NANOaers - Fate of aerosolized nanoparticles: the influence of surface active substances on lung deposition and respiratory effects

The use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNM) in particulate form is increasing steadily, but little is known about their fate and effects after release into the airborne state and subsequent deposition in the respiratory tract. Especially the influence of matrix effects in liquid formulations on MNM fate, e.g. their ability to absorb other substances and serving as a carrier to otherwise inaccessible sites in the lungs of organisms still remains to be investigated. Toxicological properties of MNM are determined by short term aging processes in daily life scenarios, which are unknown to a large extent. The project NANOaers combines physicochemical and toxicological in vitro - 3D cell models and precision cut lung slices (PCLS) - and in vivo experiments with modelling approach. This widespread approach is used to identify essential parameters for determining the fate and short and long-term effects of MNM after aerosolization of formulations as a basis for further regulatory and normative needs.