Official website: nanobiofaces.imi.hr

Project acronym: NanoPasS

Project duration: January 2018 – December 2019

Austrian project coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Roblegg, Eva, Mag.pharm. Dr.rer.nat. University of Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Austria

Croatian project coordinator: Dr. sc. Ivana Vinković Vrček, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia 

Granted by: OeAD-MZO granting scheme

Project Partners:

Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia, Croatia

University of Graz, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Austria

Abstract: Research and development in the area of new nanomaterials are seen as having an enormous economic potential for new drugs and medical treatments, electronics, environmental remediation, or surface treatments. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) belong to the most commercialized metal-based nanomaterials due to their excellent biocidal properties. AgNPs have been incorporated in a growing number of consumer products including textiles, personal care products, water treatment, and various medicinal and wound care products. Thus, there is a growing interest in developing nanosilver containing products, which might be useful in pathological conditions associated with increased bacterial growth and inflammation. However, the expanding use of AgNPs raises nanosafety concerns with respect to possible adverse health effects. At present, there are knowledge gaps in interactions with biological barriers, more specifically in (intrinsic) toxicity, extent of absorption and biological distribution of AgNPs or Ag ions. However, the relationship between biological barriers and nanoparticles (NPs) taking into account the physicochemical properties is essential for the sustainable development and safe use of AgNPs in medical and consumer products.

Hence, we aim at developing a fundamental understanding of the role of functional-particle properties on their pharmacokinetic profile of AgNPs as a major project outcome. Concerning the large production volume of AgNPs and current European regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), the proposed project has to be undertaken to resolve existing knowledge gaps needed for a strategic risk assessment of metal-based nanomaterials.