient growth mechanism for the synthesis of 1D nanocrystals via atomic layer deposition?

One-dimensional (1D) nanocrystals, such as nanorods and nanowires, have received extensive attention in the nanomaterials field due to their large surface areas and 1D confined transport properties. Oriented attachment (OA) is now recognized as a major growth mechanism for efficiently synthesizing 1D nanocrystals. Recently, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been modified to be a powerful vapor-phase technique with which to synthesize 1D OA nanorods/nanowires with high efficiency and quality by increasing the temperature and purging time. In this invited mini-review, we look into the advantages of OA and high-temperature ALD, and investigate the potential of employing the OA growth mechanism for the synthesis of 1D nanocrystals via modified ALD, aiming to provide guidance to researchers in the fields of both OA and ALD for efficient synthesis of 1D nanocrystals.

Reduction of Acute Inflammatory Effects of Fumed Silica Nanoparticles in the Lung by Adjusting Silanol Display through Calcination and Metal Doping

The production of pyrogenic (fumed) silica is increasing worldwide at a 7% annual growth rate, including expanded use in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products. Synthetic amorphous silica, including fumed silica, has been generally recognized as safe for use in food products by the Food and Drug Administration. However, emerging evidence from experimental studies now suggests that fumed silica could be hazardous due to its siloxane ring structure, high silanol density, and "string-of-pearl-like" aggregate structure, which could combine to cause membrane disruption, generation of reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory effects, and liver fibrosis. Based on this structure-activity analysis (SAA), we investigated whether calcination and rehydration of fumed silica changes its hazard potential in the lung due to an effect on silanol density display. This analysis demonstrated that the accompanying change in surface reactivity could indeed impact cytokine production in macrophages and acute inflammation in the lung, in a manner that is dependent on siloxane ring reconstruction. Confirmation of this SAA in vivo, prompted us to consider safer design of fumed silica properties by titanium and aluminum doping (0-7%), using flame spray pyrolysis. Detailed characterization revealed that increased Ti and Al doping could reduce surface silanol density and expression of three-membered siloxane rings, leading to dose-dependent reduction in hydroxyl radical generation, membrane perturbation, potassium efflux, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and cytotoxicity in THP-1 cells. The reduction of NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also confirmed in bone-marrow-derived macrophages. Ti doping, and to a lesser extent Al doping, also ameliorated acute pulmonary inflammation, demonstrating the possibility of a safer design approach for fumed silica, should that be required for specific use circumstances.

Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Isotopic Yttrium-90-Labeled Rare Earth Fluoride Nanocrystals for Multimodal Imaging

Isotopically labeled nanomaterials have recently attracted much attention in biomedical research, environmental health studies, and clinical medicine because radioactive probes allow the elucidation of in vitro and in vivo cellular transport mechanisms, as well as the unambiguous distribution and localization of nanomaterials in vivo. In addition, nanocrystal-based inorganic materials have a unique capability of customizing size, shape, and composition; with the potential to be designed as multimodal imaging probes. Size and shape of nanocrystals can directly influence interactions with biological systems, hence it is important to develop synthetic methods to design radiolabeled nanocrystals with precise control of size and shape. Here, we report size- and shape-controlled synthesis of rare earth fluoride nanocrystals doped with the β-emitting radioisotope yttrium-90 ((90)Y). Size and shape of nanocrystals are tailored via tight control of reaction parameters and the type of rare earth hosts (e.g., Gd or Y) employed. Radiolabeled nanocrystals are synthesized in high radiochemical yield and purity as well as excellent radiolabel stability in the face of surface modification with different polymeric ligands. We demonstrate the Cerenkov radioluminescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging capabilities of (90)Y-doped GdF3 nanoplates, which offer unique opportunities as a promising platform for multimodal imaging and targeted therapy.

NADPH Oxidase-Dependent NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and its Important Role in Lung Fibrosis by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the key role of NADPH oxidase in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and generation of pulmonary fibrosis by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Although it is known that oxidative stress plays a role in pulmonary fibrosis by single-walled CNTs, the role of specific sources of reactive oxygen species, including NADPH oxidase, in inflammasome activation remains to be clarified. In this study, three long aspect ratio (LAR) materials (MWCNTs, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires) are used to compare with spherical carbon black and silver nanoparticles for their ability to trigger oxygen burst activity and NLRP3 assembly. All LAR materials but not spherical nanoparticles induce robust NADPH oxidase activation and respiratory burst activity in THP-1 cells, which are blunted in p22(phox) -deficient cells. The NADPH oxidase is directly involved in lysosomal damage by LAR materials, as demonstrated by decreased cathepsin B release and IL-1β production in p22(phox) -deficient cells. Reduced respiratory burst activity and inflammasome activation are also observed in bone marrow-derived macrophages from p47(phox) -deficient mice. Moreover, p47(phox) -deficient mice have reduced IL-1β production and lung collagen deposition in response to MWCNTs. Lung fibrosis is also suppressed by N-acetyl-cysteine in wild-type animals exposed to MWCNTs.

