Introduction

Nanotechnology is an emerging discipline with huge investments and various industrial applications, and with a great potential in improving the quality of life and increating novel knowledge-based sustainable processes. This has provoked the expansion of activities of process development and production of nanoparticles (NP), but the impact of these technologies on human health is unknown. In this scenario, evaluation of possible toxicological risks cannot fully rely on the classical toxicoligical tests and needs to be implemented through new, specifically designed assays that take into account the peculiar physico-chemical characteristics of these new entities.

The EU-funded project DIPNA wants to answer to this need, by developing an integrated platform to identify possible risks through in vitro tests and biological/physical approaches.

Project Objectives

The project evaluates the behaviour of different human defence cells following interaction with NPs, by developing assays suitable for assessing such interaction. DIPNA also intends to approach the new concept of one-to-one NP-cell interaction. In this case, nanotechnological systems are being set up to allow the interaction of one NP with one cell, and to detect the parameters sensitive to the interaction. The experimental approach is further developed by assessing repeated and chronic exposure of different type of cells to NPs. All these assays are aimed to identify threshold and dose-dependent effects, and in general a response to low-dose exposures. Eventually, DIPNA will evaluate the actual presence of NPs, and their effects on human cells, in laboratories and enterprises that produce/use NPs.

1.In-vitro tests of interaction of engineered nanoparticles (NP) with cells
2.Identification of the key-mechanism in NP-cell interaction
3.Development of cellular models for the lab
4.Application of these models in the field investigations

The main goal will be the set-up of a cellular model of NP-induced immunotoxicity that will match with the in vivo evidence.

First Results

Expected Impact

1.Better understanding of the possible risks related to nanopollution, and improved criteria to assess risks case by case
2.Assessment of the health risk for nanotechnological operators, citizens and end-users
3.Recommendations for safety procedures and for criteria prevention
4.Contribution to the process in development of standards for policy makers