Presentation Description
Implications of Carbon Nanomaterial Exposure to Living Receptors
Industrial scale production, coupled with unique material properties, underpin rising concerns of nano-scale materials inadvertently impacting the health and function of natural systems. Carbon fullerenes and nanotubes, C60 in particular, have been proposed for a variety of applications and are soon expected to be produced in multi-ton quantities. Understanding how these materials behave in natural matrixes, specifically aqueous systems, is needed for accurate risk assessment and to manage waste disposal practices appropriately. Research presented here addresses outstanding questions and expands upon current knowledge regarding C60 nano-scale aggregation in water (nC60) and how these materials, which readily transform into fullerene derivatives, interact with biological receptors. Observed trends provide insight regarding structure function relationship(s) which are critical for risk analyses in addition to the design of safe, sustainable materials.
