Ecotoxicology and Aquatic Biology Research Group
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Ecotoxicology and Aquatic Biology Research Group |
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Nanotoxicology
Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that deals with engineered molecules of an extremely small size (1-100 nanometres). It has been described as the ‘new industrial revolution’ and worldwide is sent to be a £multi-trillion industry. Because of size – related changes in physico – chemical properties, substances at the nanoscale display optical, magnetic and chemical properties that can differ greatly from the standard material enabling diverse commercial applications. Nanoparticles are currently used in products such as suntan lotion, cosmetics, clothing, cleaning materials, medicines and food. The properties that make nanoparticles useful in manufacturing however,
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also makes them potentially biologically disruptive. Recent research in humans and other mammals has shown that inhalation of nanoparticles released in car exhaust fumes increases the risk of lung pathologies and exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles such as titanium causes free radicals in skin cells, damaging DNA. Assessing the potential health risks associated with exposure to nanoparticles is now recognised as being a major international research priority and in response to health concerns for nanoparticles the UK Government and its regulatory agencies are developing the risk assessment agenda and regulatory regimes for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). Crucially, however, there is almost a complete lack of data on environmental fate of currently produced ENPs and their ecotoxicology, and research into these areas has been given a high priority. In our projects on nanoparticles we have set out to provide a comprehensive assessment of the toxicology of a suite of nanoparticles (metal oxides and carbon based nanoparticles) in fish under environmentally relevant conditions. The work is investigating the absorption, distribution , biological effects, metabolism and elimination pathways for uptake via the water and via the diet. This work is being complemented by in vitro studies with various fish cell types including hepatocytes, gut and gill cells to investigate how nanoparticles cross cell membranes and their fate within cells. Various analytical techniques and state of the art imaging techniques are being employed to monitor particle fate and behaviour in the water and fish. Although our work is principally focused on fish, we are also involved with studies on nanoparticle effects in invertebrates and mammals, through collaborations. 