Article
Toxicology
Claudia Hempt, Cordula Hirsch, Yvette Hannig, Alexandra Rippl, Peter Wick, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
Summary: The study investigated the short-term impact of food-relevant SAS with distinct characteristics on the intestinal epithelium, showing minimal effects on cell viability or inflammatory response. However, slight effects were observed on iron uptake and gene expression levels of mucin 1 and G-protein coupled receptor 120 for some SAS materials.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anaelle Torres, Veronique Collin-Faure, Daphna Fenel, Jacques-Aurelien Sergent, Thierry Rabilloud
Summary: The toxicological assessment of silica depends on its characteristics and intended use. Investigating the inflammatory effects induced by amorphous silicas and their persistence is necessary. The main driver for adverse effects is the small size of the particle/agglomerate, and the effects are transient. Amorphous silicas are degraded in macrophages over time, explaining the decrease in silicon content and the transiency of their effects on macrophages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Respiratory System
Valerie Forest, Clement Mercier, Jeremie Pourchez
Summary: Electronic cigarettes can be used as a smoking cessation aid, although they are not completely safe. Studies have shown that they are less hazardous than tobacco cigarettes. However, the variation in study designs assessing the toxicity of e-cigarettes aerosol in vitro makes it difficult to draw robust conclusions. This paper reviews this heterogeneity and discusses the importance of dosimetry in aligning data and exploring the risk potential of e-cigarettes.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Walter Brand, Petra C. E. van Kesteren, Ruud J. B. Peters, Agnes G. Oomen
Summary: Recent studies on the toxicity of synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) show inconsistent results in terms of toxicity and silicon concentrations in tissues. Risk assessment of SAS in food is hindered by these inconsistencies, highlighting the need for further research to address these issues.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Martin Wiemann, Antje Vennemann, Tobias B. Schuster, Juergen Nolde, Nils Krueger
Summary: In this study, the in vitro bioactivity of surface-treated and non-treated synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) was investigated. The results showed that hydrophobic coating reagents can eliminate the bioactivity of SAS, while non-treated SAS induces an inflammatory response in cells. These findings are important for the hazard assessment of hydrophobic surface-treated SAS in the lungs.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Esther E. Omaiye, Wentai Luo, Kevin J. McWhirter, James F. Pankow, Prue Talbot
Summary: This study compared mint/menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes from JUUL and Puff, finding that mint oils in Puff products may pose a higher cancer risk due to the presence of WS-23 and pulegone. WS-23 showed higher cytotoxicity in Puff fluids, suggesting that using pure menthol instead of mint oils in e-cigarette products may help reduce cancer risk.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anaelle Torres, Veronique Collin-Faure, Helene Diemer, Christine Moriscot, Daphna Fenel, Benoit Gallet, Sarah Cianferani, Jacques-Aurelien Sergent, Thierry Rabilloud
Summary: This study investigated the effects of synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) on murine macrophages. The results showed that precipitated SAS induced a more significant macrophage response compared to fumed SAS. However, these responses appeared to be adaptive, as cellular homeostasis was maintained at the end of the exposure.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mei Yong, Peter Morfeld, Robert McCunney
Summary: The present study aims to investigate the health impact of occupational exposure to respirable synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) dusts. The results suggest a slight effect on lung function but no adverse effects on respiratory diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Wiemann, Antje Vennemann, Comet Venzago, Gottlieb-Georg Lindner, Tobias B. Schuster, Nils Krueger
Summary: The presence of fetal calf serum was found to mitigate the effects of various synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) particles on alveolar macrophages by reducing particle uptake and lowering bioactivity in a particle-specific manner. This study highlights the importance of quantifying nanosized SiO2 in cells as a valuable tool for future in vitro studies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nils Krueger, Klaus Weber, Nils Warfving, Alex Vitali, Juergen Nolde, Tobias B. Schuster, Gustav Gerd Bruer, Otto Creutzenberg, Benno Wessely, Michael Stintz, Valerie Moise, Marco Kellert
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of lethality associated with high dose inhalation of a low-density hydrophobic surface-treated SAS. It was found that physical obstruction of the upper respiratory tract caused the observed effects. Analysis showed that the test material particles agglomerated and formed a gel-like substrate that ultimately blocked the upper respiratory airways.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paola Villani, Patrizia Eleuteri, Francesca Pacchierotti, Francesca Maranghi, Roberta Tassinari, Laura Narciso, Sabrina Tait, Gabriele Lori, Cristina Andreoli, Sylvie Huet, Gerard Jarry, Valerie Fessard, Eugenia Cordelli
Summary: The genotoxicity of nano-structured SAS was investigated in rats, and the results showed that it did not induce significant gene mutations or chromosome damage. However, it had a weak genotoxic effect in the spleen.
MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Roberta Tassinari, Eugenia Cordelli, Patrizia Eleuteri, Paola Villani, Francesca Pacchierotti, Laura Narciso, Sabrina Tait, Mauro Valeri, Andrea Martinelli, Gabriella Di Felice, Cinzia Butteroni, Bianca Barletta, Silvia Corinti, Gabriele Lori, Francesca Maranghi
Summary: The study investigated the potential effects of synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) on male and female reproductive systems through a 90-day oral toxicity study using pyrogenic SAS nanomaterial NM-203 in Sprague-Dawley rats. The results showed no histopathological and genotoxic effects on the male reproductive system, while only tissue-specific effects on the uterus were observed in female rats at doses up to 10 mg/kg bw per day. This study is the first to provide data on long-term, repeated oral exposure at dose levels close to dietary human exposure, identifying limited concerns for female reproductive health.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
P. S. Utama, S. Bahri, B. A. Prawiranegara, D. Heltina, E. Saputra
Summary: This study aims to synthesize synthetic amorphous silica powder with mesoporous pores and a high specific surface area by extracting rich amorphous silica from palm oil mill fly ash using sodium hydroxide solvent and applying a sol-gel precipitation process.
MATERIALS TODAY-PROCEEDINGS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Jose Martin Murrieta-Coxca, Leonie Aengenheister, Astrid Schmidt, Udo R. Markert, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Diana M. Morales-Prieto
Summary: The physical connection between mother and offspring during pregnancy allows for bi-directional exchange of cells, which can persist long-term in the recipient individual and play a role in immune adaptation and tolerogenic responses. However, the mechanisms of cell transfer across the placenta barrier are still poorly understood.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vivien Michaelis, Leonie Aengenheister, Max Tuchtenhagen, Jorg Rinklebe, Franziska Ebert, Tanja Schwerdtle, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Julia Bornhorst
Summary: Manganese and iron are essential trace elements for fetal development and physiological functions. Excess levels of intrauterine manganese may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The placental transfer of manganese and iron show distinct differences, but they share common transfer mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Henning Schneider, Christiane Albrecht, Mahmoud S. Ahmed, Michelle Broekhuizen, Leonie Aengenheister, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, A. H. Jan Danserf, Sophie Gil, Stefan R. Hansson, Rick Greupink, Rohan M. Lewis, Udo R. Markert, Line Mathiesen, Nicola Powles-Glover, Christian Wadsack, Paul Brownbill
Summary: The ex vivo dual perfusion model of the human placenta cotyledon has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of substance transfer and placental function. However, there is considerable variation in perfusion methodology between research centers, highlighting the need for standardization and harmonization to ensure consistent results and acceptance of the model by regulatory agencies.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carsten W. Lederer, Lola Koniali, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Panayiota L. Papasavva, Stefania La Grutta, Amelia Licari, Frantisek Staud, Donato Bonifazi, Marina Kleanthous
Summary: Advanced therapy medicinal products show great promise in pediatric applications, with potential to improve treatment outcomes for untreatable disorders and inherited diseases. Early application in children may provide better results and reduce overall requirements.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nils Krueger, Klaus Weber, Nils Warfving, Alex Vitali, Juergen Nolde, Tobias B. Schuster, Gustav Gerd Bruer, Otto Creutzenberg, Benno Wessely, Michael Stintz, Valerie Moise, Marco Kellert
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of lethality associated with high dose inhalation of a low-density hydrophobic surface-treated SAS. It was found that physical obstruction of the upper respiratory tract caused the observed effects. Analysis showed that the test material particles agglomerated and formed a gel-like substrate that ultimately blocked the upper respiratory airways.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Savvina Chortarea, Ogul Can Kuru, Woranan Netkueakul, Marco Pelin, Sandeep Keshavan, Zhengmei Song, Baojin Ma, Julio Gomes, Elvira Villaro Abalos, Luis Augusto Visani de Luna, Thomas Loret, Alexander Fordham, Matthew Drummond, Nikolaos Kontis, George Anagnostopoulos, George Paterakis, Pietro Cataldi, Aurelia Tubaro, Costas Galiotis, Ian Kinloch, Bengt Fadeel, Cyrill Bussy, Kostas Kostarelos, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Maurizio Prato, Alberto Bianco, Peter Wick
