European Union selects AFRL nanotoxicology article

  • Published
  • By John Schutte
  • Human Effectiveness Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The European Union's Nanosafe2 project--a four-year program to assess risks associated with nanoparticles and develop management plans for safe production of nanomaterials--has honored Air Force Research Laboratory scientists for their significant contributions to understanding nanoparticles. 

Nanosafe2 selected as "nanopaper of the month" a technical journal article written by a team working with Dr. Saber Hussain, research toxicologist with AFRL's Human Effectiveness Directorate, Biosciences and Protection Division, Applied Biotechnology Branch (HEPB). Authors are Andrew J. Wagner and Charles A. Bleckmann of the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Richard C. Murdock, Amanda M. Schrand, Dr. John J. Schlager and Dr. Hussain of HEPB. 

The article entitled "Cellular Interaction of Different Forms of Aluminum Nanoparticles in Rat Alveolar Macrophages," was published in the June edition of the Journal of Physical Chemistry. It describes the researchers' study of the interaction of nanosized aluminium oxide and aluminum with phagocytitic cells--cells that function to rid a body of disease. 

"The nanotoxicology team is very proud of this accomplishment," said Dr. Hussain. "It shows that the persistence and professionalism of our scientists is paying off in terms of worldwide recognition of their efforts in the field of nanoparticles research." 

The AFRL paper is among the first three chosen by the literature review project that began in May and continues through April 2009, according to Dr. Peter Hoet, the Leuven, Belgium-based director of the toxicology research literature review. In June, the 24-member panel looked at more than 40 papers dealing with the health effects of nanomaterials. 

"We search for new papers we think are important, bring relevant information or introduce a new technique in assessing the health effects of nanomaterials," said Dr. Hoet. 

As nanomaterials become more prevalent in manufactured goods, it becomes increasingly important to understand the potential impact of these new materials on human health and the environment, Dr. Hussain said. 

"This recognition shows how our AFRL nanotoxicology group has been keyed to answer the important questions in this rapidly emerging nanomaterial field," added Dr. Schlager, HEPB branch chief. "Assuring science knowledge is obtained for determining whether a material is safe is important to everyone, not only those who handle and manufacturer materials but the general public." 

In a written announcement, Nanosafe2 reviewers said they selected the article because "it describes not only biological effects but also some physico-chemical characteristics... this is the type of research needed to build a comprehensive database on health and/or toxic effects of nanomaterials. The authors try to link chemical composition and size to the final biological effects." 

Nanomaterials are manufactured from nanoparticles--sub-microscopic particles whose size is measured in nanometers, or one-billionth of meter. By comparison, the average diameter of a human hair is about 80,000 nanometers. Nanoparticles are invisible to the naked eye and to most microscopes. 

The Nanosafe2 project tracks research and honors projects worldwide that offer a new level of understanding of the potential health effects of nanomaterials on humans and the environment. 

Papers are selected monthly based on the article being published in a peer-reviewed journal, the article's description of health effects of a nanomaterial or how it interacts with the biological world, and the physico-chemical characterization of the material.