Bioavailability, distribution and clearance of tracheally-instilled and gavaged uncoated or silica-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles

Deciphering key nano-bio interface descriptors to predict nanoparticle-induced lung fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The advancement of nanotechnology underscores the imperative need for establishing in silico predictive models to assess safety, particularly in the context of chronic respiratory afflictions such as lung fibrosis, a pathogenic transformation that is irreversible. While the compilation of predictive descriptors is pivotal for in silico model development, key features specifically tailored for predicting lung fibrosis remain elusive. This study aimed to uncover the essential predictive descriptors governing nanoparticle-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the trajectory of metal oxide nanoparticles (MeONPs) within pulmonary systems. Two biological media (simulated lung fluid and phagolysosomal simulated fluid) and two cell lines (macrophages and epithelial cells) were meticulously chosen to scrutinize MeONP behaviors. Their interactions with MeONPs, also referred to as nano-bio interactions, can lead to alterations in the properties of the MeONPs as well as specific cellular responses. Physicochemical properties of MeONPs were assessed in biological media. The impact of MeONPs on cell membranes, lysosomes, mitochondria, and cytoplasmic components was evaluated using fluorescent probes, colorimetric enzyme substrates, and ELISA. The fibrogenic potential of MeONPs in mouse lungs was assessed by examining collagen deposition and growth factor release. Random forest classification was employed for analyzing in chemico, in vitro and in vivo data to identify predictive descriptors.

RESULTS

The nano-bio interactions induced diverse changes in the 4 characteristics of MeONPs and had variable effects on the 14 cellular functions, which were quantitatively evaluated in chemico and in vitro. Among these 18 quantitative features, seven features were found to play key roles in predicting the pro-fibrogenic potential of MeONPs. Notably, IL-1β was identified as the most important feature, contributing 27.8% to the model's prediction. Mitochondrial activity (specifically NADH levels) in macrophages followed closely with a contribution of 17.6%. The remaining five key features include TGF-β1 release and NADH levels in epithelial cells, dissolution in lysosomal simulated fluids, zeta potential, and the hydrodynamic size of MeONPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The pro-fibrogenic potential of MeONPs can be predicted by combination of key features at nano-bio interfaces, simulating their behavior and interactions within the lung environment. Among the 18 quantitative features, a combination of seven in chemico and in vitro descriptors could be leveraged to predict lung fibrosis in animals. Our findings offer crucial insights for developing in silico predictive models for nano-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Exploring the Antioxidant Mechanisms of Nanoceria in Protecting HT22 Cells from Oxidative Stress

An excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, is a major factor in aging. Antioxidant therapies are considered crucial for delaying aging. Nanoceria, a nanozyme with antioxidant activity, holds significant potential in protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. This research examines the neuroprotective role of nanoceria on HT22 cells subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and explores the associated molecular mechanisms. Our findings indicate that nanoceria enhances bcl-2 expression and significantly reduces Bax expression, resulting in an increased bcl-2/Bax ratio, which confirms its anti-apoptotic effect. Nanoceria boosts catalase expression and suppresses the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, indicating its role in shielding HT22 cells from oxidative stress damage induced by H2O2 through various protective mechanisms. These findings provide crucial experimental evidence for the potential applications of nanoceria in skin anti-aging and the prevention and treatment of other oxidative stress-related diseases.

GABA attenuates neurotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles due to oxidative stress via DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are one of the most widely used metal oxide nanomaterials. The increased use of ZnO-NPs has exacerbated environmental pollution and raised the risk of neurological disorders in organisms through food chains, and it is urgent to look for detoxification strategies. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been shown to have anxiolytic, anti-aging and inhibitory effects on nervous system excitability. However, there are few reports on the prevention and control of the toxicity of nano-metal ions by GABA. In zebrafish, ZnO-NPs exposure led to increased mortality and behavioral abnormalities of larva, which could be moderated by GABA intervention. Similar results were investigated in Caenorhabditis elegans, showing lifespan extension, abnormal locomotor frequency and behavior recovery when worms fed with GABA under ZnO-NPs exposure. Moreover, GABA enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities by upregulating the expression of antioxidant-related genes and thus scavenged excessive O2-. In the case of ZnO-NPs exposure, inhibition of nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and SKN-1 was restored by GABA. Meanwhile, the protective effect of GABA was blocked in daf-16 (-) and skn-1 (-) mutant, suggesting that DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways is the key targets of GABA. This study provides a new solution for the application of GABA and mitigation of metal nanoparticle neurotoxicity.

Review of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Toxicokinetics, Tissue Distribution for Various Exposure Routes, Toxicological Effects, Toxicity Mechanism in Mammals, and an Approach for Toxicity Reduction

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used as a sunscreen, antibacterial agent, dietary supplement, food additive, and semiconductor material. This review summarizes the biological fate following various exposure routes, toxicological effects, and toxicity mechanism of ZnO NPs in mammals. Furthermore, an approach to reduce the toxicity and biomedical applications of ZnO NPs are discussed. ZnO NPs are mainly absorbed as Zn2+ and partially as particles. Regardless of exposure route, elevated Zn concentration in the liver, kidney, lungs, and spleen are observed following ZnO NP exposure, and these are the target organs for ZnO NPs. The liver is the main organ responsible for ZnO NP metabolism and the NPs are mainly excreted in feces and partly in urine. ZnO NPs induce liver damage (oral, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and intratracheal exposure), kidney damage (oral, intraperitoneal, and intravenous exposure) and lung injury (airway exposure). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and induction of oxidative stress may be a major toxicological mechanism for ZnO NPs. ROS are generated by both excess Zn ion release and the particulate effect resulting from the semiconductor or electronic properties of ZnO NPs. ZnO NP toxicity can be reduced by coating their surface with silica, which prevents Zn2+ release and ROS generation. Due to their superior characteristics, ZnO NPs are expected to be used for biomedical applications, such as bioimaging, drug delivery, and anticancer agents, and surface coatings and modification will expand the biomedical applications of ZnO NPs further.

Paeoniflorin recued hepatotoxicity under zinc oxide nanoparticles exposure via regulation on gut-liver axis and reversal of pyroptosis

The risks of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) applications in biological medicine, food processing industry, agricultural production and the biotoxicity brought by environmental invasion of ZnO NPs both gradually troubled the public due to the lack of research on detoxification strategies. TFEB-regulated autophagy-pyroptosis pathways were found as the crux of the hepatotoxicity induced by ZnO NPs in our latest study. Here, our study served as a connecting link between preceding toxic target and the following protection mechanism of Paeoniflorin (PF). According to a combined analysis of network pharmacology/molecular docking-intestinal microbiota-metabolomics first developed in our study, PF alleviated the hepatotoxicity of ZnO NPs from multiple aspects. The hepatic inflammatory injury and hepatocyte pyroptosis in mice liver exposed to ZnO NPs was significantly inhibited by PF. And the intestinal microbiota disorder and liver metabolic disturbance were rescued. The targets predicted by bioinformatics and the signal trend in subacute toxicological model exhibited the protectiveness of PF related to the SIRT1-mTOR-TFEB pathway. These evidences clarified multiple protective mechanisms of PF which provided a novel detoxification approach against ZnO NPs, and further provided a strategy for the medicinal value development of PF.