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive investigation on the potential biological effects of particles released from graphene-reinforced composites. The results showed that exposure to PA6-rGO induced mild and transient pulmonary inflammation, while exposure to rGO induced longer-lasting moderate inflammation. Overall, the study suggests a negligible impact on human health under acute exposure conditions of graphene-related materials.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lea A. Furer, Pietro Clement, Gordon Herwig, Rene M. Rossi, Farien Bhoelan, Mario Amacker, Toon Stegmann, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Peter Wick
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global interest in antiviral surfaces, resulting in increased research and development of innovative material systems. ISO has established two standard methods to characterize the antiviral properties of different surfaces. However, there is a need for faster and cheaper methods for the characterization of antiviral materials. Therefore, a complementary method called InViS based on an Inactivated Virus System has been developed. This method can effectively evaluate the antiviral properties of different materials and surfaces. Additionally, it has been used to determine the fate of viral particles in facemasks, which is important for the development of antiviral surface systems for technical and medical applications.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gottlieb Georg Lindner, Claus-Peter Drexel, Katrin Saelzer, Tobias B. Schuster, Nils Krueger
Summary: The study summarizes the literature on the presence and structure of biogenic amorphous silica (BAS) in nature. It is found that BAS is ubiquitous and has a similar structure to synthetic amorphous silica (SAS). Many food products containing BAS are beneficial to health, which is important for discussions on the safety of using SAS in specific applications.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Martin Wiemann, Antje Vennemann, Tobias B. Schuster, Juergen Nolde, Nils Krueger
Summary: In this study, the in vitro bioactivity of surface-treated and non-treated synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) was investigated. The results showed that hydrophobic coating reagents can eliminate the bioactivity of SAS, while non-treated SAS induces an inflammatory response in cells. These findings are important for the hazard assessment of hydrophobic surface-treated SAS in the lungs.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Woranan Netkueakul, Savvina Chortarea, Kornphimol Kulthong, Hao Li, Guangyu Qiu, Milijana Jovic, Sabyasachi Gaan, Yvette Hannig, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Peter Wick, Jing Wang
Summary: This study investigated the emissions of particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the combustion of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-reinforced products, as well as the cytotoxicity of these emissions on lung cells. GNP was not detected in the emissions, but PAHs were found in both emissions from pure epoxy (EP) and GNP-reinforced epoxy (EP-GNP). The exposed cells showed no acute effects but exhibited activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and a transient (pro-) inflammatory response.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Magdalena Krausova, Dominik Braun, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Claudia Gundacker, Eva Schernhammer, Lukas Wisgrill, Benedikt Warth
Summary: Early human life is a critical period of vulnerability to external exposures, including the exposome, which comprises all environmental factors infants are exposed to. This review explores different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism, as well as the potential toxicity of mixture effects. The lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics is highlighted, along with recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and its impact on health outcomes.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daria Korejwo, Savvina Chortarea, Chrysovalanto Louka, Marija Buljan, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Peter Wick, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
Summary: Graphene and its derivatives have a wide range of potential applications in various fields, but it is important to understand their potential adverse effects on human health. This study used gene expression profiling to investigate the transcriptional responses and toxicity pathways induced by graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in human macrophages. The results showed that GO and GNP caused differential expression of a large number of genes, with some overlap between the two types. Further analysis revealed that GNP mainly activated genes involved in inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, while GO had limited inflammatory responses and also affected genes related to antigen processing and presentation.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fabien Dorey, Lea A. Furer, Sarah Zehnder, Roman Furrer, Rolf Broennimann, Ivan Shorubalko, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
Summary: This paper presents an optimized transfer process for suspending few layers of graphene and explores different patterning techniques. The study demonstrates that cold laser ablation is a fast and flexible method for micro-structuring of suspended graphene. Furthermore, it confirms the potential of suspended graphene membranes as cell culture models.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fabien Dorey, Lea A. Furer, Sarah Zehnder, Roman Furrer, Rolf Broennimann, Ivan Shorubalko, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
