A Semi-Automated Workflow for FAIR Maturity Indicators in the Life Sciences

Abstract Data sharing and reuse are crucial to enhance scientific progress and maximize return of investments in science. Although attitudes are increasingly favorable, data reuse remains difficult due to lack of infrastructures, standards, and policies. The FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles aim to provide recommendations to increase data reuse. Because of the broad interpretation…

Structure–activity prediction networks (SAPNets): a step beyond Nano-QSAR for effective implementation of the safe-by-design concept

Abstract A significant number of experimental studies are supported by computational methods such as quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling of nanoparticles (Nano-QSAR). This is especially so in research focused on design and synthesis of new, safer nanomaterials using safe-by-design concepts. However, Nano-QSAR has a number of important limitations. For example, it is not clear which descriptors…

In Silico Prediction of Protein Adsorption Energy on Titanium Dioxide and Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract The free energy of adsorption of proteins onto nanoparticles offers an insight into the biological activity of these particles in the body, but calculating these energies is challenging at the atomistic resolution. In addition, structural information of the proteins may not be readily available. In this work, we demonstrate how information about adsorption affinity…

Genotoxicity of Nanomaterials: Advanced In Vitro Models and High Throughput Methods for Human Hazard Assessment—A Review

Abstract Changes in the genetic material can lead to serious human health defects, as mutations in somatic cells may cause cancer and can contribute to other chronic diseases. Genotoxic events can appear at both the DNA, chromosomal or (during mitosis) whole genome level. The study of mechanisms leading to genotoxicity is crucially important, as well…

Covid-19 acute responses and possible long term consequences: What nanotoxicology can teach us

Abstract Long-term effects of Covid-19 disease are still poorly understood. However, similarities between the responses to SARS-CoV-2 and certain nanomaterials suggest fibrotic pulmonary disease as a concern for public health in the next future. Cross-talk between nanotoxicology and other relevant disciplines can help us to deploy more effective Covid-19 therapies and management strategies. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2020.100945…

Risk Governance of Emerging Technologies Demonstrated in Terms of its Applicability to Nanomaterials

Abstract Nanotechnologies have reached maturity and market penetration that require nano‐specific changes in legislation and harmonization among legislation domains, such as the amendments to REACH for nanomaterials (NMs) which came into force in 2020. Thus, an assessment of the components and regulatory boundaries of NMs risk governance is timely, alongside related methods and tools, as…

Current Approaches and Techniques in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modelling of Nanomaterials

Abstract There have been efforts to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for nanomaterials (NMs). Since NMs have quite different kinetic behaviors, the applicability of the approaches and techniques that are utilized in current PBPK models for NMs is warranted. Most PBPK models simulate a size-independent endocytosis from tissues or blood. In the lungs, dosimetry…

Development of Deep Learning Models for Predicting the Effects of Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials on Daphnia magna

Abstract This study presents the results of applying deep learning methodologies within the ecotoxicology field, with the objective of training predictive models that can support hazard assessment and eventually the design of safer engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). A workflow applying two different deep learning architectures on microscopic images of Daphnia magna is proposed that can automatically…

Transcriptomics in Toxicogenomics, Part II: Preprocessing and Differential Expression Analysis for High Quality Data

Abstract Preprocessing of transcriptomics data plays a pivotal role in the development of toxicogenomics-driven tools for chemical toxicity assessment. The generation and exploitation of large volumes of molecular profiles, following an appropriate experimental design, allows the employment of toxicogenomics (TGx) approaches for a thorough characterisation of the mechanism of action (MOA) of different compounds. To…