Navigation und Service

Fate of aerosolised nanoparticles: The influence of surface active substances on lung deposition and respiratory effects (NANOaers)

05/2016-04/2019

This third-party funded project is conducted in the framework of the BfR research programme on nanotechnology.

BMBF grant number: 03XP0064A

Project homepage: www.nanoaers.eu/index.html

Project description:

The use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNM) in particulate form is increasing steadily, but little is known about their fate and effects after release into the airborne state and subsequent deposition in the respiratory tract. In particular the influence of matrix effects in liquid formulations on MNM fate, e.g. their ability to absorb other substances and serving as a carrier to otherwise inaccessible sites in the lungs of organisms, still remains to be investigated. Toxicological properties of MNM are determined by short term ageing processes in daily life scenarios, which are unknown to a large extent.

The NANOaers project combines physicochemical and toxicological in vitro - 3D cell models and precision cut lung slices (PCLS) - and in vivo experiments with a modelling approach. This widespread approach is used to identify essential parameters for determining the fate and short and long-term effects of MNM after aerosolisation of formulations as a basis for further regulatory and normative needs.

BfR parts of the project:

The BfR is the coordinator of the project and is involved in various working packages (WP): WP Coordination, WP Production and Characterisation of Formulations, WP Experimental  Release, Characterisation of Ageing, WP Modelling, WP Dissemination and WP Harmonisation.

A detailed description of the WP can be found on the project homepage: Link

Project partners:

• Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
• National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, Romania
• Graz University of Technology, Austria
• Gaiker Foundation, Spain
• Harvard School of Public Health, USA
• National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA

Up