Registration has begun for the National Nanotechnology Initiative’s (NNI) September 10, 2019, webinar on “Respiratory Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials in Relation to Physicochemical Properties.” The speaker will be Dr. Junfeng (Jim) Zhang, Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, and Dr. William Boyes, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will moderate. NNI states that the interaction between engineered nanomaterials (ENM) and lung lining fluid and cells may play an essential role in determining lung tissue and lung function effects. To examine how physicochemical properties of ENMs affect this interaction and consequent biological effects, Dr. Zhang’s team integrated in vitro, in vivo, and computational studies of silver and carbon ENMs. According to NNI, results show that the interaction between ENMs and the lung lining fluid and cells alters ENM physicochemical properties (e.g., size, charge, dissolution, and sulfidation), consequently affecting cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and bioreactivity. The magnitude and profile of biological response depend on physicochemical properties, as well as cell types and animal models. Some of the responses observed in experimental studies can be predicted using toxico-dynamics models. Participants will be able to submit questions for Dr. Zhang to answer during the question and answer period.
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