Investigation of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials
The multi-disciplinary team in NUS has established strong research capabilities in EHS assessment of engineered nanomaterials
The biodistribution of exposure to engineered nanomaterials is being investigated using both in vivo and in vitro models coupled with advanced imaging techniques.
For in vivo studies, rodents and the worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are used as models. The rodent model is specifically used for investigating the biodistribution of engineered nanomaterials brought about by inhalation and intravenous exposure, as well as the nanomaterial accumulation in various tissues/organs.
The targeted cell lines are then used for in vitro studies to determine the mechanistic understanding on the impacts of nanomaterial and accumulation on the affected tissues/organs. This unfolds potential impacts on health and the delivery of nanomedicine. In addition, the use of advance imagining techniques hold the key to explore the behavior of engineered nanomaterials in biological systems.
C. elegans is a promising model for rapid screening of the potential impacts of engineered nanomaterials. C. elegans is a relatively quick and inexpensive model for pre-screening of potentially more toxic materials prior for advanced evaluation using small animals. The unique assessments offered by C. elegans include length, movement, swallowing (pharyngeal pumping), C. elegans is a promising model for rapid screening of the potential impacts of engineered nanomaterials. C. elegans is a relatively quick and inexpensive model for pre-screening of potentially more toxic materials prior for advanced evaluation using small animals. The unique assessments offered by C. elegans include length, movement, swallowing (pharyngeal pumping), lifespan, oxidative stress, gene expression (some are difficult to perform on rodents).
Advanced imaging in cells and tissues provides insights on the characteristics and mechanistic behavior of nanomaterials inside the cells as well as the cell’s response to the nanomaterials’ presence.
These methods provide rapid and high-throughput assessment on the potential toxicity of engineered nanomaterials. They are also capable of monitoring airborne engineered nanomaterials in situ and real time. These approaches are used for researches in drug delivery, toxicity screening, risk assessment, imaging and metrology.
Experts on risk assessment link the academic findings with industry and the public, in particular issues that are related to occupational health - exposure monitoring for workplaces handling nanomaterials, as well as the development of a health surveillance program for persons working with engineered nanomaterials.
For more details, please contact:
Associate Professor YU Liya
E-mail: liya.yu@nus.edu.sg