The role of protein corona on nanodrugs for organ-targeting and its prospects of application

Nowadays, nanodrugs become a hotspot in the high-end medical field. They have the ability to deliver drugs to reach their destination more effectively due to their unique properties and flexible functionalization. However, the fate of nanodrugs in vivo is not the same as those presented in vitro, which indeed influenced their therapeutic efficacy in vivo. When entering the biological organism, nanodrugs will first come into contact with biological fluids and then be covered by some biomacromolecules, especially proteins. The proteins adsorbed on the surface of nanodrugs are known as protein corona (PC), which causes the loss of prospective organ-targeting abilities. Fortunately, the reasonable utilization of PC may determine the organ-targeting efficiency of systemically administered nanodrugs based on the diverse expression of receptors on cells in different organs. In addition, the nanodrugs for local administration targeting diverse lesion sites will also form unique PC, which plays an important role in the therapeutic effect of nanodrugs. This article introduced the formation of PC on the surface of nanodrugs and summarized the recent studies about the roles of diversified proteins adsorbed on nanodrugs and relevant protein for organ-targeting receptor through different administration pathways, which may deepen our understanding of the role that PC played on organ-targeting and improve the therapeutic efficacy of nanodrugs to promote their clinical translation.

Lessons from the history of inorganic nanoparticles for inhalable diagnostics and therapeutics

The respiratory tract is one of the most accessible ones to exogenous nanoparticles, yet drug delivery by their means to it is made extraordinarily challenging because of the plexus of aerodynamic, hemodynamic and biomolecular factors at cellular and extracellular levels that synergistically define the safety and efficacy of this process. Here, the use of inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) for inhalable diagnostics and therapies of the lung is viewed through the prism of the history of studies on the interaction of INPs with the lower respiratory tract. The most conceptually and methodologically innovative and illuminative studies are referred to in the chronological order, as they were reported in the literature, and the trends in the progress of understanding this interaction of immense therapeutic and toxicological significance are being deduced from it. The most outstanding actual trends delineated include the diminishment of toxicity via surface functionalization, cell targeting, tagging and tracking via controlled binding and uptake, hybrid INP treatments, magnetic guidance, combined drug and gene delivery, use as adjuvants in inhalable vaccines, and other. Many of the understudied research directions, which have been accomplished by the nanostructured organic polymers in the pulmonary niche, are discussed. The progress in the use of INPs as inhalable diagnostics or therapeutics has been hampered by their well-recognized inflammatory potential and toxicity in the respiratory tract. However, the annual numbers of methodologically innovative studies have been on the rise throughout the past two decades, suggesting that this is a prolific direction of research, its comparatively poor commercial takings notwithstanding. Still, the lack of consensus on the effects of many INP compositions at low but therapeutically effective doses, the plethora of contradictory reports on ostensibly identical chemical compositions and NP properties, and the many cases of antagonism in combinatorial NP treatments imply that the rational design of inhalable medical devices based on INPs must rely on qualitative principles for the most part and embrace a partially stochastic approach as well. At the same time, the fact that the most studied INPs for pulmonary applications have been those with some of the thickest records of pulmonary toxicity, e.g., carbon, silver, gold, silica and iron oxide, is a silent call for the expansion of the search for new inorganic compositions for use in inhalable therapies to new territories.

What function of nanoparticles is the primary factor for their hyper-toxicity?

Nanomaterials have applications in environmental protection, hygiene, medicine, agriculture, and the food industry due to their enhanced bio-efficacy/toxicity as science and technology have progressed, notably nanotechnology. The extension in the use of nanoparticles in day-to-day products and their excellent efficacy raises worries about safety concerns associated with their use. Therefore, to understand their safety concerns and find the remedy, it is imperative to understand the rationales for their enhanced toxicity at low concentrations to minimize their potential side effects. The worldwide literature quotes different nanoparticle functions responsible for their enhanced bio-efficacy/ toxicity. Since the literature on the comparative toxicity study of nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes having different other physic-chemical properties like surface areas, surface charge, solubility, etc., evident that the nanoparticle's toxicity is not followed the fashion according to their shape, size, surface area, surface charge, solubility, and other Physico-chemical properties. It raises the question then what function of nanoparticle is the primary factor for their hyper toxicity. Why do non-spherical and large-sized nanoparticles show the same or higher toxicity to the same or different cell line or test organism instead of having lower surface area, surface charge, larger size, etc., than their corresponding spherical and smaller-sized nanoparticles? Are these factors a secondary, not primary, factor for nanoparticles hyper-toxicity? If so, what function of nanoparticles is the primary function for their hyper-toxicity? Therefore, in this article, literature related to the comparative toxicity of nanoparticles was thoroughly studied, and a hypothesis is put forth to address the aforesaid question, that the number of atoms/ions/ molecules per nanoparticles is the primary function of nanoparticles toxicity.

Biodegradable Zn-Dy binary alloys with high strength, ductility, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial ability for bone-implant applications

The unique combination of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and functionality of zinc (Zn)-based alloys makes them highly desirable for a wide range of medical applications. However, a long-standing problem associated with this family of biodegradable alloys in the as-cast state is their limited mechanical strength and slow degradation rate. Here we report the development of Zn-xDy (x = 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) alloys with high strength, ductility, cytocompatibility, antibacterial ability, and appropriate degradation rate for biodegradable bone-implant applications. Our results indicate that the mechanical properties of Zn-xDy alloys were effectively improved with increasing Dy addition and hot-rolling due to the second-phase strengthening. The hot-rolled (HR) Zn-3Dy alloy showed the best combined mechanical performance with an ultimate tensile strength of 270.5 MPa, a yield strength of 214.8 MPa, an elongation of 55.1%, and Brinell hardness of 75.9 HB. The corrosion and degradation rates of HR Zn-xDy alloys in Hanks' solution gradually increased with increasing Dy addition due to the intensification of galvanic corrosion. The HR Zn-3Dy alloy showed high antibacterial ability against S. aureus and cytocompatibility toward MC3T3-E1 cells among all the HR alloys. Overall, the HR Zn-3Dy alloy can be considered a promising biodegradable material for bone implants. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work reports on Zn-xDy (x = 1, 3, and 5%) alloys fabricated by Dy alloying followed by hot-rolling for biodegradable bone-implant applications. Our findings demonstrate that the hot-rolled (HR) Zn-3Dy alloy showed the best combined mechanical performance with an ultimate tensile strength of 270.5 MPa, a yield strength of 214.8 MPa, an elongation of 55.1%, and Brinell hardness of 75.9 HB. The corrosion and degradation rates of HR Zn-xDy alloys in Hanks' solution gradually increased with increasing Dy addition due to the intensification of galvanic corrosion. Furthermore, the HR Zn-3Dy alloy showed greater antibacterial ability against S. aureus and the best cytocompatibility toward MC3T3-E1 cells among all the HR alloys.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of urinary zinc with glucose-insulin homeostasis traits and type 2 diabetes: Exploring the potential roles of systemic inflammation and oxidative damage in Chinese urban adults

The link between zinc exposure and glucose metabolism or the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is controversial, and underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to explore the associations of zinc exposure with glucose-insulin homeostasis traits and the long-term effects of zinc on the development of T2D, and further to estimate the potential roles of inflammation and oxidative damage in such relationships. We investigated 3890 urban adults from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort, and followed up every three years. Mixed linear model was applied to estimate dose-response associations between urinary zinc and glycemia traits [fasting plasma insulin (FPI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR), and β-cell dysfunction (homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function, HOMA-B)], as well as zinc and biomarkers for systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) and oxidative damage (8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine). Logistic regression model and Cox regression model were conducted to evaluate the relationships between urinary zinc and prevalence and incidence of T2D, respectively. We further performed mediation analysis to assess the roles of inflammation and oxidative damage biomarkers in above associations. At baseline, we observed significant dose-response relationships of elevated urinary zinc with increased FPI, FPG, HOMA-IR, and T2D prevalence and decreased HOMA-B, and such associations could be strengthened by increased C-reactive protein, 8-isoprostane, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Elevated C-reactive protein significantly mediated 9.09% and 17.67% of the zinc-related FPG and HOMA-IR increments, respectively. In longitudinal analysis, a significantly positive association between urinary zinc and T2D incidence was observed among subjects with persistent high urinary zinc levels when compared with those with persistent low zinc levels. Our results suggested that high levels of zinc exposure adversely affected on glucose-insulin homeostasis and further contributed to increased risk of T2D cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Moreover, inflammatory response might play an important role in zinc-related glucose metabolic disorder.

