Biodegradation and biotransformation of carbon-based nanomaterials will be thoroughly investigated to adequately assess the biological and environmental fate of such materials – information needed for proper risk assessment.
Background
Carbon based nanomaterials, such as fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, are promising candidates for large volume applications and it has recently been shown that wastewater effluents in Spain already now contain fullerenes in substantial amounts. Natural occurrences of fullerenes have been reported in terrestrial and meteoritic sources. Therefore, we hypothesise that fullerenes may take part in the biogeochemical carbon cycle and that specific biological systems for their transformation may already have evolved. In this project we intend to test this hypothesis. Although quite some data on cellular toxicity, ecotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of carbon-based nanomaterials have accumulated over the past few years, we have identified an unwarrantable knowledge gap concerning the biotransformation of such materials.
Aim
In this project, we intend to contribute to alleviating this undesirable situation by conducting thorough investigations on the biodegradation and biotransformation of carbon-based nanomaterials. We will investigate whether enzymatic, cellular, or microbial systems will be able to biotransform carbon-based nanomaterials and what transformation products will be formed?
Significance
This project will significantly contribute to a better understanding of biologically mediated transformation reactions, of the biological systems involved and, ultimately, of the fate of carbon-based nanomaterials in the environment. To adequately assess the biological and environmental fate of carbon-based nanomaterials, extensive knowledge about their biotransformation and biodegradation is indispensable. Therefore, our projected findings will have direct application for the risk assessment of such materials. Authorities and regulatory bodies will thus profit directly from our results, as an appropriate risk assessment is a prerequisite for decision-making and formulation of recommendations and regulations.
Original title: Biotransformation of carbon-based nanomaterials (BioCarb)
Grant: CHF 290'336.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Dr. Hans-Peter Kohler