Toxicology

Biography

Biography: Kristen K Comfort

Abstract

Due to their distinctive physiochemical properties, nanomaterials (NMs) have been incorporated into an increasing number of products and applications. However, studies have identified that these same properties introduce a serious health concern, with NM-dependent toxicity directly correlating to specific physiochemical variables, such as size, composition, and surface coating. While much has been accomplished with regard to basic nanotoxicology, significant alterations to basal biological functionality can occur, even in the absence of cytotoxicity; introducing a novel subset of health concerns. For example, we have shown that chronic exposure to low, sub-toxic dosages of silver NMs produced a long term stress response, genetic modification, and altered cell functionality. Moreover, as NM transport and agglomeration differs from traditional chemicals, due to their insoluble nature, their behavior following cellular exposure is directly relevant to toxicological outcomes. We have identified that multiple in vitro variables, such as fluid composition, dynamic flow, and cellular models modify both NM characteristics and biological responses. A combination of surface chemistry and the composition of the surrounding environment were the critical factors for NM behavior, such as degree of agglomeration and ionic dissolution. The introduction of shear stress through dynamic flow modified the nano-cellular interface through changes to cell morphology and NM deposition efficiency: producing a subsequent shift in the biological response. Therefore, these studies highlight the need for nanotoxicological evaluation to be carried out in a physiologically relevant system in order to best predict potential health concerns associated with NM exposure.