Biotransformation and dissolution of metallic nanoparticles at physiologically-relevant conditions - influence of cells, biomolecules and bacteria/biofilms.

Metallic nanoparticles are extensively used in a variety of different applications, including, for instance, consumer, food packaging, and industrial products.

However, they are also non-intentionally formed in the subway, at traffic settings, and in occupational settings such as during welding and post-processing of metallic surfaces.

Even though it is well-known that metal-containing particles may induce adverse effects on humans including oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation and thereby mediate several lung diseases, the underlying reasons are still to be assessed.

Interactions between metallic NPs and biomolecules, e.g. proteins, have been shown to influence their biological behavior at organ and cellular levels, which highlights the necessity of systematic studies at physiologically relevant conditions.

The influence of biomolecules (single and combinatory effects), cells and bacteria on the biotransformation and dissolution of non-functionalized metallic NPs will be addressed in this highly interdisciplinary research project by joining expertise in metal and surface science, biophysics, microbiology and nanotoxicology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet (KI) and AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences.

The project outcome will contribute with essential knowledge for understanding risks and on a long-term perspective prevent health effects related to human exposure to metal-containing nanoparticles