Cytotoxicity screening of 23 engineered nanomaterials using a test matrix of ten cell lines and three different assays

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Engineered nanomaterials display unique properties that may have impact on human health, and thus require a reliable evaluation of their potential toxicity. Here, we performed a standardized <it>in vitro </it>screening of 23 engineered nanomaterials. We thoroughly characterized the physicochemical properties of the nanomaterials and adapted three classical <it>in vitro </it>toxicity assays to eliminate nanomaterial interference. Nanomaterial toxicity was assessed in ten representative cell lines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Six nanomaterials induced oxidative cell stress while only a single nanomaterial reduced cellular metabolic activity and none of the particles affected cell viability. Results from heterogeneous and chemically identical particles suggested that surface chemistry, surface coating and chemical composition are likely determinants of nanomaterial toxicity. Individual cell lines differed significantly in their response, dependent on the particle type and the toxicity endpoint measured.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>In vitro </it>toxicity of the analyzed engineered nanomaterials cannot be attributed to a defined physicochemical property. Therefore, the accurate identification of nanomaterial cytotoxicity requires a matrix based on a set of sensitive cell lines and <it>in vitro </it>assays measuring different cytotoxicity endpoints.</p

Polyethylene oxide electrolyte added by silane-functionalized TiO2 filler for lithium battery

Titanium dioxide ceramic functionalized with silane organic group is used here to improve polyethylene oxide electrolyte properties. The results demonstrate the effective role of the silane coating in enhancing the polymer–ceramic interactions and, consequently, the polymer electrolyte properties for application in lithium polymer battery. The ceramic added electrolyte shows conductivity higher than 10−4 S cm−1 above 65 °C and a transference number approaching 0.5. The electrolyte membrane is then selected as the polymer separator in a lithium cell using LiFePO4 electrode, characterized by enhanced behavior in terms of capacity, cycling stability and efficiency