In Vitro Toxicity of Aluminum Nanoparticles in Human Keratinocytes

<p>Nanotechnology promises to be the defining technology of the 21st century. At an annual investment of $1B it provides significant contributions to manufacturing medicine energy conservation and the environment. Nanoparticles are structures with at least one dimension in the 1 to 100 nanometer (nm) range. DoD and US Air Force interest in aluminum nanoparticles (AL NPs) stems from its ability to enhance combustion jet fuel thus increasing fuel efficiency. The addition of AL NPs to JP-8 may pose a unique dermal hazard to aircraft maintenance workers. There is no published data on AL NP toxicity effects on human skin. This research used in vitro techniques to determine the cytotoxicity of AL NPs sized 50 80 and 120 nm on human keratinocytes. AL NPs at concentrations 10 - 10000 ?g/mL and 24-hour exposure did not have a negative effect on cell viability as assessed by membrane leakage metabolic function and reactive oxygen species generation. Keratinocyte expression of proinflammatory interleukins-1? and -8 was quantified to determine if AL NPs induced precursor cytokines for irritant contact or sensitizer response dermatitis. After 24-hour exposure to AL NPs keratinocytes expressed significant concentrations of IL-8 24 - 100 times greater than IL-1? indicating that AL NPs may induce sensitizer response dermatitis.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>