Project Objectives

1.In-vitro tests of interaction of engineered nanoparticles (NP) with cells
2.Identification of the key-mechanism in NP-cell interaction
3.Development of cellular models for the lab
4.Application of these models in the field investigations

The main goal will be the set-up of a cellular model of NP-induced immunotoxicity that will match with the in vivo evidence.

Specific Challenges

1.Development of in-vitro immuno- and nanotoxicological tests suitable for NP 2.Analysis of NP impact on single cells
3.Establishment of new sensors for specific NP-induced biological effects
4.Evaluation of NP pollution in industrial settings

Phases of the research

Production and characterisation of nanoparticles.

1.Evaluation of NP interaction with human defence cells
2.Evaluation of one-to-one NP-cell interaction
3.Evaluation of chronic and repeated exposure.
4.Field validation and development platform.

Expected Impact

1.Better understanding of the possible risks related to nanopollution, and improved criteria to assess risks case by case
2.Assessment of the health risk for nanotechnological operators, citizens and end-users
3.Recommendations for safety procedures and for criteria prevention
4.Contribution to the process in development of standards for policy makers