Insights into the mapping of green synthesis conditions for ZnO nanoparticles and their toxicokinetics

Research on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has broad medical applications. However, the green synthesis of ZnO NPs involves a wide range of properties requiring optimization. ZnO NPs show toxicity at lower doses. This toxicity is a function of NP properties and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, NP toxicity and pharmacokinetics are affected by the species type and age of the animals tested. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling offers a mechanistic platform to scrutinize the colligative effect of the interplay between these factors, which reduces the need for in vivo studies. This review provides a guide to choosing green synthesis conditions that result in minimal toxicity using a mechanistic tool, namely PBPK modeling.

Effect and Mechanism of PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy in Rat Lung Injury Induced by Nano Lanthanum Oxide

Nano lanthanum oxide particles (La2O3 NPs) are important nanoparticle materials which are widely used in photoelectric production, but their potential health hazards to the respiratory system are not clear. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible mechanism of lung injury induced by La2O3 NPs. In this study, 40 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into low-, medium-, and high-dose groups and control groups, with 10 animals in each group. Rats were poisoned by tracheal injection. The low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were given La2O3 NPs suspension of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and the control group was given an equal volume of high-temperature sterilized ultrapure water. The rats in each group were exposed once a week for 12 consecutive times. The gene transcription and protein expression levels of PINK1 and parkin in rat lung tissue were mainly detected. Compared with the control group, the gene transcription and protein expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin in the exposed group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). La2O3 NPs may activate PINK1/parkin-induced mitochondrial autophagy.

Caveolin-initiated macropinocytosis is required for efficient silica nanoparticles' transcytosis across the alveolar epithelial barrier

Removal of particulate materials that would otherwise cumulate within the airspace and hinder the gas exchange is one of the central processes of maintaining lung homeostasis. While the importance of the particle uptake by alveolar macrophages and their expulsion via the airways mucociliary escalator is well established, very little is known about the alternative route for removing the particles via direct crossing the lung epithelium for transfer into the pulmonary lymph and bloodstream. This study dissected sequential mechanisms involved in nanoparticle transcytosis through the alveolar epithelial cell layer. By a combination of live cell, super resolution, and electron microscopy and RNA interference study, we have dissected temporal steps of nanoparticle transcytosis through alveolar epithelium. Our study revealed that caveolin is essential for the firm adhesion of the silica nanoparticle agglomerates to the apical membrane and their subsequent rapid internalization with the help of macropinocytic elements C-terminal-binding protein1 and Rabankyrin-5 but not dynamin. Actin, but not microtubules, played a major role in nanoparticle uptake and subsequent transportation. The compartments with nanoparticles were tethered to trans-Golgi network to be jointly transported along actin stress fibers across the cytoplasm, employing a myosin-dependent mechanism. The trans-Golgi nanoparticle transport machinery was positive to Rab6A, a marker linked to vesicle exocytosis. Exocytosis was primarily occurring at the basolateral plane of the alveolar epithelial cells. The high-proficiency novel caveolin and Rabankyrin-5 associated uptake and transcellular transport of nanoparticles across the AEC barrier supports its importance in clearance of amorphous silica and other types of non-inflammatory nanoparticles that are rapidly removed from the lungs following their inhalation.

Acute lung inflammation induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles: Evolution and intervention via NRF2 activator

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are widely used worldwide. Human inhalation exposure to ZnONPs induces acute lung inflammation (ALI); however, the characteristics and therapeutic targets of ALI are unclear. In this study, female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a single intratracheal instillation of 20 μg of ZnONPs. Increased lung malondialdehyde levels and decreased total antioxidant capacity at 6 h, as well as increased lactate dehydrogenase levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) at 1 day (d) post treatment were observed. A significant inflammatory response was observed at 3 d and 7 d, as evidenced by increased leukocyte numbers and total protein concentration in BALF, and histological abnormalities. Pulmonary NRF2 signaling was significantly activated at 3 d post treatment. To investigate a protective role of NRF2 activator against ZnONP-induced ALI, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-imidazolide (CDDO-Im) (2 mg/kg) 1 d before and 1 d after ZnONPs treatment. CDDO-Im significantly decreased leukocyte numbers and total protein concentration in BALF and pulmonary inflammatory gene expression, and ameliorated histopathological abnormalities induced by ZnONPs. Collectively, the present study indicates that ZnONPs exposure leads to oxidative stress, cell injury and inflammation in the lung successively. Moreover, the NRF2 activator protects against ZnONPs-induced ALI.

Tracking of realistic nanoplastics in complicated matrices by iridium element labeling and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy

Herein, we proposed a protocol to track realistic nanoplastics (NPs) by labeling them with an iridium-containing organic molecular agent (denoted as Ir) followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy detection, as exemplified by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) NPs prepared from water bottles. The Ir showed satisfactory labeling stability in typical environmental and biological matrices. After 3d's incubation, the leaching ratios were less than 3% in water, phosphate buffered saline, sea water, cell culture medium, artificial gastric juice, artificial intestinal fluid, sediment resuspension, and around 5% in fetal bovine serum. On this basis, in vivo distribution of PET NPs in mice was analyzed. The intravenously injected NPs widely distributed in liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Comparatively, NPs could hardly be detected in these organs after intragastric administration, suggesting that they could not penetrate the intestinal barriers. The temporal and spatial distribution of the NPs in an intertidal zone sediment resuspension model was also investigated. The NPs mostly deposited at the overlying deposit, implying the absorption-driven sinking behavior of NPs with natural organic matters. This work provided an effective way to quantitatively track realistic NPs, which could promote the understanding of the fate and effect of NPs in natural environments and organisms.

Toxicokinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles and food grade bulk-sized zinc oxide in rats after oral dosages

The increasing application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in consumer products has raised concerns about the potential health risks in human. It is crucial to understand the toxicokinetic information of ZnO NPs, especially the differences between NPs and non-nano form material. This study investigated the toxicokinetic profile of ZnO NPs and food grade bulk-sized ZnO in rats after single or repeated oral dosages. For single oral administration of ZnO suspensions at 350 mg/kgbw, the Zn content in blood and tissues showed no elevation, the majority of ZnO particles were eliminated via feces within 48 h. For repeated oral exposure to ZnO suspensions at 350 mg/kgbw or ZnSO₄ solution at 700 mg/kgbw for 90 days, elevated Zn levels were observed in liver, kidney, and bone in all three treatment groups, the Zn level recovered to normal level in liver and kidney, but not in bone, after a recovery period. ZnO NPs and bulk-sized ZnO showed similarity in toxicokinetics in rats, regardless of exposure duration or gender. ZnO particles shared a similar biodistribution profile with ZnSO₄, and were likely to be absorbed mostly in ionic forms.

Silica encapsulation of ZnO nanoparticles reduces their toxicity for cumulus cell-oocyte-complex expansion

Background

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in many industrial and biomedical applications, hence their impact on occupational and public health has become a concern. In recent years, interest on the effect that exposure to NPs may exert on human reproduction has grown, however data are still scant. In the present work, we investigated whether different metal oxide NPs interfere with mouse cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) expansion.