Effects of aspect ratio (AR) and specific surface area (SSA) on cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of ZnO nanomaterials

With growing interests in the applications of high aspect ratio (AR) ZnO nanomaterials (NMs), their potential toxicity to human health and nature environment remains a critical concern because these NMs have extremely large specific surface area (SSA) that could dramatically enhance interactions between NMs and surrounding molecules. In addition, originated to their intrinsic photocatalytical activity, ZnO NMs may induce phototoxicity under environmentally UV exposure. In this paper, ZnO spheres, grains, rods and needles with increasing AR (from 1.1 to 17.8) and various SSA (from 2.0 m(2) g(-1) to 27.4 m(2) g(-1)) were used to study the influence of AR and SSA on viabilities of WIL2-NS human lymphoblastoid cells in both dark and UV conditions. In dark, SSA was the main influencing factor for toxicity of NMs with low AR (spheres, grains and rods) and smaller SSA leads to higher cell viability. However, ZnO needles with the smallest SSA did not further enhance cell viability which may be possibly attributed to its high AR. Cell viability measured under UV irradiation did not show evident relationship with SSA or AR, but indicated that lower photocatalytic activity could mitigate phototoxicity.

Template- and surfactant-free synthesis of ultrathin CeO2 nanowires in a mixed solvent and their superior adsorption capability for water treatment

Ultrathin CeO₂ nanowires with a diameter of 5 nm and an aspect ratio of more than 100 can be prepared by a one-step refluxing approach in a mixed solvent composed of water and ethanol without using any templates or surfactants. The formation mechanism of the as-synthesized ultrathin nanowires has been investigated. The as-synthesized CeO₂ nanowires with a high surface area of 125.31 m² g^-1 exhibited excellent wastewater treatment performance with high removal capacities towards organic dyes and heavy metal ions. In addition, the as-synthesized CeO₂ nanowires can adsorb Congo red selectively from a mixed solution composed of several dyes. Successful access to high quality ultrathin nanowires will make it possible for their potential application in catalysis and other fields.

Solvothermal synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and anti-infection application in vivo

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been widely studied as the bacteriostatic reagents. However, synthesis of small ZnO nanoparticles with good monodispersion and stability in aqueous solution is still a challenge. Anti-infection research of ZnONPs used as antibacterial agent in vivo is rare. In this paper, a novel, sustainable, and simple method to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles with good monodispersion in aqueous low-temperature conditions and with a small molecule agent is reported. Inhibition zone test and the minimum inhibitory concentration test were performed to examine the antibacterial activity of ZnONPs against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro. For further application in vivo, low cytotoxicity and low acute toxicity in mice of ZnO were demonstrated. Finally, 4 nm ZnONPs combined with poly(vinyl alcohol) gel was used as antibacterial agent in rodent elytritis model, and significant anti-infection effect was proven. In one word, the present research would shed new light on the designing of antibacterial materials like ZnO with promising application in disinfection.

The role of oxygen vacancies and their location in the magnetic properties of Ce1−xCuxO2−δ nanorods

Ceria (CeO₂) is a promising dilute magnetic semiconductor. The ferromagnetic order has proven to be an surface effect.

Eu3+:Y2O3@CNTs—a rare earth filled carbon nanotube nanomaterial with low toxicity and good photoluminescence properties

New fluorescent nanomaterials—europium-doped yttria filled CNTs with low toxicity and good photoluminescence properties were synthesized using a supercritical method.

Controllable synthesis, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic properties of CeO2 nanocrystals

Uniform CeO₂ nanoparticles and nanorods were selectively synthesized. The obtained CeO₂ nanoparticles manifest enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and excellent electrocatalytic performance.

An overview of nanotoxicity and nanomedicine research: principles, progress and implications for cancer therapy

The studies of nanomaterial-based drug delivery and nanotoxicity are closely interconnected.

