Editorial

3 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles

by Il Je Yu

Biomolecules 2022, 12(11), 1579; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom12111579 - 28 Oct 2022

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With the recent development in material sciences, advanced materials have become terms widely used for new materials [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

Research

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14 pages, 2240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Indium Dust for Indium-Tin-Oxide Manufacturing Workers

by Boo Wook Kim, Wonseok Cha, Sungwon Choi, Jungah Shin, Byung-Soon Choi and Miyeon Kim

Biomolecules 2021, 11(3), 419; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11030419 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2334

Abstract

According to recent research, indium nanoparticles (NPs) are more toxic than micro-sized particles. While cases of indium lung disease have been reported worldwide, very little research has been conducted on the occupational exposure to indium NPs. Recently, an indium-related lung disease was reported [...] Read more.

According to recent research, indium nanoparticles (NPs) are more toxic than micro-sized particles. While cases of indium lung disease have been reported worldwide, very little research has been conducted on the occupational exposure to indium NPs. Recently, an indium-related lung disease was reported in Korea, a global powerhouse for display manufacturing. In this study, we conducted an assessment ofoccupational exposure at an indium tin oxide (ITO) powder manufacturing plant, where the first case of indium lung disease in Korea occurred. Airborne dustwas obtained from a worker’s breathing zone, and area sampling in the workplace environment was conducted using real-time monitoring devices. Personal samples were analyzed for the indium concentrations in total dust, respirable dust fraction, and NPs using personal NPs respiratory deposition samplers. The total indium concentration of the personal samples was lower than the threshold limit value recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH TLV), which was set as occupational exposure limit (OEL). However, the respirable indium concentration exceeded the recently set ACGIH TLV for the respirable fraction of indium dust. The concentration of indium NPs ranged between 0.003 and 0.010 × 10⁻² mg/m³, accounting for only 0.4% of the total and 2.7% of the respirable indium particles. This was attributed to the aggregating of NPs at the µm sub-level. Given the extremely low fraction of indium NPs in the total and respirable dust, the current OEL values, set as the total and respirable indium concentrations, do not holistically represent the occupational exposure to indium NPs or prevent health hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to set separate OEL values for indium NPs. This study covers only the process of handling ITO powder. Therefore, follow-up studies need to be conducted on other ITO sputtering target polishing and milling processes, which typically generate more airborne NPs, to further investigate the effects of indium on workers and facilitate the necessary implementation of indium-reducing technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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12 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age and Gender Effects on Genotoxicity in Diesel Exhaust Particles Exposed C57BL/6 Mice

by Joong Won Lee, Jin Sik Kim, Hee Jae Lee, Ji-Hye Jang, Ja-Hyun Kim, Woo Jong Sim, Yong-beom Lim, Ji-Won Jung and Hyun Joung Lim

Biomolecules 2021, 11(3), 374; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11030374 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

There is growing evidence that the accumulation of DNA damage induced by fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure is an underlying mechanism of pulmonary disease onset and progression. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence on whether common factors (age, gender) [...] Read more.

There is growing evidence that the accumulation of DNA damage induced by fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure is an underlying mechanism of pulmonary disease onset and progression. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence on whether common factors (age, gender) affect PM_2.5 induced genomic damage. Here, we assessed the DNA damage potency of PM_2.5 using conventional genotoxicity testing in old male and female mice aged 8 and 40 weeks. Mice were intratracheally instilled with diesel exhaust PM_2.5 (DEP, NIST SRM 1650b), twice a week for 4 weeks. Exposure to DEP was not associated with an increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and did not induce a systemic genotoxic effect in the bone marrow. Meanwhile, the results from the comet assay showed a significant increase in DNA damage in DEP exposed mouse lung specimens. The positive relationship between DEP exposure and DNA damage is stronger in the older than in the younger group. Statistical analysis showed that there was a modifying effect of age on the association between PM_2.5 exposure and DNA damage. Our results suggest that the age factor should be considered to better understand the cellular adverse effects of PM_2.5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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15 pages, 4279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Nanoparticles Induce Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Via Activation of PAD and Neutrophil Elastase

