Researchers from the IEM CAS are exploring new possibilities of researching the toxicity of nanoparticles by in vitro exposure
Published 29. 11. 2021
In cooperation with colleagues from the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU), the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) and the Dutch company VSPARTICLE, we are exploring new possibilities of researching the toxicity of nanoparticles by in vitro exposure.
We plan to use a toxicological incubator for the direct exposure of cell cultures to complex mixtures, developed in collaboration with the CTU and the CZU for monitoring the toxicity of exhaust gases, to monitor the toxicity of other types of particles. For example, in the H2020 project TUBE to monitor the impact of nanoparticles on nerve cells. This unique system allows the simulation of natural biological processes without the need for testing in animal models
We are now planning exposures to well-defined nanoparticles of pure materials, including iron, gold and carbon, to validate the incubator and compare toxicological test results between European sites. We are using the VSP-G1 nanoparticle generator to generate a stable flow of high concentrations of nanoparticles from electrically conductive materials without precursors and surfactants, which are carried out by a carrier gas that can be argon, nitrogen or air.
The actual research will take place in a makeshift nanotoxicology laboratory and will last for approximately one month.