European scientists helping develop new way to test toxicity of nanoparticles
A group of leading international scientists are developing an in vitro gut and liver model as an easier, more convenient and ethically sound alternative to animal testing in the trillion* nanotechnology industry.
The project, called InLiveTox, was discussed at a major international nanotoxicology conference at Edinburgh Napier University this week - Nanotoxicology 2010.
The three year 3 million € InLiveTox project brings together leaders in nanotoxicology from around the world to develop a way of testing the toxicity of ingested nanoparticles that doesn’t rely on animals. Instead, an in vitro gut and liver model will emulate the response of cells and tissues to ingestion of the tiny particles.
Nanotechnology, the use of particles a thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair, is one of the most important new technologies of the 21st century. It promises new materials with enhanced properties that perform a variety of roles, including cancer treatment in drugs, stain resistance in clothes and preservatives in food. While there are clear benefits, concerns remain about their safe use.
Dr Gary Hutchison, Acting Director of Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Nano Safety, launched last year, says: “Given the widespread use of nanomaterials in variety of everyday products, it is essential for us to fully understand them and their potential impacts. We are working with other European specialists on the InLiveTox project to develop a viable, effective alternative to using animals in such testing.
“A recent change in European chemical safety legislation means that there is a requirement for information on the toxicity of all materials used in significant quantities by 2018. That means there is pressure to thoroughly investigate how substances affect humans in the long term. Animal testing has long been a way of establishing this but it is highly controversial. It is estimated that 3.9 million animals may be needed to adhere to the regulations. Ideally we want to play a part in reducing that number.”
The European Commission funded InLiveTox project will be more reliable and relevant than alternative options that don’t rely on animal testing. It aims to reduce number of animals that may be needed to adhere to regulations.
The Nanotoxicology 2010 Conference has attracted specialists from the US, Australia, China, Japan, India, Canada and Europe to Scotland’s capital to consider the long term effects of the potential exposure of these materials to humans and the environment. Hosting at Edinburgh Napier University cements Edinburgh’s reputation and expertise in the biotech sector.
The Centre for Nano Safety is part of Edinburgh Napier University’s Institute for Science & Health Innovation. It sees toxicologists working hand in hand with industry towards the safe use and understanding of the impacts of nanomaterials in variety of everyday products from the outset.
* National Science Foundation: see Red Herring (2001): ‘The Biotech Boom: the view from here’
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information about this press release please contact: Dr.Amaury MARTIN on +33 (0)4 72 35 88 54
NanoToxicology 2010 Conference is being hosted by Edinburgh Napier University 2nd -4th June.
http://www.nanotoxicology2010.org/
InLiveTox
The three year project will be carried out by an interdisciplinary consortium including European leaders in nanotoxicology (Edinburgh Napier University, Universitat des Saarlandes, HelmholtzZentrum Munchen) and engineering (Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique, Universita di Pisa) together with a key American nanotoxicology group (University of Rochester) and a project management company (ALMA Consulting Group). In addition, the project benefits from the input from an Industrial and Authorities Advisory Group whose members come from the pharmaceutical, cosmetivs, food and household products industries and European regulatory bodies. It is supported by the European Commission throught the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. It runs from May 2009 to April 2012.
www.inlivetox.eu
