Ecotoxicity Assessment of Nanomaterials: Latest Advances and Prospects (2nd Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

The benefits of nanotechnology to society are unquestionable. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are used in a wide range of applications, such as food, cosmetics, biomedicine, electronics, energy production and storage, agriculture, and the environment (e.g., water remediation). Currently, there are more than 5280 products containing ENMs (Nanodatabase, November 2022). This increasing production and use result in significant amounts of ENMs (pristine, aged, and/or their degradation products) released into the environment (air, water, sediment, and soil). Although nanotoxicologists are continuously working on understanding the potential adverse effects of nanomaterials, the assessment of (eco)toxicity of ENMs remains a challenge for the scientific community, and a complete and clear understanding of the ecotoxicological profile of ENMs is still lacking. We know that the fate, uptake, and biological impact of ENMs are dependent on their characteristics (e.g., surface charge, size, shape, and agglomeration/aggregation state), which are in turn dependent on the medium in which they are present. Therefore, in identifying and comprehending these factors, it is necessary to establish design rules in nanotechnology R&D to consider concerns about environmental/health safety in the design process. Accordingly, this Special Issue (SI) of Nanomaterials seeks to compile a collection of papers that elucidate the recent breakthroughs and future outlooks in the assessment of ecotoxicity relating to ENMs. This SI invites the submission of original research papers, case studies, or current review papers that address the environmental risks posed by nanoscale materials. We particularly encourage studies that explore the intricate interplay between ENMs and biological matrices, as well as investigations into the behavior and fate of ENMs across diverse environmental media. Submissions that explore the potential uptake, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of ENMs in various organisms, including in vitro studies, are highly encouraged. Additionally, studies comparing the toxicity of nanoforms with their bulk counterparts will also be appreciated. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the ecotoxicological implications of nanomaterials.

Specifically, some interesting topics include the following:

• Ecotoxicity assessment including a multi-endpoint approach: at individual (e.g., survival, reproduction, behavior), biochemical (e.g., DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurotransmission), and molecular (e.g., gene, protein, and metabolite expressions) levels;
• Bioaccumulation testing using aquatic/soil species demonstrating the toxicokinetics of ENM;
• Long-term exposures with special attention to multigenerational and/or transgenerational effects.
• Advances in the characterization and understanding of the biological interactions of ENMs (e.g., eco-corona formation), and of their toxic effects at predicted environmental concentrations;
• Future needs, challenges, and directions in ENM ecotoxicity assessment.

Dr. Vera Lúcia Maria
Dr. Ângela Barreto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• nanoscale materials
• ecotoxicological impact
• multi-endpoint assessments
• mechanisms of toxicity
• uptake/bioaccumulation
• nanomaterial characterization
• nano–bio-interactions
• behavior/fate
• environmental matrices
• risk assessment