High oxygen storage capacity and enhanced catalytic performance of NiO/NixCe1−xO2−δ nanorods: synergy between Ni-doping and 1D morphology

NiO/Ni-doped ceria nanorods have been synthesized. Their unique structure combines specific composition and 1D morphology, which provide great improvements in their physical chemical properties.

Cerium-based porous coordination polymers with hierarchical superstructures: fabrication, formation mechanism and their thermal conversion to hierarchical CeO2

Novel three-dimensional (3D) ceria hierarchical structures have been prepared via a thermolysis of the corresponding porous coordination polymer precursors.

Inhalation of silver nanomaterials--seeing the risks

Demand for silver engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is increasing rapidly in optoelectronic and in health and medical applications due to their antibacterial, thermal, electrical conductive, and other properties. The continued commercial up-scaling of ENM production and application needs to be accompanied by an understanding of the occupational health, public safety and environmental implications of these materials. There have been numerous in vitro studies and some in vivo studies of ENM toxicity but their results are frequently inconclusive. Some of the variability between studies has arisen due to a lack of consistency between experimental models, since small differences between test materials can markedly alter their behaviour. In addition, the propensity for the physicochemistry of silver ENMs to alter, sometimes quite radically, depending on the environment they encounter, can profoundly alter their bioreactivity. Consequently, it is important to accurately characterise the materials before use, at the point of exposure and at the nanomaterial-tissue, or "nanobio", interface, to be able to appreciate their environmental impact. This paper reviews current literature on the pulmonary effects of silver nanomaterials. We focus our review on describing whether, and by which mechanisms, the chemistry and structure of these materials can be linked to their bioreactivity in the respiratory system. In particular, the mechanisms by which the physicochemical properties (e.g., aggregation state, morphology and chemistry) of silver nanomaterials change in various biological milieu (i.e., relevant proteins, lipids and other molecules, and biofluids, such as lung surfactant) and affect subsequent interactions with and within cells will be discussed, in the context not only of what is measured but also of what can be visualized.

Generation of reactive oxygen species from silicon nanowires

Processing and synthesis of purified nanomaterials of diverse composition, size, and properties is an evolving process. Studies have demonstrated that some nanomaterials have potential toxic effects and have led to toxicity research focusing on nanotoxicology. About two million workers will be employed in the field of nanotechnology over the next 10 years. The unknown effects of nanomaterials create a need for research and development of techniques to identify possible toxicity. Through a cooperative effort between National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and IBM to address possible occupational exposures, silicon-based nanowires (SiNWs) were obtained for our study. These SiNWs are anisotropic filamentary crystals of silicon, synthesized by the vapor-liquid-solid method and used in bio-sensors, gas sensors, and field effect transistors. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated when organisms are exposed to a material causing cellular responses, such as lipid peroxidation, H2O2 production, and DNA damage. SiNWs were assessed using three different in vitro environments (H2O2, RAW 264.7 cells, and rat alveolar macrophages) for ROS generation and possible toxicity identification. We used electron spin resonance, analysis of lipid peroxidation, measurement of H2O2 production, and the comet assay to assess generation of ROS from SiNW and define possible mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that SiNWs do not appear to be significant generators of free radicals.

Beneficial effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles in development of chondrocyte-seeded hydrogel constructs and cellular response to interleukin insults

The harsh inflammatory environment associated with injured and arthritic joints represents a major challenge to articular cartilage repair. In this study, we report the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles, or nanoceria, in modulating development of engineered cartilage and in combating the deleterious effects of interleukin-1α. Nanoceria was found to be biocompatible with bovine chondrocytes up to a concentration of 1000 μg/mL (60,000 cells/μg of nanoceria), and its presence significantly improved compressive mechanical properties and biochemical composition (i.e., glycosaminoglycans) of engineered cartilage. Raman microspectroscopy revealed that individual chondrocytes with internalized nanoceria have increased concentrations of proline, procollagen, and glycogen as compared with cells without the nanoparticles in their vicinity. The inflammatory response due to physiologically relevant quantities of interluekin-1α (0.5 ng/mL) is partially inhibited by nanoceria. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these results are the first to demonstrate a high potential for nanoceria to improve articular cartilage tissue properties and for their long-term treatment against an inflammatory reaction.