Methods

Mouse COCs from pre-ovulatory follicles were cultured in vitro in the presence of various concentrations of two types of TiO₂ NPs (JRC NM-103 and NM-104) and four types of ZnO NPs (JRC NM-110, NM-111, and in-house prepared uncoated and SiO₂-coated NPs) and the organization of a muco-elastic extracellular matrix by cumulus cells during the process named cumulus expansion was investigated.

Results

We show that COC expansion was not affected by the presence of both types of TiO₂ NPs at all tested doses, while ZnO NM-110 and NM-111 induced strong toxicity and inhibited COCs expansion at relatively low concentration. Medium conditioned by these NPs showed lower toxicity, suggesting that, beside ion release, inhibition of COC expansion also depends on NPs per se. To further elucidate this, we compared COC expansion in the presence of uncoated or SiO₂-coated NPs. Differently from the uncoated NPs, SiO₂-coated NPs underwent slower dissolution, were not internalized by the cells, and showed an overall lower toxicity. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that ZnO NPs, but not SiO₂-coated ZnO NPs, affected the expression of genes fundamental for COC expansion. Dosimetry analysis revealed that the delivered-to-cell mass fractions for both NPs was very low.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results suggest that chemical composition, dissolution, and cell internalization are all responsible for the adverse effects of the tested NPs and support the importance of a tailored, safer-by-design production of NPs to reduce toxicity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12989-021-00424-z.

Nanomaterials and hepatic disease: toxicokinetics, disease types, intrinsic mechanisms, liver susceptibility, and influencing factors

The widespread use of nanomaterials (NMs) has raised concerns that exposure to them may introduce potential risks to the human body and environment. The liver is the main target organ for NMs. Hepatotoxic effects caused by NMs have been observed in recent studies but have not been linked to liver disease, and the intrinsic mechanisms are poorly elucidated. Additionally, NMs exhibit varied toxicokinetics and induce enhanced toxic effects in susceptible livers; however, thus far, this issue has not been thoroughly reviewed. This review provides an overview of the toxicokinetics of NMs. We highlight the possibility that NMs induce hepatic diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, liver cancer, and metabolic disorders, and explore the underlying intrinsic mechanisms. Additionally, NM toxicokinetics and the potential induced risks in the livers of susceptible individuals, including subjects with liver disease, obese individuals, aging individuals and individuals of both sexes, are summarized. To understand how NM type affect their toxicity, the influences of the physicochemical and morphological (PCM) properties of NMs on their toxicokinetics and toxicity are also explored. This review provides guidance for further toxicological studies on NMs and will be important for the further development of NMs for applications in various fields.

A mini-review of X-ray photodynamic therapy (XPDT) nonoagent constituents' safety and relevant design considerations

Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) has proved effective in the management of primary tumors and individual metastases. However, most cancer mortality arises from wide-spread multiple metastases. The latter has thus become the principal target in oncology, and X-ray induced photodynamic therapy (XPDT or PDTX) offers a great solution for adapting the PDT principle to deep tumors and scattered metastases. Developing agents capable of being excited by X-rays and emitting visible light to excite photosensitizers is based on challenging physical and chemical technologies, but there are fundamental biological limitations that are to be accounted for as well. In the present review, we have established eight major groups of safety determinants of NPs encompassing 22 parameters of clinical applicability of XPDT nanoparticulate formulations. Most, if not all, of these parameters can be accounted for and optimized during the design and development of novel XPDT nanoparticles.

Serum zinc levels and multiple health outcomes: Implications for zinc-based biomaterials

BACKGROUND

Zinc-based biomaterials, including biodegradable metal, nanoparticles, and coatings used in medical implants release zinc ions that may increase the whole-body and serum zinc concentrations. The impact of serum zinc concentrations on major health outcomes can provide insights for device design and clinical transformation of zinc-based biomaterials.

METHODS

This nationally representative cross-sectional study enrolled participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011-2014) including 3607 participants. Using unadjusted and multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses, two-piecewise linear regression model with a smoothing function and threshold level analysis, we evaluated the associations between elevated serum zinc levels and major health outcomes.

RESULTS

Elevated serum zinc levels were significantly associated with an increase in total spine and total femur bone mineral density (BMD). Every 10 μg/dL increase was associated with a 1.12-fold increase in diabetes mellitus (DM) and 1.23-fold and 1.29-fold increase in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), in participants with serum zinc levels ≥ 100 μg/dL. It had no significant linear or nonlinear associations with risk of fractures, congestive heart failure, heart attack, thyroid disease, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dyslipidemia and cancer.

CONCLUSION

Serum zinc levels are significantly associated with increased BMD in the total spine and total femur, and risk of DM, and CVD/CHD among participants with serum zinc levels ≥100 μg/dL.

Lipid-coated ZnO nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity studies in cancer cell

ZnO nanoparticles are widely used in biological, chemical, and medical fields, but their toxicity impedes their wide application. In this study, pristine ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm; ~ 18 nm; ~ 49 nm) and lipid-coated ZnO NPs (~ 13 nm; ~ 22 nm; ~ 52 nm) with different morphologies were prepared by chemical method and characterized by TEM, XRD, HRTEM, FTIR, and DLS. Our results showed that the lipid-coated ZnO NPs (~ 13 nm; ~ 22 nm; ~ 52 nm) groups improved the colloidal stability, prevented the aggregation and dissolution of nanocrystal particles in the solution, inhibited the dissolution of ZnO NPs into Zn²⁺ cations, and reduced cytotoxicity more efficiently than the pristine ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm; ~ 18 nm; ~ 49 nm). Compared to the lipid-coated ZnO NPs, pristine ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm; ~ 18 nm; ~ 49 nm) could dose-dependently destroy the cells at low concentrations. At the same concentration, ZnO NPs (~ 7 nm) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity. These results could provide a basis for the toxicological study of the nanoparticles and direct future investigations for preventing strong aggregation, reducing the toxic effects of lipid-bilayer and promoting the uptake of nanoparticles by HeLa cells efficiently.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Mitochondrial Biogenesis Impairment and Cardiac Dysfunction in Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials in a variety of fields such as industrial, pharmaceutical, and household applications. Increasing evidence suggests that ZnO NPs could elicit unignorable harmful effect to the cardiovascular system, but the potential deleterious effects to human cardiomyocytes remain to be elucidated. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been increasingly used as a promising in vitro model of cardiomyocyte in various fields such as drug cardiac safety evaluation. Herein, the present study was designed to elucidate the cardiac adverse effects of ZnO NPs and explore the possible underlying mechanism using hiPSC-CMs.

Methods

ZnO NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The cytotoxicity induced by ZnO NPs in hiPSC-CMs was evaluated by determination of cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by high-content analysis (HCA). Mitochondrial biogenesis was assayed by detection of mtDNA copy number and PGC-1α pathway. Moreover, microelectrode array techniques were used to investigate cardiac electrophysiological alterations.

Results

We demonstrated that ZnO NPs concentration- and time-dependently elicited cytotoxicity in hiPSC-CMs. The results from HCA revealed that ZnO NPs exposure at low-cytotoxic concentrations significantly promoted ROS generation and induced mitochondrial dysfunction. We further demonstrated that ZnO NPs could impair mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibit PGC-1α pathway. In addition, ZnO NPs at insignificantly cytotoxic concentrations were found to trigger cardiac electrophysiological alterations as evidenced by decreases of beat rate and spike amplitude.

Conclusion

Our findings unveiled the potential harmful effects of ZnO NPs to human cardiomyocytes that involve mitochondrial biogenesis and the PGC-1α pathway that could affect cardiac electrophysiological function.

