DO NEWS GENERATIONS OF NANO-Antibacterials OVERCOME THE BARRIERS epithelial POSING HUMAN HEALTH AT RISK?

A PREDICTIVE STUDY Nanotoxicology (OVER NanoTOX)

Cariplo Foundation 2014-2015

Scientific coordinator: Dr. Paride Mantecca

The new technologies associated with the study of antibacterial agents are effective alternatives to antimicrobials designed to be safer for human health and the environment. The nanoZnO and nanoCuO seem to be the best candidates. Data are currently available on their toxicity, but without definitive results, these data can not be used for risk assessment mainly because there is a lack of reliable predictive biological models for toxicological screening and monitoring data that reflect real exposure in NP. This project aims to fill this gap by coordinating groups working on the development and characterization of nano-bactericides, exposure assessment of nanomaterials and analysis of biomarkers of oxidative stress. In conclusion, the work will be able to describe the mechanisms of toxicity of nano–antibacterial and provide relevant biomarkers in realistic exposure conditions. The data will be useful in the assessment of risk from exposure to nanomaterials.

Partners involved:

Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente e di Scienze della Terra – UNIMIB. Gruppo di ricerca: Biologia Cellulare Applicata. Responsabile: Paride Mantecca.

Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale – UNIMIB. Gruppo di Ricerca: Biochimica e Fisiologia Cellulare. Responsabile: Giulio Sancini.

Istituto di Nanotecnologia e Materiali Avanzati – Università Bar Ilan (Israele). Responsabile: Aharon Gedanken.

Dipartimento di Bioscienze (DB) – UNIMI. Responsabile: Isabella Dalle Donne.

Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie per la salute, la produzione animale e la sicurezza alimentare (VESPA) – UNIMI. Responsabile: Francesca Caloni.