Predicting the impact of specific nanomaterials or specific properties of nanomaterials on human health and the environment is the topic of ongoing efforts in the field of nanosafety research. The results of the studies have then to find their way into regulatory agencies and into the design of safe nanomaterials. The special issue on Future Nanosafety from the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology shows current activities aimed at advancing the diverse aspects of nanosafety research.
Among the 17 articles are two contributions of partners of the Leibniz Research Alliance Nanosafety. They describe the potential neurotoxicity of nanoparticles and in vitro testing strategies and models of the intestine.
Christoph van Thriel and William K. Boyes review potential sources of nanoparticle exposure, as well as their potenital neurotoxicity in Neurotoxicology of Nanomaterials. The linked concepts of an aggregate exposure pathway (AEP) and an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) to organize and present the material were used.
In Advanced In Vitro Testing Strategies and Models of the Intestine for Nanosafety Research, Angela A. M. Kämpfer, Mathias Busch und Roel P. F. Schins present the key factors that should be considered for inclusion in nonanimal alternative testing approaches to reliably reflect the in vivo dynamics of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles as well the intestinal physiology and morphology.