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September 29, 2008 | ||||||||||||
A pair of studies show that we have a lot
to learn about how nanoparticles affect people, animals and the environment.
One study shows that proteins and other biological molecules accumulate on drug delivery nanoparticles based on size and electrical charge as well as what the particles are made of. The proteins can interfere with the nanoparticles and have other health consequences. The results call for more studies and careful regulation. The other study shows that buckyballs -- spherical molecules made of 60 carbon atoms -- are likely to accumulate in human and animal tissue. Buckyballs have a wide range of potential applications, including in consumer products, which means they could end up in people and the environment. On a positive note, the study shows that buckyballs also break down in light. Research papers: Nanoparticle Size and Surface Properties Determine the Protein Corona with Possible Implications for Biological Impacts Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, September 23, 2008 Buckminsterfullerene’s (C60) Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (Kow) and Aqueous Solubility Environmental Science and Technology, August 15, 2008 Researchers' homepages: Centre for BioNano Interactions Chad Jafvert Related stories and briefs: Study Urges Nano Safety Rules -- related study Nanotube-cancer concern -- related study Dirty nanotech -- related study Further info: Nanotech surge -- study of the growing use of nanotechnology in consumer products Back to TRN September 29/October 6, 2008 |
Research
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