Interference in autophagosome fusion by rare earth nanoparticles disrupts autophagic flux and regulation of an interleukin-1β producing inflammasome

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) including multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and rare earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles, which are capable of activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and inducing IL-1β production, have the potential to cause chronic lung toxicity. Although it is known that lysosome damage is an upstream trigger in initiating this pro-inflammatory response, the same organelle is also an important homeostatic regulator of activated NLRP3 inflammasome complexes, which are engulfed by autophagosomes and then destroyed in lysosomes after fusion. Although a number of ENMs have been shown to induce autophagy, no definitive research has been done on the homeostatic regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome during autophagic flux. We used a myeloid cell line (THP-1) and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) to compare the role of autophagy in regulating inflammasome activation and IL-1β production by MWCNTs and REO nanoparticles. THP-1 cells express a constitutively active autophagy pathway and are also known to mimic NLRP3 activation in pulmonary macrophages. We demonstrate that, while activated NLRP3 complexes could be effectively removed by autophagosome fusion in cells exposed to MWCNTs, REO nanoparticles interfered in autophagosome fusion with lysosomes. This leads to the accumulation of the REO-activated inflammasomes, resulting in robust and sustained IL-1β production. The mechanism of REO nanoparticle interference in autophagic flux was clarified by showing that they disrupt lysosomal phosphoprotein function and interfere in the acidification that is necessary for lysosome fusion with autophagosomes. Binding of LaPO4 to the REO nanoparticle surfaces leads to urchin-shaped nanoparticles collecting in the lysosomes. All considered, these data demonstrate that in contradistinction to autophagy induction by some ENMs, specific materials such as REOs interfere in autophagic flux, thereby disrupting homeostatic regulation of activated NLRP3 complexes.

The Yin: An adverse health perspective of nanoceria: uptake, distribution, accumulation, and mechanisms of its toxicity

This critical review evolved from a SNO Special Workshop on Nanoceria panel presentation addressing the toxicological risks of nanoceria: accumulation, target organs, and issues of clearance; how exposure dose/concentration, exposure route, and experimental preparation/model influence the different reported effects of nanoceria; and how can safer by design concepts be applied to nanoceria? It focuses on the most relevant routes of human nanoceria exposure and uptake, disposition, persistence, and resultant adverse effects. The pulmonary, oral, dermal, and topical ocular exposure routes are addressed as well as the intravenous route, as the latter provides a reference for the pharmacokinetic fate of nanoceria once introduced into blood. Nanoceria reaching the blood is primarily distributed to mononuclear phagocytic system organs. Available data suggest nanoceria's distribution is not greatly affected by dose, shape, or dosing schedule. Significant attention has been paid to the inhalation exposure route. Nanoceria distribution from the lung to the rest of the body is less than 1% of the deposited dose, and from the gastrointestinal tract even less. Intracellular nanoceria and organ burdens persist for at least months, suggesting very slow clearance rates. The acute toxicity of nanoceria is very low. However, large/accumulated doses produce granuloma in the lung and liver, and fibrosis in the lung. Toxicity, including genotoxicity, increases with exposure time; the effects disappear slowly, possibly due to nanoceria's biopersistence. Nanoceria may exert toxicity through oxidative stress. Adverse effects seen at sites distal to exposure may be due to nanoceria translocation or released biomolecules. An example is elevated oxidative stress indicators in the brain, in the absence of appreciable brain nanoceria. Nanoceria may change its nature in biological environments and cause changes in biological molecules. Increased toxicity has been related to greater surface Ce3+, which becomes more relevant as particle size decreases and the ratio of surface area to volume increases. Given its biopersistence and resulting increased toxicity with time, there is a risk that long-term exposure to low nanoceria levels may eventually lead to adverse health effects. This critical review provides recommendations for research to resolve some of the many unknowns of nanoceria's fate and adverse effects.

The synthesis of CeO₂ nanospheres with different hollowness and size induced by copper doping

In this paper, copper-doped ceria oxides with different hollowness and size are fabricated by changing the Cu(2+) doping concentration in the mixed water-glycol system. Results show that the copper-doped CeO₂ oxides undergo a morphology transformation from the solid nanospheres to core-shell, then to hollow nanospheres with the increase of the Cu(2+) doping concentration. The corresponding size becomes smaller during this transfer process. The Cu(2+) doping induced acceleration in the nucleation and growth process is further investigated. The resultant Cu(2+)-doped CeO2 oxides exhibit enhanced CO conversion performance and better reduction behaviors.

