Characterization of Nanomaterials in Support of the NTP Nanotechnology Safety Initiative
EMSL Project ID
23597
Abstract
Nanotechnology can be defined as "the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications." These materials can, in theory, be engineered from nearly any chemical substance. Nanoscale materials are already appearing in commerce as industrial and consumer products and as novel drug delivery formulations. Commercial applications and resultant opportunities for human exposure may differ substantially for "nanoscale" compared with "bulk" materials.There is very little research focus on the potential toxicity of manufactured nanoscale materials. The unique and diverse physicochemical properties of nanoscale materials suggest that toxicological properties may differ from materials of similar composition but larger size. Surface properties can be changed by coating nanoscale particles with different materials, but surface chemistry also is influenced by the size of the particle. This interaction of surface area and particle composition in eliciting biological responses adds an extra dimension of complexity in evaluating potential adverse events that may result from exposure to these materials.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is engaged in a broad-based research program to address potential human health hazards associated with the manufacture and use of nanoscale materials. This initiative is driven by the intense current and anticipated future research and development focus on nanotechnology. The goal of this research program is to evaluate the toxicological properties of major nanoscale materials classes which represent a cross-section of composition, size, surface coatings, and physicochemical properties, and use these as model systems to investigate fundamental questions concerning if and how nanoscale materials can interact with biological systems.
Ongoing NTP research activities are initially focusing on the toxicology of 4 classes of materials: metal oxides, fluorescent crystalline semiconductors (quantum dots), fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes.
We must have a complete an understanding of the physical properties and surface chemistry of these materials in order to interpret the results from the toxicology studies and develop a model of their action. Access to the capabilities at EMSL will assist our ongoing research in this area with respect to size, morphology, crystallinity and surface chemistry of fullerene and metal oxide nanomaterials. Specifically, we are requesting instrument time on the transmission electron microscope (TEM), the cryoTEM, SEM, and BET for size, crystallinity, and morphology. Zeta potential and dynamic light scattering measurements will be performed in different laboratories at PNNL. EMSL has already participated in this program by successfully characterizing TiO2 powders and emulsions. EMSL's continued participation will help ensure the health and safety of the nation.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2007-02-05
End Date
2008-02-10
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator