Investigating the use of transgenic zebrafish embryos to study nanomaterial inflammogenicity

Nanomaterials (NMs) are defined as particles that have at least one dimension measuring 100nm or less. The large surface area to volume ratio of NMs gives rise to their unique properties, such as high reactivity and conductivity. NMs are widely exploited in consumer products such as cosmetics, sunscreens, medicines, clothing, and electronics. As the nanotechnology market continues to grow, it is likely that humans and the environment will be exposed to NMs. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, some NMs have been shown to induce inflammation via the activation of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. Neutrophils are the first cells recruited to sites of inflammation, where they act to neutralise pathogens and clear infection. The failure of inflammation to resolve and the persistence of neutrophils at these inflammatory sites can lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with a variety of diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disease. Thus, it is vital to determine the inflammogenicity of NMs. In vivo studies are often preferred in toxicity studies, and many rodents will be required to screen the vast array of NMs available. An alternative, non-rodent method for assessing NM inflammogenicity is required in order to align nanotoxicology with the principles of the 3Rs (the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal testing). The neutrophil response to NMs can be investigated using sophisticated in vitro models, for example using blood derived primary neutrophils, and in vivo studies using non-protected species such as transgenic zebrafish embryos. This seminar will provide an update of the work conducted so far on establishing the zebrafish embryo as a model organism for use within inflammogenicity screening of NMs. The seminar will also provide an overview of the ongoing in vitro studies of neutrophil responses to NMs.