Deciphering the particle specific effects on metabolism in rat liver and plasma from ZnO nanoparticles versus ionic Zn exposure

Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are often related to the release of Zn²⁺ ions due to their dissolution. Studies also suggest that the toxicity of ZnO NPs cannot be solely explained by the release of Zn²⁺ ions; however, there is a lack of direct evidence of ZnO particulate effects. This study compared the acute toxicity of ZnO NPs and ZnSO₄ following intranasal exposure using a combination of metallomics and metabolomics approaches. Significant accumulation of Zn in the liver was only found in the ZnO NP treatment, with 29% of the newly accumulated Zn in the form of ZnO as revealed by X-ray fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS). This is the first direct evidence suggesting the persistence of ZnO NPs in liver upon intranasal exposure. Although both ZnO NPs and ZnSO₄ altered the metabolite profiles, with some overlaps and considerable specificity, of both liver and plasma samples, more and distinct metabolites in the liver and opposite effects in the plasma were altered by ZnO NPs compared with ZnSO₄, consistent with no accumulation of Zn detected in liver from ZnSO₄. Specifically, a large number of antioxidant-related compounds and energetic substrates were exclusively elevated in the liver of ZnO NP-treated animals. These findings provided direct evidence that persistence of ZnO NPs induced particle-specific effects on the antioxidant systems and energy metabolism pathways.

In vitro inhalation bioaccessibility procedures for lead in PM2.5 size fraction of soil assessed and optimized by in vivo-in vitro correlation

In order to assess and optimize frequently used in vitro inhalation bioaccessibility procedures for heavy metals in the inhalation risk assessment, in vivo inhalation bioavailability of Pb in simulated atmosphere fine particles (PM_2.5) from aging soils spiked with lead compounds and field soils in lead-zinc mining areas was investigated via intranasally instilled experiments with these PM_2.5 suspensions to mice and Pb bioaccessibility was extracted by using four frequently used in vitro procedures (Gamble Solution, simulated lung fluid, simulated epithelial lung fluid and artificial lysosomal fluid). Mouse exposure experiments showed that Pb was mainly distributed in the liver, kidneys, blood and spleen. Based on the kidney model, in vitro inhalation bioaccessibility of Pb extracted with optimized Gamble Solution, in which solid to liquid ratio (S/L) was optimized to 1:1000 g ml^-1 and DTPA was proved to be the key effective component, showed a strong linear relationship with its in vivo inhalation bioavailability (y = 1.07x - 3.86, R² = 0.73). Moreover, in vitro bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions of Pb were mainly from acid exchangeable and reducible fractions of Pb in PM_2.5. Altogether, optimized Gamble Solution was suggested for the analysis of in vitro bioaccessibility for risk-based assessments.

Genotoxicity and biocompatibility of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: Influence of surface modification on biodistribution, retention, DNA damage and oxidative stress

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) require stable surface modifications to render safe nanocapsules for biomedical applications. Herein, two types of surface modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-encapsulated SPION were synthesized using either α-tocopheryl-polyetheleneglycol-succinate (TPGS) or didodecyl-dimethyl-ammonium-bromide (DMAB) as surfactants by emulsification. SPION-TPGS (180 nm) was larger than SPION-DMAB (25 nm) and uncoated SPION (10 nm). Both formulations were positively charged and induced lower cyto-genotoxicity and ROS generation than uncoated SPION in human lymphocytes. SPION-DMAB was least cyto-genotoxic among the three. Based on these results, mice were gavaged with the formulations for 5 consecutive days and biocompatibility studies were performed on the 7th and 21st days. ICP-AES and Prussian blue staining revealed the internalization of SPION-DMAB in brain and spleen, and SPION-TPGS in liver and kidney on day 7. This was correlated with high DNA damage and oxidative stress in the same organs. Substantial clearance of Fe was accompanied by reduced genotoxicity and oxidative stress on day 21. Therefore, SPION-DMAB can be further studied for oral drug delivery to the brain and imaging of cerebral tissue without any functional ligand or external magnetic field.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Neoplastic-Like Cell Transformation in Vitro Is Reduced with a Protective Amorphous Silica Coating

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) have recently surged in production and use in a wide variety of biomedical and environmental applications. However, their potential long-term health effects, including carcinogenesis, are unknown. Limited research suggests IONP can induce genotoxicity and neoplastic transformation associated with particle dissolution and release of free iron ions. "Safe by design" strategies involve the modification of particle physicochemical properties to affect subsequent adverse outcomes, such as an amorphous silica coating to reduce IONP dissolution and direct interaction with cells. We hypothesized that long-term exposure to a specific IONP (nFe₂O₃) would induce neoplastic-like cell transformation, which could be prevented with an amorphous silica coating (SiO₂-nFe₂O₃). To test this hypothesis, human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B) were continuously exposed to a 0.6 μg/cm² administered a dose of nFe₂O₃ (∼0.58 μg/cm² delivered dose), SiO₂-nFe₂O₃ (∼0.55 μg/cm² delivered dose), or gas metal arc mild steel welding fumes (GMA-MS, ∼0.58 μg/cm² delivered dose) for 6.5 months. GMA-MS are composed of roughly 80% iron/iron oxide and were recently classified as a total human carcinogen. Our results showed that low-dose/long-term in vitro exposure to nFe₂O₃ induced a time-dependent neoplastic-like cell transformation, as indicated by increased cell proliferation and attachment-independent colony formation, which closely matched that induced by GMA-MS. This transformation was associated with decreases in intracellular iron, minimal changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the induction of double-stranded DNA damage. An amorphous silica-coated but otherwise identical particle (SiO₂-nFe₂O₃) did not induce this neoplastic-like phenotype or changes in the parameters mentioned above. Overall, the presented data suggest the carcinogenic potential of long-term nFe₂O₃ exposure and the utility of an amorphous silica coating in a "safe by design" hazard reduction strategy, within the context of a physiologically relevant exposure scenario (low-dose/long-term), with model validation using GMA-MS.

Nanoparticle induced barrier function assessment at liquid-liquid and air-liquid interface in novel human lung epithelia cell lines

Inhalation is the most relevant entry point for nanoparticles (NPs) into the human body. To date, toxicity testing of nanomaterials in respect to oral, dermal and inhalative application is mainly based on animal experiments. The development of alternative test methods is the subject of current research. In vitro models can help to investigate mechanistic aspects, as e.g. cellular uptake or genotoxicity and might help to reduce in vivo testing. Lung cell lines are proper in vitro tools to assess NP toxicity. In respect to this, various cell models have been developed during the recent years, but often lack in a proper intact barrier function. However, besides other important in vivo criteria which are still missing like e.g. circulation, this is one basic prerequisite to come closer to the in vivo situation in certain mechanistic aspects such as particle translocation which is an important task for risk assessment of nanomaterials. Novel developed in vitro models may help to investigate the translocation of nanomaterials from the lung. We investigated the barrier function of the recently developed human lung cell lines CI-hAELVi and CI-huAEC. The cells were further exposed to CeO2 NPs and ZnO NPs, and their suitability as in vitro models for toxicological investigations was proven. The obtained data were compared with data generated with the A549 cell line. Measurement of transepithelial resistance and immunohistochemical examination of tight junctions confirmed the formation of a functional barrier for both cell lines for submerged and air-liquid cultivation. For particle exposure, hAELVi and huAEC cells showed comparable results to A549 cells without losing the barrier function. CeO2 NP exposure revealed no toxicity for all cell lines. In contrast, ZnO NPs was toxic for all cell lines at a concentration between 10-50 μg ml-1. Due to the comparable results to A549 cells CI-hAELVi and CI-huAEC offer new opportunities to investigate nanoparticle cell interactions more realistic than recent 2D cell models.

