S A F E T Y P R E C A U T I O N S & T OX I C I T Y R E S E A RC H

NANOTECHNOLOGY

NANOTECHNOLOGY

Defined as “the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.”

• The Nanotechnology-Biology Interface: Exploring Models for Oversight

CHALLENGES IN NANOTECHNOLOGY

1. Melding inorganic with biological to be compatible• Nanotoxicology concerns in health & environment

2. Benefiting society3. Deployment of nanotechnology for solving

global issues

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

• Applications have a DUAL nature• Example: The blood brain barrier delivers drugs by

penetration but raises toxicity concerns

• Thus the UK advises against use until future, but the US doesn’t agree.

US GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORK

Federal Organizations

Specific regulations :• Federal Plant Pest Act• Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic

Act• Toxic Substances Control Act

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Hazard Identification: Inhalation, dermal, injestion• Exposure control:• Substitution or elimination of nanoparticles to reduce its

release• Isolation in an enclosure or separate area• Engineering controls are required depending on

experiment: General Exhaust Ventilation, Local Exhaust Ventilation

• Administrative controls such as job rotation, placement of standard operating procedure, housekeeping procedure, spill prevention and control, proper labeling and storage of nanoparticles, and use of personal protective equipment

SAFETY PROCEDURES

• American research laboratories must follow specific OSHA standards: • Bloodborne Pathogens [1910.1030]• Laboratory Chemical Safety [1910.1450]• Respiratory Protection [1910.134]

• Most institutions, such as University of Maryland and Rice University have the capacity for nanotechnology research, but safety only goes as far as general lab safety training for researchers.

RECOMMENDED LAB PRACTICES

• Other institutions have recommended lab practices

• For example, Princeton University: • Conduct a thorough risk assessment  and take conservative

measures to prevent exposure• Work with nanomaterials in liquid media whenever possible• Wear impervious gloves, labcoats or cleanroom suits,

chemical splash goggles• Use enclosed control systems, such as a glovebox, for

work with dry nanoparticles or when potential aerosol generation exists

• HEPA filtration and wet wiping methods are both effective means of removing nanoparticle contamination

RISK ASSESSMENT COMPLICATIONS

• Currently not enough information to characterize risks • Differences in the exposure medium (i.e.. Food,

water, air)• Route of exposure (ie inhaled, consumed,

contacted)• Dose responses

SUSTAINABLE NANOTECHNOLOGY

Sustainable Nanotechnology• Research & development of nanomaterials that

have economic & societal benefits with little to no environmental negative impacts

SUSTAINABLE NANOTECHNOLOGY ARTICLE

Veronesi et al.

VERONESI ET AL.

The Physicochemistry of Capped Nanosilver Predicts Its Biological Activity in Rat Brain Endothelial Cells (RBEC4)• “Capping” nanosilver limits its oxidation/ aggregation & stabilizes

its size/ shape• This study measured aggregate size and zeta potential of AgNP of

different sizes and different coatings and if those factors alter permeability, cellular, and genomic responses

• Conclusions:• Pathways affected by both PVP were associated with NRF2- mediated oxidative

stress response, endocytosis, and bioenergies• Surface coating, aggregate size, & surface charge contribute to capped AgNP

permeability & oxidative stress response in RBEC4• PVP coating, a less negative surface charge, and smaller size have high toxicity

and reactivity to RBEC4