Fast, asymmetric and nonhomogeneous clearance of SiC nanoaerosol assessed by micro-particle-induced x-ray emission

Aim: To study the biopersistence of a silicon carbide (SiC) nanoaerosol in rat lungs, as time-dependent clearance and spatial distribution. Materials &amp; methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed 6 h/day during 5 days to a SiC nanoaerosol at 4.91 mg SiC/l. SiC biopersistence in rat lungs sections was assessed over 28 days by micro-particle-induced x-ray emission (μPIXE) as 2D maps and by particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) for whole-lung quantification. 2D maps were analyzed for SiC spatial distribution as skewness and kurtosis. Results: Half-time clearance was 10.9 ± 0.9 days, agreeing with PIXE measurements. Spatial-temporal analysis of SiC indicated decreased symmetry and homogeneity. Conclusion: Fast SiC clearance points that current nanoaerosol exposure may not be enough to trigger lung overload. Spatial distribution shows an asymmetric and nonhomogeneous SiC clearance. </jats:p

Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Haemolysis, Platelet Function and Coagulation

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are increasingly used in biomedical applications because of their large antimicrobial spectrum. Data in the literature on the ability of Ag NPs to perform their desired function without eliciting undesirable effects on blood elements are very limited and contradictory. We studied the impact of Ag NPs on erythrocyte integrity, platelet function and blood coagulation. Erythrocyte integrity was assessed by spectrophotometric measurement of haemoglobin lease. Platelet adhesion and aggregation was determined by light transmission aggregometry and scanning electron microscopy. The calibrated thrombin generation test as used to study the impact on coagulation cascade. We demonstrated that Ag NPs induced haemolysis. They also increase platelet adhesion without having any impact on platelet aggregation. Finally, they also had procoagulant potential. Bringing all data from these tests together, the no observed effect concentration is 5 μg/mL