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Carbon Nanotubes Released from an Epoxy-Based Nanocomposite: Quantification and Particle Toxicity
Lukas Schlagenhauf1, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr2, Yu-Ying Kuo1
1Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland.
Environmental Science & Technology
|August 8, 2015
Summary
A new method quantifies airborne multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) released from nanocomposites. While MWCNTs can be released, the abraded particles showed no acute toxicity in cell tests.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Quantifying nanoparticle release and toxicity from real nanoproducts in realistic exposure scenarios is crucial but rarely studied.
- Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy nanocomposites present potential inhalation risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for quantifying free-standing and protruding MWCNTs in the respirable fraction of abraded MWCNT-epoxy nanocomposites.
- To assess the in vitro toxicity of these released MWCNTs.
Main Methods:
- MWCNTs were prelabeled with lead ions for quantification.
- Nanocomposite production, particle abrasion, and collection of the inhalable fraction were performed.
- Quantification of free-standing and protruding MWCNTs was achieved by measuring released lead ion concentration.
- In vitro toxicity assays (genotoxicity, ROS, cell viability) were conducted on A549 and THP-1 cells.
Main Results:
- The developed method quantified MWCNT release in the respirable fraction.
- Approximately 4000 ppm of MWCNTs were released as exposed and 40 ppm as free-standing in a worst-case scenario.
- Agglomerated MWCNTs in nanocomposites resulted in lower exposed MWCNT release.
- Abraded particles did not induce acute cytotoxic effects in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The study established a novel method for quantifying MWCNT release from nanocomposites.
- The findings indicate a potential for MWCNT exposure during nanocomposite use, though acute toxicity was not observed.
- Nanostructure optimization (agglomeration) can reduce MWCNT release and potential exposure.