by HanGoo Kang, Jinwon Seo, Eun-Jeong Yang and In-Hong Choi

Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 317; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11020317 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in various fields because of their antimicrobial properties. However, many studies have reported that AgNPs can be harmful to both microorganisms and humans. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a key factor of cytotoxicity of AgNPs in mammalian [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in various fields because of their antimicrobial properties. However, many studies have reported that AgNPs can be harmful to both microorganisms and humans. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a key factor of cytotoxicity of AgNPs in mammalian cells and an important factor in the immune reaction of neutrophils. The immune reactions of neutrophils include the expulsion of webs of DNA surrounded by histones and granular proteins. These webs of DNA are termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs allow neutrophils to catch and destroy pathogens in extracellular spaces. In this study, we investigated how AgNPs stimulate neutrophils, specifically focusing on NETs. Freshly isolated human neutrophils were treated with 5 or 100 nm AgNPs. The 5 nm AgNPs induced NET formation, but the 100 nm AgNPs did not. Subsequently, we investigated the mechanism of AgNP-induced NETs using known inhibitors related to NET formation. AgNP-induced NETs were dependent on ROS, peptidyl arginine deiminase, and neutrophil elastase. The result in this study indicates that treatment of 5 nm AgNPs induce NET formation through histone citrullination by peptidyl arginine deiminase and histone cleavage by neutrophil elastase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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14 pages, 1957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Genotoxicity Attributed to Diesel Exhaust Particles in Normal Human Embryonic Lung Cell (WI-38) Line

by Joong Won Lee, Hee Jae Lee, Young-Joo Lee, Yong-beom Lim, Woo Jong Sim, Ji-Hye Jang, Hye-Ryeon Heo, Hyun Joung Lim, Ji-Won Jung and Jin Sik Kim

Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 291; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11020291 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2892

Abstract

Several epidemiological studies concluded that inhalation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) is associated with an increase in the relative risk of lung cancer. In vitro research evaluating the genetic damage and/or changes in gene expression have been attempted to explain the relationship between [...] Read more.

Several epidemiological studies concluded that inhalation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) is associated with an increase in the relative risk of lung cancer. In vitro research evaluating the genetic damage and/or changes in gene expression have been attempted to explain the relationship between DEP exposure and carcinogenicity. However, to date, investigations have been largely confined to studies in immortalized or tumorigenic epithelial cell models. Few studies have investigated damage at the chromosomal level to DEP exposure in normal cell lines. Here, we present the genotoxic effects of DEP in normal cells (embryonic human lung fibroblasts) by conventional genotoxicity testing (micronuclei (MN) and comet assay). We show the differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways in DEP-exposed WI-38 cells using RNA sequencing data. We observed a significant increase in single-strand DNA breaks and the frequency of MN in DEP-exposed cells in a dose-dependent manner. The differentially expressed genes following DEP exposure were significantly enriched in the pathway for responding to xenobiotics and DNA damage. Taken together, these results show that DEP exposure induced DNA damage at the chromosomal level in normal human lung cells and provide information on the expression of genes associated with genotoxic stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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15 pages, 3665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Interleukin-11 and Stress-Related Gene Expression in Human Endothelial and Bronchial Epithelial Cells Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles

by Jiyoung Jang, Sun Park and In-Hong Choi

Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11020234 - 07 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2247

Abstract

This article aimed to identify and distinguish the various responses to silver nanoparticles (NPs) of endothelial and epithelial cells. We also assessed the significantly increased gene expression levels, as shown by microarray analysis. We evaluated the median lethal dose of NPs in each [...] Read more.

This article aimed to identify and distinguish the various responses to silver nanoparticles (NPs) of endothelial and epithelial cells. We also assessed the significantly increased gene expression levels, as shown by microarray analysis. We evaluated the median lethal dose of NPs in each cell line and found that each value was different. We also confirmed the toxicity of 5 nm silver NPs. Meanwhile, cell death was not observed in cells exposed to 100 nm silver NPs at a high concentration. We verified that 5 nm silver NPs affected the variation in gene expression in cells through microarray analysis and observed a noticeable increase in interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-11 gene expression in early stages. This study showed noticeable variation in the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in early stages. Microarray results showed considerable variation in cell death-, apoptosis-, and cell survival-related gene expression. Of note, IL-11 gene expression was particularly increased following the exposure of endothelial and epithelial cells to 5 nm silver NPs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that intracellular genes specifically responded to silver NPs in respiratory epithelial cells and endothelial cells. Among cytokine genes, IL-11 expression was noticeably increased. Additionally, we confirmed that NP toxicity was affected by NP size and dose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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9 pages, 1920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innocuous, Highly Conductive, and Affordable Thermal Interface Material with Copper-Based Multi-Dimensional Filler Design

by Woochang Kim, Chihyun Kim, Wonseok Lee, Jinsung Park and Duckjong Kim

Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 132; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11020132 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2471

Abstract

Thermal interface materials (TIMs), typically composed of a polymer matrix with good wetting properties and thermally conductive fillers, are applied to the interfaces of mating components to reduce the interfacial thermal resistance. As a filler material, silver has been extensively studied because of [...] Read more.

