Carbon nanotubes and central nervous system: Environmental risks, toxicological aspects and future perspectives

Facciolà, Alessio; Visalli, Giuseppa; Maestra, Sebastiano La; Ceccarelli, Manuela; D’Aleo, Francesco; Nunnari, Giuseppe; Pellicanò, Giovanni Francesco; Pietro, Angela Di

doi:10.1016/j.etap.2018.11.006

Cited by 59 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Due to the high length to diameter ratio, the latter pathway allows MWCNTs to efficiently cross the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. As established by several studies, both mechanisms do not alter membrane integrity [37][38][39][40]. Unlike the endocytosis-mediated internalisation of CNT tangles, passive diffusion reduces cytotoxicity because it does not cause lysosomial content leakage by overloading endosomes [12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mitochondrial Impairment Induced by Sub-Chronic Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Visalli

Facciolà

Currò

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Human exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can cause health issues due to their chemical-physical features and biological interactions. These nanostructures cause oxidative stress, also due to endogenous ROS production, which increases following mitochondrial impairment. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the health effects, due to mitochondrial dysfunction, caused by a sub-chronic exposure to a non-acutely toxic dose of multi walled CNTs (raw and functionalised). The A549 cells were exposed to MWCNTs (2 µg mL -1 ) for 36 days.Periodically, cellular dehydrogenases, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), cytochrome c release, permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, transmembrane potential (Δψ m), apoptotic cells, and intracellular ROS were measured. The results, compared to untreated cells and to positive control formed by cells treated with MWCNTs (20 µg mL -1 ), highlighted the efficiency of homeostasis to counteract ROS overproduction, but a restitutio ad integrum of mitochondrial functionality was not observed. Despite the tendency to restore, the mitochondrial impairment persisted. Overall, the results underlined the tissue damage that can arise following sub-chronic exposure to MWCNTs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mitochondrial Impairment Induced by Sub-Chronic Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Visalli

Facciolà

Currò

et al. 2019

Preprint

Self Cite

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“…Apart from the respiratory tract, it has been shown that CNTs can exhibit toxic effects on the other organs and systems such as reproduction [174,175], nervous system [176,177], liver [178,179], and kidneys [179,180].…”

Section: Toxicity Studies Of Carbon Nanotubesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Advances in Biomedical Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

Saliev

2019

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Unique chemical, physical, and biological features of carbon nanotubes make them an ideal candidate for myriad applications in industry and biomedicine. Carbon nanotubes have excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high biocompatibility, flexibility, resistance to corrosion, nano-size, and a high surface area, which can be tailored and functionalized on demand. This review discusses the progress and main fields of bio-medical applications of carbon nanotubes based on recently-published reports. It encompasses the synthesis of carbon nanotubes and their application for bio-sensing, cancer treatment, hyperthermia induction, antibacterial therapy, and tissue engineering. Other areas of carbon nanotube applications were out of the scope of this review. Special attention has been paid to the problem of the toxicity of carbon nanotubes.

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“…In general, humans are likely to be exposed to effects of nanoparticles from nanoengineered materials also by ingestion, apart from inhalation and skin uptake [46]. Depending upon the manufacturing and processing techniques, CNTs and graphene are likely to be a concern for human health, as they can be released to the environment by several mechanisms, including wear and abrasion of the final product.…”

Section: Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Trigeminal-the route uses the trigeminal nerve as an important way to transport from nose to brain, i.e., intracellular or axonal transport. The CNTs induce toxicity, such as oxidative damage in biological systems and influence the central nervous system, trough endothelial cell damage [46]. Additionally, due to the batch-to-batch variations nanoengineered materials parameters may change with time, implying possible changes in the toxicological effects ( Figure 6).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This means that CNTs and graphene need to be fully characterized, in short and long term, and have a specific toxicity (eco) assessment, as well as rendering hazard and risk evaluation [41,47,51]. The CNTs induce toxicity, such as oxidative damage in biological systems and influence the central nervous system, trough endothelial cell damage [46]. Additionally, due to the batch-to-batch variations nanoengineered materials parameters may change with time, implying possible changes in the toxicological effects ( Figure 6).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Health and Safety Concerns Related to CNT and Graphene Products, and Related Composites

et al. 2020

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The use of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) and Graphene increased in the last decade and it is likely to keep increasing in the near future. The attractiveness of their properties, particularly the possibility to enhance the composites performance using a tailor made methodology, brings new materials, processes and products for highly demanding industrial applications and to the market. However, there are quite a lot of health/safety issues, as well as lack of understanding and standards to evaluate their effects. This paper starts with a general description of materials, processes and products dealing with CNT and graphene. Then, an overview of concerns related to the health and safety when handling, researching, producing and using products that include these materials is presented. It follows a risk management approach with respect to simulation and evaluation tools, and considering the consensual limits already existing for research, industry and consumers. A general discussion integrating the relevant aspects of health and safety with respect to CNT and graphene is also presented. A proactive view is presented with the intention to contribute with some guidelines on installation, maintenance, evaluation, personal protection equipment (PPE) and personnel training to deal with these carbon-based nanomaterials in research, manufacture, and use with composite materials.

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Carbon nanotubes and central nervous system: Environmental risks, toxicological aspects and future perspectives

Cited by 59 publications

References 42 publications

Mitochondrial Impairment Induced by Sub-Chronic Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Mitochondrial Impairment Induced by Sub-Chronic Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The Advances in Biomedical Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

Health and Safety Concerns Related to CNT and Graphene Products, and Related Composites

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