In vivo clearance of nanoparticles by transcytosis across alveolar epithelial cells

Nanoparticles in polluted air or aerosolized drug nanoparticles predominantly settle in the alveolar lung. Here, we describe a novel, highly effective pathway for the particles to cross the alveolar epithelium and reach the lymph and bloodstream. Amorphous silica nanoparticles, suspended in perfluorocarbon, were instilled into the lungs of mice for intravital microscopy. Particles formed agglomerates that settled on the alveolar wall, half of which were removed from the lung within 30 minutes. TEM histology showed agglomerates in stages of crossing the alveolar epithelium, in large compartments inside the epithelial cells and crossing the basal membrane into the interstitium. This pathway is consistent with published kinetic studies in rats and mice, using a host of (negatively) charged and polar nanoparticles.

Fate of Barium Sulfate Nanoparticles Deposited in the Lungs of Rats

We have shown that barium [from BaSO4 nanoparticles (NPs)] was cleared from the lungs faster than other poorly soluble NPs and translocated mostly to bone. We now studied barium biokinetics in rats during Study 1: two-year inhalation exposure to 50 mg/m3 BaSO4 NP aerosols, and Study 2: single intratracheal (IT) instillation of increasing doses of BaSO4 NPs or BaCl2. Study 1 showed that lung barium content measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry increased during 360 days of BaSO4 NP aerosol exposures. An equilibrium was established from that time until 2 years. Barium concentrations in BaSO4-exposed animals were in the order (lungs > lymph nodes > hard bone > bone marrow > liver). In Study 2, there was an increase in lung barium post-IT instillation of BaSO4 NPs while barium from BaCl2 was mostly cleared by day 28. Transmission electron microscopy showed intact BaSO4 NPs in alveolar macrophages and type II epithelial cells, and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, specific BaSO4 Raman spectra were detected in BaSO4 NP-instilled lungs and not in other organs. Thus, we posit that barium from BaSO4 NPs translocates from the lungs mainly after dissolution. Barium ions are then incorporated mostly into the bone and other organs.

Dissolution Behavior and Biodurability of Ingested Engineered Nanomaterials in the Gastrointestinal Environment

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are extensively used as food additives in numerous food products, and at present, little is known about the fate of ingested ENM (iENM) in the gastrointestinal (GI) environment. Here, we investigated the dissolution behavior, biodurability, and persistence of four major iENM (TiO₂, SiO₂, ZnO, and two Fe₂O₃) in individual simulated GI fluids (saliva, gastric, and intestinal) and a physiologically relevant digestion cascade (saliva → gastric → intestinal) in the fasted state over physiologically relevant time frames. TiO₂ was found to be the most biodurable and persistent iENM in simulated GI fluids with a maximum of only 0.42% (4 μM Ti⁴⁺ ion release) dissolution in cascade digestion, followed by iron oxides, of which the rod-like morphology was more biodurable and persistent (0.7% maximum dissolution, 8.7 μM Fe³⁺) than the acicular one (2.27% maximum dissolution, 16.7 μM Fe³⁺) in the cascade digestion, respectively. SiO₂ and ZnO were less biodurable than Fe₂O₃, with 65.5% (416 μM Si⁴⁺) and 100% (1718.1 μM Zn²⁺) dissolution in the gastric phase, respectively. In the intestinal phase, however, Si⁴⁺ ions reprecipitated, possibly due to sudden pH changes, while ZnO remained completely dissolved. These observations were also confirmed using high-resolution particle size and concentration, and electron microscopy, time-dependent analysis. In terms of decreasing biodurability and persistence in the simulated GI environment, the tested nanomaterials can be ranked as follows: TiO₂ ≫ rod-like Fe₂O₃ > acicular Fe₂O₃ ≫ SiO₂ > ZnO, which is in agreement with limited animal biokinetics data. Chronic uptake of these iENM as particles or ions by the GI tract, especially in the presence of a food matrix and authentic digestive media, and associated implications for human health warrants further investigation.

Fast, asymmetric and nonhomogeneous clearance of SiC nanoaerosol assessed by micro-particle-induced x-ray emission

AIM

To study the biopersistence of a silicon carbide (SiC) nanoaerosol in rat lungs, as time-dependent clearance and spatial distribution.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed 6 h/day during 5 days to a SiC nanoaerosol at 4.91 mg SiC/l. SiC biopersistence in rat lungs sections was assessed over 28 days by micro-particle-induced x-ray emission (μPIXE) as 2D maps and by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) for whole-lung quantification. 2D maps were analyzed for SiC spatial distribution as skewness and kurtosis.

RESULTS

Half-time clearance was 10.9 ± 0.9 days, agreeing with PIXE measurements. Spatial-temporal analysis of SiC indicated decreased symmetry and homogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Fast SiC clearance points that current nanoaerosol exposure may not be enough to trigger lung overload. Spatial distribution shows an asymmetric and nonhomogeneous SiC clearance.

Synergistic effects of engineered nanoparticles and organics released from laser printers using nano-enabled toners: potential health implications from exposures to the emitted organic aerosol

Recent studies have shown that engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are incorporated into toner powder used in printing equipment and released during their use. Thus, understanding the functional and structural composition and potential synergistic effects of this complex aerosol and released gaseous co-pollutants is critical in assessing their potential toxicological implications and risks. In this study, toner powder and PEPs were thoroughly examined for functional and molecular composition of the organic fraction and the concentration profile of 16 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) using state of the art analytical methods. Results show significant differences in abundance of non-exchangeable organic hydrogen of toner powder and PEPs, with a stronger aromatic spectral signature in PEPs. Changes in structural composition of PEPs are indicative of radical additions and free-radical polymerization favored by catalytic reactions, resulting in formation of functionalized organic species. Particularly, accumulation of aromatic carbons with strong styrene-like molecular signatures on PEPs is associated with formation of semivolatile heavier aromatic species (i.e., PAHs). Further, the transformation of low molecular weight PAHs in the toner powder to high molecular weight PAHs in PEPs was documented and quantified. This may be a result of synergistic effects from catalytic metal/metal oxide ENPs incorporated into the toner and the presence/release of semi-volatile organic species (SVOCs). The presence of known carcinogenic PAHs on PEPs raises public health concerns and warrants further toxicological assessment.

Protein corona: implications for nanoparticle interactions with pulmonary cells

Background

We previously showed that cerium oxide (CeO₂), barium sulfate (BaSO₄) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited different lung toxicity and pulmonary clearance in rats. We hypothesize that these NPs acquire coronas with different protein compositions that may influence their clearance from the lungs.

Methods

CeO₂, silica-coated CeO₂, BaSO₄, and ZnO NPs were incubated in rat lung lining fluid in vitro. Then, gel electrophoresis followed by quantitative mass spectrometry was used to characterize the adsorbed proteins stripped from these NPs. We also measured uptake of instilled NPs by alveolar macrophages (AMs) in rat lungs using electron microscopy. Finally, we tested whether coating of gold NPs with albumin would alter their lung clearance in rats.

Results

We found that the amounts of nine proteins in the coronas formed on the four NPs varied significantly. The amounts of albumin, transferrin and α-1 antitrypsin were greater in the coronas of BaSO₄ and ZnO than that of the two CeO₂ NPs. The uptake of BaSO₄ in AMs was less than CeO₂ and silica-coated CeO₂ NPs. No identifiable ZnO NPs were observed in AMs. Gold NPs coated with albumin or citrate instilled into the lungs of rats acquired the similar protein coronas and were cleared from the lungs to the same extent.

