Rojo I., Uriarte M., Obieta I., Bustero I., Egizabal A., Pardo M.A., Martínez de Ilárduya O.
Azti-Tecnalia, ES
Keywords: MWCNT, nanosilver, toxicogenomics, zebrafish
The applications of nanomaterials include fields as biomedicine, cosmetics or food science, raising a concern about the need to determine their toxic effects. Most of the toxicity tests are based on the analysis of classical endpoints on cell cultures. Toxicogenomics shows subtle changes in gene expression and identifies modes of toxicity or biomarkers but such studies using nanomaterials are still missing. Zebrafish has been widely used for biological and ecotoxicological studies. We have developed a method using the zebrafish model for a toxicogenomic approach. The ultimate objective is to develop a rapid toxicity assay for nanoparticles to be used in food. On the basis of the results with model toxic molecules (atrazine) or other food components (CLA) we have detected different morphological effects incubating fertilized fish eggs in the presence of purified MWCNT in solutions of 1-20 ppb or with nanosilver solutions (0.1 to 5 ppm). The RNA from embryos collected at different time points was extracted, reverse transcribed and hybridized to zebrafish DNA chips and the gene expression pattern was compared. The identification of differentially expressed genes reveals the molecular mechanisms elicited upon exposure to nanoparticles. The molecular data are presented and discussed.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 655 - 658
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Environmental Health & Safety of Nanomaterials
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6