The main hypothesis of this project is that nanoparticles undergo dynamic changes, brought about by their interaction with the biotic environment. With our project (MeNanoqa), we aim for a mechanistic understanding of these interactions with aquatic organisms to support risk assessment and an optimised nanoparticle design.
Background
The rapid development of nanotechnology spurs the societal and economic need to use this technology in a sustainable way. Regulations regarding production, use and disposal of synthetic nanomaterials are clearly needed to maximise opportunities and minimise potential human and environmental health risks. Rational implementation of such regulations, however, requires comprehensive knowledge of the interaction of nanomaterials with their surrounding environment. The overall aim of MeNanoqa is to develop a mechanistic understanding of the interactions of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with aquatic organisms.
Aim
The main goals of the project are:
(1) to gain an understanding of metal NP/organism interactions upon contact, in particular with regard to uptake, elimination, intracellular transformations and interaction with biological molecules. Our focus will be on algae and fish cells.
(2) to provide a framework to aid optimised metal NP design by taking the mechanisms of interactions of the NPs with aquatic organisms into account.
The work proposed is divided into four parts. Firstly, we will quantify how particle characteristics are modified by aging in different media and interactions with biomolecules. We will secondly explore the uptake and intracellular fate of NPs. This research will provide information in terms of NP exposure and potential long-term behaviour and effects and guide protein identification in part three. Part three will focus on identifying and characterising proteins bound to NPs and on learning how NPs alter structure and function of proteins. Part four of the project will synthesise the gained knowledge to build a framework to serve as a guide for future particle design and for hazard assessment.
Significance
MeNanoqa will contribute to a mechanistic understanding of the interactions of NPs with biological entities, in particular aquatic organisms. It will support a rational appraisal of nanotechnology with the goal to maximise opportunities and minimise risks of NPs as they are applied either directly to aquatic environments (e.g. in water treatment) or potentially reach the aquatic environment as part of their life cycle. The knowledge can lead to an optimised, environmentally friendly particle design and improved or new testing schemes in aquatic risk assessments.
Original title: Interaction of metal NPs with aquatic organisms (MeNanoqa)
Grant: CHF 424'616.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Prof. Kristin Schirmer