Masters Theses
Abstract
"In the past ten years nanotechnology has not only evolved to play a prominent role in our economy but also increased the concern over potential adverse effects caused by nanomaterials to human health and the environment. Nanotoxicity is to understand the nature and origin of the toxicity imposed by nanomaterials. Studies from our laboratory have shown that nanoparticle induces oxidative stress, perturbs calcium homeostasis, alter gene expression, and produces pro-inflammatory responses. We also identified a trend of toxicity: TiO₂ < Cr₂O₃ < Fe₂O₃ < Mn₂O₃ < NiO < ZnO < CuO. We then asked a question: what are physiochemical factors of transition metal nanoparticles that contributed to this increasing cytotoxicity. In this thesis I investigated the correlation between physicochemical properties and toxicity of the transition metal oxides in the 4th Period of the Periodic Table of Elements. Particle size, BET surface area, point of zero charge, metal dissolution, and degree of surface adsorption of transition metal oxide nanoparticles were measured. There were no increasing trends in both particle size and specific surface area. The point of zero charge showed an increasing trend as TiO₂ < Cr₂O₃ < Fe₂O₃ < NiO < CuO = ZnO < Mn₂O₃. The number of available binding sites of nanoparticle showed an increasing trend as Cr₂O₃ > ZnO > CuO > NiO > Fe₂O₃ > Mn₂O₃ > TiO₂. The degree of adsorption on the surface of nanoparticles showed an increasing trend with atomic number, with the exception of Cr₂O₃. The degree of dissolution of transition metal oxides increases with atomic number. In summary, the factors that contribute to cytotoxicity of transition metal oxides were a combination of point of zero charge, number of available binding sites on the surface of nanoparticles, and metal dissolution. This study advances our understanding in mechanisms of nanotoxicity, which may lead to safer design of nanomaterials"--Abstract, page iii.
Advisor(s)
Huang, Yue-wern
Committee Member(s)
Shannon, Katie
Winiarz, Jeffrey G.
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
M.S. in Applied and Environmental Biology
Publisher
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Publication Date
Summer 2012
Pagination
viii, 76 pages
Rights
© 2012 Chi-heng Wu, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Subject Headings
Metals -- DissolutionNanoparticles -- ToxicologyNanoparticlesNanotechnologyTransition metal oxides
Thesis Number
T 10078
Print OCLC #
829107895
Electronic OCLC #
800728563
Recommended Citation
Wu, Chi-heng, "Physiochemical characteristics contributing to the cytotoxicity of transition metal oxides" (2012). Masters Theses. 5208.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/5208