Conclusions

We show that different NPs variably adsorb proteins from the lung lining fluid. The amount of albumin in the NP corona varies as does NP uptake by AMs. However, albumin coating does not affect the translocation of gold NPs across the air-blood barrier. A more extensive database of corona composition of a diverse NP library will develop a platform to help predict the effects and biokinetics of inhaled NPs.

Central neurotoxicity induced by the instillation of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles through the taste nerve pathway

AIM

To explore whether nanoparticles (NPs) can be transported into the CNS via the taste nerve pathway.

MATERIALS & METHODS

ZnO and TiO₂ NPs were tongue-instilled to male Wistar rats. Toxicity was assessed by Zn/Ti biodistribution, histopathological examination, oxidative stress assay, quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR analysis, learning and memory capabilities.

RESULTS

ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs significantly deposited in the nerves and brain, respectively. The histopathological examination indicated a slight injury in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Ultrastructural changes and an imbalanced oxidative stress were observed. The Morris water maze results showed that the learning and memory of rats were impaired.

CONCLUSION

NPs can enter the CNS via the taste nerve translocation pathway and induce a certain adverse effect.

Physicochemical and colloidal aspects of food matrix effects on gastrointestinal fate of ingested inorganic nanoparticles

Inorganic nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, or silver nanoparticles, are added to some food products and food packaging materials to obtain specific functional attributes, such as lightening, powder flow, nutrition, or antimicrobial properties. These engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) all have dimensions below 100nm, but may still vary considerably in composition, morphology, charge, surface properties and aggregation state, which effects their gastrointestinal fate and potential toxicity. In addition to their intrinsic physicochemical and morphological properties, the extrinsic properties of the media they are suspended in also affects their biotransformation, gastrointestinal fate and bioactivity. For instance, inorganic nanoparticles are usually consumed as part of a food or meal that contains numerous other components, such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, surfactants, minerals, and water, which may alter their gastrointestinal fate. This review article provides an overview of the potential effects of food components on the behavior of ENMs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and highlights some important physicochemical and colloidal mechanisms by which the food matrix may alter the properties of inorganic nanoparticles. This information is essential for developing appropriate test methods to establish the potential toxicity and biokinetics of inorganic nanoparticles in foods.

Nanoparticle exposures from nano-enabled toner-based printing equipment and human health: state of science and future research needs

Toner formulations used by laser printers (LP) and photocopiers (PC), collectively called "toner-based printing equipment" (TPE), are nano-enabled products (NEP) because they contain several engineered nanomaterials (ENM) that improve toner performance. It has been shown that during consumer use (printing), these ENM are released in the air, together with other semi-volatile organic nanoparticles, and newly formed gaseous co-pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOC). The aim of this review is to detail and analyze physico-chemical and morphological (PCM), as well as the toxicological properties of particulate matter (PM) emissions from TPE. The review covers evolution of science since the early 2000, when this printing technology first became a subject of public interest, as well as the lagging regulatory framework around it. Important studies that have significantly changed our understanding of these exposures are also highlighted. The review continues with a critical appraisal of the most up-to-date cellular, animal and human toxicological evidence on the potential adverse human health effects of PM emitted from TPE. We highlight several limitations of existing studies, including (i) use of high and often unrealistic doses in vitro or in vivo; (ii) unrealistically high-dose rates in intratracheal instillation studies; (iii) improper use of toners as surrogate for emitted nanoparticles; (iv) lack of or inadequate PCM characterization of exposures; and (v) lack of dosimetry considerations in in vitro studies. Presently, there is compelling evidence that the PM_0.1 from TPE are biologically active and capable of inducing oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo, respiratory tract inflammation in vivo (in rats) and in humans, several endpoints of cellular injury in monocultures and co-cultures, including moderate epigenetic modifications in vitro. In humans, limited epidemiological studies report typically 2-3 times higher prevalence of chronic cough, wheezing, nasal blockage, excessive sputum production, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath, in copier operators relative to controls. Such symptoms can be exacerbated during chronic exposures, and in individuals susceptible to inhaled pollutants. Thus respiratory, immunological, cardiovascular, and other disorders may be developed following such exposures; however, further toxicological and larger scale molecular epidemiological studies must be done to fully understand the mechanism of action of these TPE emitted nanoparticles. Major research gaps have also been identified. Among them, a methodical risk assessment based on "real world" exposures rather than on the toner particles alone needs to be performed to provide the much-needed data to establish regulatory guidelines protective of individuals exposed to TPE emissions at both the occupational and consumer level. Industry-wide molecular epidemiology as well as mechanistic animal and human studies are also urgently needed.

Nanofiller Presence Enhances Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Profile on Nanoparticles Released during Thermal Decomposition of Nano-enabled Thermoplastics: Potential Environmental Health Implications

Nano-enabled products are ultimately destined to reach end-of-life with an important fraction undergoing thermal degradation through waste incineration or accidental fires. Although previous studies have investigated the physicochemical properties of released lifecycle particulate matter (called LCPM) from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics, critical questions about the effect of nanofiller on the chemical composition of LCPM still persist. Here, we investigate the potential nanofiller effects on the profiles of 16 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on LCPM from thermal decomposition of nano-enabled thermoplastics. We found that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics significantly enhances not only the total PAH concentration in LCPM but most importantly also the high molecular weight (HMW, 4-6 ring) PAHs that are considerably more toxic than the low molecular weight (LMW, 2-3 ring) PAHs. This nano-specific effect was also confirmed during in vitro cellular toxicological evaluation of LCPM for the case of polyurethane thermoplastic enabled with carbon nanotubes (PU-CNT). LCPM from PU-CNT shows significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to PU which could be attributed to its higher HMW PAH concentration. These findings are crucial and make the case that nanofiller presence in thermoplastics can significantly affect the physicochemical and toxicological properties of LCPM released during thermal decomposition.

Isotope Tracers To Study the Environmental Fate and Bioaccumulation of Metal-Containing Engineered Nanoparticles: Techniques and Applications

The rapidly growing applicability of metal-containing engineered nanoparticles (MENPs) has made their environmental fate, biouptake, and transformation important research topics. However, considering the relatively low concentration of MENPs and the high concentration of background metals in the environment and in organisms, tracking the fate of MENPs in environment-related scenarios remains a challenge. Intrinsic labeling of MENPs with radioactive or stable isotopes is a useful tool for the highly sensitive and selective detection of MENPs in the environment and organisms, thus enabling tracing of their transformation, uptake, distribution, and clearance. In this review, we focus on radioactive/stable isotope labeling of MENPs for their environmental and biological tracing. We summarize the advantages of intrinsic radioactive/stable isotopes for MENP labeling and discuss the considerations in labeling isotope selection and preparation of labeled MENPs, as well as exposure routes and detection of labeled MENPs. In addition, current practice in the use of radioactive/stable isotope labeling of MENPs to study their environmental fate and bioaccumulation is reviewed. Future perspectives and potential applications are also discussed, including imaging techniques for radioactive- and stable-isotope-labeled MENPs, hyphenated multistable isotope tracers with speciation analysis, and isotope fractionation as a MENP tracer. It is expected that this critical review could provide the necessary background information to further advance the applications of isotope tracers to study the environmental fate and bioaccumulation of MENPs.