Thermal interface materials (TIMs), typically composed of a polymer matrix with good wetting properties and thermally conductive fillers, are applied to the interfaces of mating components to reduce the interfacial thermal resistance. As a filler material, silver has been extensively studied because of its high intrinsic thermal conductivity. However, the high cost of silver and its toxicity has hindered the wide application of silver-based TIMs. Copper is an earth-abundant element and essential micronutrient for humans. In this paper, we present a copper-based multi-dimensional filler composed of three-dimensional microscale copper flakes, one-dimensional multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and zero-dimensional copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) to create a safe and low-cost TIM with a high thermal conductivity. Cu NPs synthesized by microwave irradiation of a precursor solution were bound to MWCNTs and mixed with copper flakes and polyimide matrix to obtain a TIM paste, which was stable even in a high-temperature environment. The cross-plane thermal conductivity of the copper-based TIM was 36 W/m/K. Owing to its high thermal conductivity and low cost, the copper-based TIM could be an industrially useful heat-dissipating material in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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14 pages, 2712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diesel Exhaust Particulates Enhances Susceptibility of LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury through Upregulation of the IL-17 Cytokine-Derived TGF-β₁/Collagen I Expression and Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling in Mice

by Dong Im Kim, Mi-Kyung Song and Kyuhong Lee

Biomolecules 2021, 11(1), 67; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11010067 - 06 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

Diesel exhaust particulates (DEP) adversely affect the respiratory system and exacerbate lung diseases, resulting in high mortality rates. However, its pathogenesis is complicated, and the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. We investigated the effects of DEP pre-exposure on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury [...] Read more.

Diesel exhaust particulates (DEP) adversely affect the respiratory system and exacerbate lung diseases, resulting in high mortality rates. However, its pathogenesis is complicated, and the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. We investigated the effects of DEP pre-exposure on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and identified the roles of interleukin (IL)-17 in mice. Mice were divided into vehicle control, DEP, LPS, and DEP pre-exposed and LPS-instilled groups. Pre-exposure to DEP enhanced the number of total cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the BAL fluid of LPS-instilled mice. Pre-exposure to DEP synergistically exacerbated pulmonary acute lung inflammation and granulomatous inflammation/pulmonary fibrosis, concomitant with the enhanced expression of inflammatory cytokines in the BAL fluid and of collagen I and TGF-β₁ in the lungs of LPS-instilled mice. The number of TGF-β₁-positive cells in the DEP pre-exposed and LPS-instilled group was higher than that in the LPS group. The expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components was markedly increased in the DEP pre-exposed and LPS-instilled group. IL-17 levels in the BAL fluid and IL-17-positive cells in the lungs were significantly increased by pre-exposure to DEP in the LPS-induced group compared to that in the DEP or LPS group. These results suggest that DEP predominantly contributes to fibrotic lung disease in LPS-related acute lung injury by upregulating IL-17 cytokine-mediated collagen I and TGF-β₁ and, at least in part, by activating LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. The study should be useful in devising better strategies for prevention and management of ALI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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Review

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25 pages, 2511 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Era of Nanomaterials: A Safe Solution or a Risk for Marine Environmental Pollution?

by Maria Consiglia Esposito, Ilaria Corsi, Gian Luigi Russo, Carlo Punta, Elisabetta Tosti and Alessandra Gallo

Biomolecules 2021, 11(3), 441; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biom11030441 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3484

Abstract

In recent years, the application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in environmental remediation gained increasing attention. Due to their large surface area and high reactivity, ENMs offer the potential for the efficient removal of pollutants from environmental matrices with better performances compared to conventional [...] Read more.

In recent years, the application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in environmental remediation gained increasing attention. Due to their large surface area and high reactivity, ENMs offer the potential for the efficient removal of pollutants from environmental matrices with better performances compared to conventional techniques. However, their fate and safety upon environmental application, which can be associated with their release into the environment, are largely unknown. It is essential to develop systems that can predict ENM interactions with biological systems, their overall environmental and human health impact. Until now, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools have been employed to investigate ENMs potential environmental impact, from raw material production, design and to their final disposal. However, LCA studies focused on the environmental impact of the production phase lacking information on their environmental impact deriving from in situ employment. A recently developed eco-design framework aimed to fill this knowledge gap by using ecotoxicological tools that allow the assessment of potential hazards posed by ENMs to natural ecosystems and wildlife. In the present review, we illustrate the development of the eco-design framework and review the application of ecotoxicology as a valuable strategy to develop ecosafe ENMs for environmental remediation. Furthermore, we critically describe the currently available ENMs for marine environment remediation and discuss their pros and cons in safe environmental applications together with the need to balance benefits and risks promoting an environmentally safe nanoremediation (ecosafe) for the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Environmental Effect of Advanced Materials and Fine Particles)

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