Promoting cell proliferation using water dispersible germanium nanowires

Group IV Nanowires have strong potential for several biomedical applications. However, to date their use remains limited because many are synthesised using heavy metal seeds and functionalised using organic ligands to make the materials water dispersible. This can result in unpredicted toxic side effects for mammalian cells cultured on the wires. Here, we describe an approach to make seedless and ligand free Germanium nanowires water dispersible using glutamic acid, a natural occurring amino acid that alleviates the environmental and health hazards associated with traditional functionalisation materials. We analysed the treated material extensively using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High resolution-TEM, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Using a series of state of the art biochemical and morphological assays, together with a series of complimentary and synergistic cellular and molecular approaches, we show that the water dispersible germanium nanowires are non-toxic and are biocompatible. We monitored the behaviour of the cells growing on the treated germanium nanowires using a real time impedance based platform (xCELLigence) which revealed that the treated germanium nanowires promote cell adhesion and cell proliferation which we believe is as a result of the presence of an etched surface giving rise to a collagen like structure and an oxide layer. Furthermore this study is the first to evaluate the associated effect of Germanium nanowires on mammalian cells. Our studies highlight the potential use of water dispersible Germanium Nanowires in biological platforms that encourage anchorage-dependent cell growth.

Polycrystalline nanowires of gadolinium-doped ceria via random alignment mediated by supercritical carbon dioxide

This study proposes a seed/template-free method that affords high-purity semiconducting nanowires from nanoclusters, which act as basic building blocks for nanomaterials, under supercritical CO₂ fluid. Polycrystalline nanowires of Gd-doped ceria (Gd-CeO₂) were formed by CO₂-mediated non-oriented attachment of the nanoclusters resulting from the dissociation of single-crystalline aggregates. The unique formation mechanism underlying this morphological transition may be exploited for the facile growth of high-purity polycrystalline nanowires.

Aspect ratio plays a role in the hazard potential of CeO2 nanoparticles in mouse lung and zebrafish gastrointestinal tract

We have previously demonstrated that there is a relationship between the aspect ratio (AR) of CeO2 nanoparticles and in vitro hazard potential. CeO2 nanorods with AR ≥ 22 induced lysosomal damage and progressive effects on IL-1β production and cytotoxicity in the human myeloid cell line, THP-1. In order to determine whether this toxicological paradigm for long aspect ratio (LAR) CeO2 is also relevant in vivo, we performed comparative studies in the mouse lung and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of zebrafish larvae. Although oropharyngeal aspiration could induce acute lung inflammation for CeO2 nanospheres and nanorods, only the nanorods with the highest AR (C5) induced significant IL-1β and TGF-β1 production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at 21 days but did not induce pulmonary fibrosis. However, after a longer duration (44 days) exposure to 4 mg/kg of the C5 nanorods, more collagen production was seen with CeO2 nanorods vs nanospheres after correcting for Ce lung burden. Using an oral-exposure model in zebrafish larvae, we demonstrated that C5 nanorods also induced significant growth inhibition, a decrease in body weight, and delayed vertebral calcification. In contrast, CeO2 nanospheres and shorter nanorods had no effect. Histological and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that the key injury mechanism of C5 was in the epithelial lining of the GIT, which demonstrated blunted microvilli and compromised digestive function. All considered, these data demonstrate that, similar to cellular studies, LAR CeO2 nanorods exhibit more toxicity in the lung and GIT, which could be relevant to inhalation and environmental hazard potential.

Unambiguous observation of shape effects on cellular fate of nanoparticles

Cellular fate of nanoparticles is vital to application of nanoparticles to cell imaging, bio-sensing, drug delivery, suppression of drug resistance, gene delivery, and cytotoxicity analysis. However, the current studies on cellular fate of nanoparticles have been controversial due to complications of interplay between many possible factors. By well-controlled experiments, we demonstrated unambiguously that the morphology of nanoparticles independently determined their cellular fate. We found that nanoparticles with sharp shapes, regardless of their surface chemistry, size, or composition, could pierce the membranes of endosomes that carried them into the cells and escape to the cytoplasm, which in turn significantly reduced the cellular excretion rate of the nanoparticles. Such features of sharp-shaped nanoparticles are essential for drug delivery, gene delivery, subcellular targeting, and long-term tracking. This work opens up a controllable, purely geometrical and hence safe, degree of freedom for manipulating nanoparticle-cell interaction, with numerous applications in medicine, bio-imaging, and bio-sensing.