SolNanoTOX

The application of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in food and packaging industries is expected to increase considerably in the near future, and the evaluation of the safety of MNMs present in foodstuff is thus a major concern in Europe and worldwide. Although some consumer food products contain MNMs (additives or contaminants from packaging), little is known concerning the toxicity of these MNMs following ingestion. Moreover, their size, morphology and state of agglomeration together with physiological modifications (e.g. digestion) are likely to play a considerable role in the uptake and toxicity of these materials to humans. Although numerous in vitro studies have begun to shed light on mechanistic effects, very little data is available concerning the toxic effects of MNMs following oral exposure in vivo. Nevertheless, results from in vivo experiments are the main data useful for risk evaluation. However, due to the vast quantity of different MNMs and the variability of their physic-chemical properties together with the inherent limitations of animal experimentation, the toxic effects in vivo cannot be investigated for each MNM. Therefore it is clearly necessary to establish key guidelines in the classification of MNMs according to their potential adverse effects Among the properties of MNMs, the solubilisation capacity is likely an important determinant of nanomaterial uptake and the initiation of specific pathways of toxicity. In the SolNanoTox project, representatives of two different classes of MNMs will be investigated: titanium dioxide as an example for insoluble species due to its stability in water and aluminium representing the soluble category. Moreover, several reports in the literature suggest that aluminium and titanium oxide nanomaterials target different organs following oral exposure. It is hypothesized that aluminum nanoparticles form aluminum ions, either before or during the uptake in the intestine, whilst titanium dioxide nanoparticles may cross the intestine as intact nanoparticles. This difference in behaviour could then explain the different target organs and toxicity for the two MNMs. In this project, we plan to test this hypothesis by using an innovative combination of modern analytical methods for nanomaterials in tissues and single cells. The characterization of Al and TiO2 nanomaterials will be performed in solution, as well as in cell and tissue. The interaction of lipids, proteins, cell media and intestinal mucus on the characterization parameters of the MNMs will be also addressed. To explore the different solubility in physiological matrices and its influence on the potential uptake mechanisms, the project combines integrative in vitro and in vivo approaches to compare the fate, cytogenotoxic and toxicogenomic effects of the two selected MNMs. Firstly, the oral uptake and fate of MNMs in intestine and liver will be investigated in vivo after short-term oral treatment of rodents and compared to in vitro data obtained in human intestinal and hepatic cell models. Moreover, various toxic effects (genotoxicity, apoptosis, inflammation, proliferation,...) will be studied in vivo and compared the responses observed in in vitro models. In addition, to gain precise information concerning the molecular mechanisms of response following MNM treatment in vivo and in vitro, this project will employ transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. The integrative and multidisciplinary studies outlined in this project will permit to identify determining factors of MNMs driving their uptake, distribution and mechanisms of action. The combined expertise of accomplished research groups in the areas of MNM characterization and analytical analysis, uptake, in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and genotoxicity involved in this ambitious project will solve some critical questions raised for MNMs health impacts.