Nanotoxicology
Nanotoxicology Services
Nanotox Services can be obtained through one of the nanotoxicology program tracks. There are five primary areas of service that we offer:
- Particle characterization
- Particle panels
- Protocol development
- Biodistribution and forensic detection
- Particle processing and design
A more detailed description of our capabilities is discussed. Although this list is not all inclusive, it demonstrates some of the important contributions that nanoComposix is making to nanotoxicology research.
Nanoparticle characterization
 |
Second only to having high quality particles is knowing what you are working with. We specialize in characterizing nanomaterials. Several of the techniques we offer are discussed further in our characterization service section. |
Particle Panels
 |
In order to address specific hypothesis regarding the properties of nanoparticles and toxicity, nanoComposix has assembled panels of particles for comparative testing. The material included in each panel has been selected based on interest from the research community, amount of material being incorporated into commercial products, and potential for the material to contact the public, workers in the nanomaterial industry, or the environment. |
Protocol Development
 |
Protocols developed by EPA, OECD, and ASTM have been tested for relevance, validity, and reproducibility of toxicological assays using intra- and inter-laboratory studies. However, these studies have not been validated with nanoparticles. The same unique properties exhibited by nanoparticles that make them attractive for integration into products also suggest that data garnered from standardized assays may be impacted by these properties. In many cases, the dynamic nature of the material, interaction with testing protocols, or even the cost of the materials themselves are not compatible with standardized testing procedures. In these cases, the standardized assays must be modified or completely revamped to accommodate nanomaterials. NanoComposix can guide researchers on integrating their nanoparticles of choice into the selected assays or recommend assays compatible with specific materials. Issues typically address include solubility, interactions with particle surface charge, selection of media to reduce agglomeration, dosing concentrations and regimes to limit changes in particle properties, and techniques for dispersing materials in solution. |
Forensic Detection/Biodistribution/Fate and Transport
 |
The size-scale on which nanomaterials research takes place makes detection and tracking of the materials in different systems exceedingly difficult. New technologies are being developed to monitor these materials in vitro, in vivo, and in situ for forensic detection, biodistribution studies, and also environmental fate and transport studies. NanoComposix approaches challenges in monitoring nanomaterials by both adapting the most advanced instrumentation on the market for detecting nanomaterials but also creating or altering nanomaterials to allow for detection using instrumentation commonly available to the researcher. A number of products available from nanoComposix are an excellent means for tracking nanoparticles within your system of choice. |
Particle Processing and Design
 |
NanoComposix also specializes in customized nanoparticle synthesis for researchers. A wide range of formulations are possible. Our nanoparticle formulations are based on narrow size distribution over a wide range of sizes. Particles can be functionalized in numerous ways to suit your needs. Particles can also be provided at very high concentrations and very thoroughly washed to remove nearly all residual reactants. |