Toxicity Assessment of Energetic Materials by Using the Luminescent Bacteria Inhibition Test

Abstract

The luminescent bacteria inhibition test using Aliivibrio fischeri is a well-established method to determine the aquatic toxicity of soluble chemicals. More precisely, the effective concentration (EC 50) after 15 and 30 min is determined in this test. The inhibition of natural bioluminescence of these bacteria gives a first idea of the toxicity of compounds towards some aquatic organisms. It is a cost and time efficient experimental method, which does not involve animals. In this contribution, the experimental set up, comparability with other measurements, and results of recently described compounds is presented. Different types of energetic materials such as coordination (e. g. [Cu(dtp) 3 ](ClO 4) 2 and [Fe(MTZ) 6 ](ClO 4) 2), neutral (e. g. azidoethanol, 1-and 2-aminotetrazole) and ionic (e. g. polynitropyrazolates and PETNC salts) compounds were investigated and compared to commonly used materials, like RDX, ammonium perchlorate (AP) and azide salts. Furthermore, different substitution patterns and energetic functionalities such as azido-, nitro-and nitramino-groups were investigated.

A GAP Replacement, Part 2: Preparation of Poly(3-azidooxetane) via Azidation of Poly(3-tosyloxyoxetane) and Poly(3-mesyloxyoxetane)

“…Here, the effective bacterial concentration (EC 50 ) is determined after 15 and 30 min via the quenching effect on the bacteria's bioluminescence. 16 The extent of light extinction by a particular substance compared to other substances then allows an assessment of the relative aquatic toxicity. Accordingly, the toxicity of epichlorohydrin (ECH) required for the synthesis of PECH and ultimately GAP was investigated and compared with the toxicity of the monomers 3-tosyloxyoxetane (1) and 3-mesyloxyoxetane (2) required for the synthesis of poly-3azidoxetane's parent polymers.…”

“…One established method is the quantification of the bioluminescence quenching of Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria by pollutants dissolved in water. Here, the effective bacterial concentration (EC 50 ) is determined after 15 and 30 min via the quenching effect on the bacteria’s bioluminescence . The extent of light extinction by a particular substance compared to other substances then allows an assessment of the relative aquatic toxicity.…”

“…7 In addition, the thermal behavior of GAP and poly(3-azidooxetane) was compared and their respective performance was calculated using EXPLO5 V.604 after assessing their heat of formation by bomb calorimetry. 15 Furthermore, poly(3-azidooxetane) was cured, its plasticizer compatibility was investigated, and the aquatic toxicity 16 of its monomeric precursors was compared to that of epichlorohydrin. Thus, light was shed on different application aspects and poly(3-azidooxetane) did not only provide proof to be a firstrate GAP alternative but also offers a synthetic route that is likely to impose less risks to health and the environment.…”

Materials-Genome Approach to Energetic Materials

“…The above progress in the selection of key indicators using the materials genome approach holds great potential in purposefully screening primary explosives, secondary explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics for relevant properties, such as specific stimulation for initial detonating, high detonation velocity, high specific impulse, and efficient emissions of large amounts of light and heat. While we explore the links between molecular structure and energetic properties for these compounds, it is also necessary to investigate the long-term effects of energetic molecules on human beings and society, such as toxicity, synthetic route, and life cycle . The development of the materials genome in this field will fuel the innovation of the next generation of energetic materials with high performance and safety in response to challenges in energy and the national security sector.…”

“…While we explore the links between molecular structure and energetic properties for these compounds, it is also necessary to investigate the long-term effects of energetic molecules on human beings and society, such as toxicity, synthetic route, and life cycle. 25 The development of the materials genome in this field will fuel the innovation of the next generation of energetic materials with high performance and safety in response to challenges in energy and the national security sector.…”