Nanotoxico: Toxicological assessment of engineered nanoparticles using in vitro and in vivo models

Speaker:

Stéphanie Rolin PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dpt. of Pharmacy - University of Namur

Co-Author(s):

Julie Laloy – Dpt. of Pharmacy - University of Namur Bernard Masereel – Dpt. of Pharmacy - University of Namur Sébastien Vankoningsloo – URBC - University of Namur Jean-Pascal Piret – URBC- University of Namur Stéphane Lucas – LARN - University of Namur Christelle Saout – URBC - University of Namur Olivier Toussaint – URBC - University of Namur

Nanosciences and nanotechnologies are highly promising areas for research and industrial innovation. Due to their remarkable properties, nanomaterials are bearing many hopes, notably in materials engineering, in environmental sector and in medicine. Whilst this technology has enormous potential benefit, there are concerns that nanomaterials may generate a new class of risk on health and environment not only for workers chronically exposed to nanoparticles, but also for population in general indirectly exposed. Toxicological assessment of engineered nanomaterias has become an important issue to establish a safe, sustainable and responsible development and use of nanotechnology. In that context, the Directorate General for Technology, Research and Energy of the Walloon Region of Belgium initiated a research program called “Nanotoxico” to assess the potential toxicity of engineered nanoparticles having a real economic benefit in Belgium (Carbon nanotubes, Silicon and Titanium carbides). The Nanotoxico project involves several research teams including physicists, chemists, biologists and pharmacists. Each team will fulfill a specific mission in order to obtain an integrated view of nanomaterial physico-chemical properties and interaction with biological systems. Within this project, reconstituted human epidermis (fully differentiated), intestinal epithelium (with Follicule Associated Epithelium) and respiratory airway models, are used to perform transport studies and assess potential morphological alterations, cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory effects related to nanoparticles. In addition, the hepatotoxicity of nanoparticles is investigated using human hepatoma cell line HepG2. In the same time, in vivo studies are performed in order to confirm the results obtained with the in vitro models. Acute and subchronic toxicity studies are investigated on animal models using different exposure pathways such as the skin, the respiratory and the gastro-intestinal tracts. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations of several target organs and serum biochemical parameters will be performed to define potential hazard related to the studied nanoparticles.