Project description:The testing of NMs under the currently available standard toxicity tests does not cover many of the NMs specificities. One of the current recommended approaches forward lays on understanding the mechanisms of action as these can help predicting long term effects and safe-by-design production. Copper nanomaterials (Cu-NMs) usage has been highly increasing with the concern in terms of exposure, effect and associated risks. In the present study we used the high-throughput gene expression tool developed for Enchytraeus crypticus (44Kx4 Agilent microarray) to study to the effect of exposure to several copper forms. The copper treatments include two NMs (spherical and wires) and two copper-salt treatments (CuNO3 spiked and Cu field historical contamination). Testing was done based on reproduction effect concentrations (EC20, EC50) using 3 and 7 days exposure periods.
Project description:The effect of nanomaterials (NMs) is less understood in light of the implemented and existing methodologies for regular chemicals. To understand the mode of action of NMs is one of the alternatives to improve predictions and environmental risk assessment (ERA). In the present work the high-throughput gene expression tool (4x44K microarray for Enchytraeus crypticus) was used to investigate the mechanisms activated by Ni exposure. Ni nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) were investigated together with Ni-salt (NiNO3). Testing was done based on reproduction effect concentrations (EC20, EC50) using 3 and 7 days exposure periods.
Project description:Despite the increased utilization of nanoparticles, the behavior and effect in the environment is largely unknown and few resources are available for health and environmental effect studies. Enchytraeids are extensively used in studies of soil ecotoxicology and recently, a cDNA microarray for Enchytraeus albidus was developed, allowing also toxicogenomic studies in this species. These organisms are ecologically relevant small worms that indirectly contribute to the regulation and degradation of organic matter. In this study we compared the gene expression profiles of E. albidus when exposed to copper-salt (CuCl2) and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) spiked soil. The worms were exposed for 48 hours in soil to a range of concentrations. Microarray hybridizations revealed different response patterns between copper-salt and copper nanoparticles exposed organisms, these differences are mainly related with transcripts involved in the energy metabolism of the organisms. Despite unknown gene function in the data-set there are indications that Cu-salt and Cu-NP exposure induced specific gene level responses.
Project description:Negatives effects induced by exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation are well known. Nevertheless the modes of action of UV radiation are not well understood, in particular in soil invertebrates. In the present work, the effects of two UV doses (mimicking worst case scenarios in earth crust) on gene expression profile of Enchytraeus crypticus (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta) were investigated using the high-throughput 4 x 44K microarray developed for the species.
Project description:Mechanisms of (photo)toxicity of TiO2 nanomaterials (NM103, NM104, NM105): using high-throughput gene expression in Enchytraeus crypticus