Toxicological Implications of Released Particulate Matter during Thermal Decomposition of Nano-Enabled Thermoplastics

Nano-enabled thermoplastics are part of the growing market of nano-enabled products (NEPs) that have vast utility in several industries and consumer goods. The use and disposal of NEPs at their end of life has raised concerns about the potential release of constituent engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) during thermal decomposition and their impact on environmental health and safety. To investigate this issue, industrially relevant nano-enabled thermoplastics including polyurethane, polycarbonate, and polypropylene containing carbon nanotubes (0.1 and 3% w/v, respectively), polyethylene containing nanoscale iron oxide (5% w/v), and ethylene vinyl acetate containing nanoscale titania (2 and 5% w/v) along with their pure thermoplastic matrices were thermally decomposed using the recently developed lab based Integrated Exposure Generation System (INEXS). The life cycle released particulate matter (called LCPM) was monitored using real time instrumentation, size fractionated, sampled, extracted and prepared for toxicological analysis using primary small airway epithelial cells to assess potential toxicological effects. Various cellular assays were used to assess reactive oxygen species and total glutathione as measurements of oxidative stress along with mitochondrial function, cellular viability, and DNA damage. By comparing toxicological profiles of LCPM released from polymer only (control) with nano-enabled LCPM, potential nanofiller effects due to the use of ENMs were determined. We observed associations between NEP properties such as the percent nanofiller loading, host matrix, and nanofiller chemical composition and the physico-chemical properties of released LCPM, which were linked to biological outcomes. More specifically, an increase in percent nanofiller loading promoted a toxicological response independent of increasing LCPM dose. Importantly, differences in host matrix and nanofiller composition were shown to enhance biological activity and toxicity of LCPM. This work highlights the importance of assessing the toxicological properties of LCPM and raises environmental health and safety concerns of nano-enabled products at their end of life during thermal decomposition/incineration.

Biodegradation of the ZnO:Eu nanoparticles in the tissues of adult mouse after alimentary application

Biodegradable zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered promising materials for future biomedical applications. To fulfil this potential, biodistribution and elimination patterns of ZnO NPs in the living organism need to be resolved. In order to investigate gastrointestinal absorption of ZnO NPs and their intra-organism distribution, water suspension of ZnO or fluorescent ZnO:Eu (Europium-doped zinc oxide) NPs (10mg/ml; 0.3ml/mouse) was alimentary-administered (IG: intra-gastric) to adult mice. Internal organs collected at key time-points after IG were evaluated by AAS for Zn concentration and analysed by cytometric techniques. We found that Zn-based NPs were readily absorbed and distributed (3 h post IG) in the nanoparticle form throughout the organism. Results suggest, that liver and kidneys were key organs responsible for NPs elimination, while accumulation was observed in the spleen and adipose tissues. We also showed that ZnO/ZnO:Eu NPs were able to cross majority of biological barriers in the organism (including blood-brain-barrier).

The role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in an increasing number of products, including rubber manufacture, cosmetics, pigments, food additives, medicine, chemical fibers and electronics. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ZnO NP nephrotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the potential toxicity of ZnO NPs in kidney cells in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We found that ZnO NPs were apparently engulfed by the HEK-293 human embryonic kidney cells and then induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, exposure to ZnO NPs led to a reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Interestingly, the ROS-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathway was significantly increased following ZnO NPs exposure. Additionally, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which are directly regulated by HIF-1 and are involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, displayed significantly increased levels following ZnO NPs exposure in HEK-293 cells. HIF-1α knockdown resulted in significantly decreased levels of autophagy and increased cytotoxicity. Therefore, our results suggest that HIF-1α may have a protective role in adaptation to the toxicity of ZnO NPs in kidney cells. In an animal study, fluorescent ZnO NPs were clearly observed in the liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen and heart. ZnO NPs caused histopathological lesions in the kidney and increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) which indicate possible renal possible damage. Moreover, ZnO NPs enhanced the HIF-1α signaling pathway, apoptosis and autophagy in mouse kidney tissues.

Conclusions

ZnO NPs may cause nephrotoxicity, and the results demonstrate the importance of considering the toxicological hazards of ZnO NP production and application, especially for medicinal use.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12989-016-0163-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of Pulmonary Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Following Inhalation and Intratracheal Instillation

We conducted inhalation and intratracheal instillation studies of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in order to examine their pulmonary toxicity. F344 rats were received intratracheal instillation at 0.2 or 1 mg of ZnO nanoparticles with a primary diameter of 35 nm that were well-dispersed in distilled water. Cell analysis and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed at three days, one week, one month, three months, and six months after the instillation. As the inhalation study, rats were exposed to a concentration of inhaled ZnO nanoparticles (2 and 10 mg/m³) for four weeks (6 h/day, 5 days/week). The same endpoints as in the intratracheal instillation study were analyzed at three days, one month, and three months after the end of the exposure. In the intratracheal instillation study, both the 0.2 and the 1.0 mg ZnO groups had a transient increase in the total cell and neutrophil count in the BALF and in the expression of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2, chemokine for neutrophil, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an oxidative stress marker, in the BALF. In the inhalation study, transient increases in total cell and neutrophil count, CINC-1,-2 and HO-1 in the BALF were observed in the high concentration groups. Neither of the studies of ZnO nanoparticles showed persistent inflammation in the rat lung, suggesting that well-dispersed ZnO nanoparticles have low toxicity.

The Role of the Food Matrix and Gastrointestinal Tract in the assessment of biological properties of ingested engineered nanomaterials (iENMs): State of the science and knowledge gaps

Many foods contain appreciable levels of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) (diameter < 100 nm) that may be either intentionally or unintentionally added. These ENMs vary considerably in their compositions, dimensions, morphologies, physicochemical properties, and biological responses. From a toxicological point of view, it is often convenient to classify ingested ENMs (iENMs) as being either inorganic (such as TiO₂, SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, or Ag) or organic (such as lipid, protein, or carbohydrate), since the former tend to be indigestible and the latter are generally digestible. At present there is a relatively poor understanding of how different types of iENMs behave within the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and how the food matrix and biopolymers transform their physico-chemical properties and influence their gastrointestinal fate. This lack of knowledge confounds an understanding of their potential harmful effects on human health. The purpose of this article is to review our current understanding of the GIT fate of iENMs, and to highlight gaps where further research is urgently needed in assessing potential risks and toxicological implications of iENMs. In particular, a strong emphasis is given to the development of standardized screening methods that can be used to rapidly and accurately assess the toxicological properties of iENMs.

Effects of engineered nanomaterial exposure on macrophage innate immune function

Increasing use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) means increased human exposures. Potential adverse effects include those on the immune system, ranging from direct toxicity to impairment of defenses against environmental pathogens and toxins. Effects on lung macrophages may be especially prominent, because they serve to clear foreign materials like ENMs and bacterial pathogens. We investigated the effects of 4 hour exposures over a range of concentrations, of a panel of industry-relevant ENMs, including SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, ZnO, CeO₂, TiO₂, and an Ag/SiO2 composite, on human THP-1 macrophages. Effects on phagocytosis of latex beads, and phagocytosis and killing of Francisella tularensis (FT), as well as viability, oxidative stress and mitochondrial integrity, were measured by automated scanning confocal microscopy and image analysis. Results revealed some notable patterns: 1) Phagocytosis of unopsonized beads was increased, whereas that of opsonized beads was decreased, by all ENMs, with the exception of ZnO, which reduced both opsonized and unopsonized uptake; 2) Uptake of opsonized and unopsonized FT was either impaired or unaffected by all ENMs, with the exception of CeO₂, which increased phagocytosis of unopsonized FT; 3) Macrophage killing of FT tended to improve with all ENMs; and 4) Viability was unaffected immediately following exposures with all ENMs tested, but was significantly decreased 24 hours after exposures to Ag/SiO₂ and ZnO ENMs. The results reveal a complex landscape of ENM effects on macrophage host defenses, including both enhanced and reduced capacities, and underscore the importance of robust hazard assessment, including immunotoxicity assessment, of ENMs.