Timing, hosts and locations of (grouped) events of NanoImpactNet

NanoSafetyCluster - Compendium 2012
The rational to select the set of cell lines, for in vitro human health
studies, is based on the way nanomaterials enter inside the body
and to represent the main target organs (liver, kidney, skin,
gastrointestinal tract, lung and lymphocytes) that could be
affected by nanomaterials. All these cell lines will be tested on the
following assays: Viability assay, proliferation assay and apoptosis
assay. Additional in vitro test will be carried out with specific cell
lines: The absorption assessment with Caco-2 cells and the
evaluation of biodistribution mediated toxicity with a hepatic cell
line. In the In vivo assays, the nanomaterials will be administered
intravenously setting up at least three treatment groups and a
control group.
The environmental fate and ecotoxicity of nanomaterials will be
investigated using six different assays (in vitro and in vivo). The
investigations will be performed with aquatic and terrestrial
organisms. The following studies are anticipated: Fish embryo
toxicity (FET) test to evaluate the early life stages of Zebra fish
larvae, a fish dietary bioaccumulation study, studying the effect of
nanomaterials on soil-dwelling organisms (Collembolan) in vivo,
distribution of the nanomaterials in soil compartments
(adsorption-desorption in soil), aerobic transformation of
nanomaterials in water/sediment compartment and aerobic and
anaerobic transformation of nanomaterials in soil.
The outputs from these studies will be the inputs in the LCIA
analysis of nanomaterials.
2.6 Theoretical studies and LCA analysis (WP6)
In this work package the main objective is to analyze all the data
obtained on the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of
the nanomaterials over their life cycle and use it for the
development of theoretical models to predict the human health
and environmental impact of nanomaterials. This theoretical
analysis of the data will allow developing predictive models to
evaluate the impact of nanomaterials along their life cycle. All the
studies will be combined to determine the critical factors
influencing: the structural changes, migration and toxicity of the
nanomaterials.
Additionally, LCA will be performed in accordance with the ISO
standards, which establishes four interrelated basic stages for LCA:
the goal and scope, the inventory analysis, the impact assessment,
and the interpretation. A comprehensive framework describing the
impact caused by engineered nanomaterials included in polymeric
matrices (nanocomposites) over their entire life cycle will be
obtained. The inputs and outputs collected over the life cycle will
be then converted into the corresponding potential environmental
impacts. The sum of such environmental impacts will represent the
overall environmental effect of the nanomaterial along their life
cycle. This will enable a quantitative and qualitative assessment of
the overall impacts and trade-offs for nanomaterials. New
algorithms will be postulated to obtain the impact indicators for
the new characterization factors that have been included in the
inventory specific to nanomaterials. These algorithms will be
proposed taking into account all the theoretical studies done in
this work package.
2.7 Technological solutions for the recycling and
disposal of NM included in polymeric matrices
(WP7)
Nanopolytox project proposes two strategies for the recycling and
one strategy for the disposal of nanomaterials included in
polymeric nanocomposites:
- Direct mechanical recycling of the nanocomposites for
new applications. The samples obtained after recycling
will be fully analyzed.
- Filtration and separation of the innocuous nanomaterials
from the polymeric host using nanofiber-based filters
specially designed for nanomaterials filtration in WP4.
Both the extracted/separated polymers and
nanomaterials will be reprocessed leading to new
composites with potential applications in various sectors.
- Filtration, separation and inertization of the toxic
nanomaterials in glass matrices: Filtration of the
nanomaterials with metal oxide nanofiber-based filters
able to react/interact strongly with the toxic
nanomaterials, then introduction of the charged metal
oxide nanofiber filters in a xerogel by sol-gel processes
and final sintering.
2.8 Dissemination and exploitation activities (WP8)
The dissemination plan will be the divulgation of the main
innovative aspects evolving during the development of the project,
in accordance with IPR restrictions. All partners will be involved in
the definition of the dissemination strategy, which will be included
in the detailed dissemination plan.
On a scientific level, the dissemination activities will be carried out
through publications in specialized journals in the areas of
nanotechnology, toxicology, polymers and material science. Wider
dissemination will be achieved via a more general strategy for
attaining a broad coverage of the project to a wide range of public.
The results of the project will be presented at different events
(workshops, technical conferences, fairs and exhibitions)
organized by the members of the consortium and in other
potentially interesting events that could be planned by other
organizations.
Additionally, and to promote the dissemination and collaboration
of NanoPolyTox with the four projects financed in 2009 in the area
of nanosafety, the active participation on the Nanosafety Cluster
by the coordinator and by the members of the consortium is
expected. It will allow efforts to be joined on direction of
establishing guidelines and providing data about the safety of
nanoparticles and nanomaterials within the EU territory.
The partners will analyze and validate the primary and secondary
market potential for the developments of the project activities,
and structure a market penetration & development plan
accordingly.
162 Compendium of Projects in the European NanoSafety Cluster