Summary: This study reports on an optimized anthracene-based transfer process for suspending graphene layers, and explores micrometer-resolution patterning techniques using focused ion beam and laser ablation. The study also investigates the potential use of suspended graphene membranes as cell culture supports, showing good adhesion and viability of cells. Overall, suspended graphene membranes exhibit high potential for future applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lea A. Furer, Angela Diaz Abad, Pius Manser, Yvette Hannig, Simone Schuerle, Giuseppino Fortunato, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
Summary: The design of safe and effective nanoparticles for commercial and medical applications requires a thorough understanding of their translocation and effects in biological barriers. In this study, thin chitosan/polyethylene oxide membranes with a high porosity and nanofibrous morphology were developed using electrospinning, allowing for the cultivation of a functional placental monolayer. The transfer studies using these membranes showed significantly enhanced permeability compared to commercial microporous membranes, and the transfer data of nanoparticles was highly similar to ex vivo perfusion studies of intact human placental tissue. These newly developed membranes could contribute to establishing physiologically relevant in vitro biobarrier transfer models with superior permeability for a wide range of molecules and particles.
Article
Toxicology
Kathryn Page, Walter Westerink, Kristie Sullivan, Thomas McDonald, Clive Roper
Summary: This study developed a new method to assess the skin irritation of antimicrobial cleaning products. The method utilized a more human-like model and demonstrated its effectiveness through comparison with in vivo rabbit skin irritation data.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Arupam Patra, Thirukumaran Kandasamy, Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh, Gurvinder Kaur Saini
Summary: This study successfully produced recombinant anisoplin and demonstrated its significant anti-cancer effect and ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The activation of related signaling pathways may be the key to cell death.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Thomas Haller, Alexander Jesacher, Alberto Hidalgo, Christina Schmidt
Summary: This study used live cell imaging to observe the accumulation of amiodarone in primary rat alveolar type II cells, and found that it specifically accumulates in lamellar bodies. The uptake is rapid, while storage is persistent. The main mechanisms for intracellular bioaccumulation of amiodarone are proposed to be passive diffusion, ion-trapping, and lipophilic interactions.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Filiz Bakar-Ates, Erva Ozkan
Summary: This study investigated the ferroptotic effect of CuB in breast cancer cells and evaluated its combination with erastin, a ferroptosis inducer. The results showed that the combination treatment significantly activated the ferroptotic pathways and altered the expression of iron-related proteins in breast cancer cells.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Rachel Z. Bennie, Ian C. Shaw
Summary: Estrogen mimics are synthetic and naturally occurring compounds that can interact with estrogen receptors in animals. In vitro transactivation reporter gene assay and in silico molecular modelling can be used to predict the mimicry of these compounds, reducing reliance on animal studies.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Sevda Isik, Semra Cicek
Summary: This study found that high doses of riboflavin can cause cytotoxicity in rainbow trout gonad cells and affect the transcriptional expressions of antioxidant enzymes and growth and reproductive genes, potentially leading to DNA damage and cell death.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Ying Wang, Jie Wu, Mengqi Wan, Dou Yang, Fasheng Liu, Kehao Li, Manxin Hu, Yuanyuan Tang, Huiqiang Lu, Shouhua Zhang, Yuanzhen Xiong
Summary: m-Cresol is commonly used as an intermediate for pesticides and other industrial applications. This study investigated the hepatotoxicity of m-cresol using zebrafish larvae and explored its molecular mechanisms. The results suggest that m-cresol may induce liver damage in zebrafish larvae through oxidative stress and cell apoptosis pathways.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)
Article
Toxicology
Vincent J. Manna, Shannon Dwyer, Vanessa Pizutelli, Salvatore J. Caradonna
Summary: The widespread use of electronic cigarettes and the emergence of a new illness have raised concerns about the effects of e-cigarette vapor on respiratory tissues. Researchers have developed a simple device to mimic the response of human airway tissue after long-term exposure to e-cigarette vapor, and have identified differences in the effects of different vapor compositions on airway tissue.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2024)