Projects / Programmes
Učinki zaužitih nanodelcev na organizme (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.01 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
Zoology and zoophysiology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
24447 |
PhD Anita Jemec Kokalj |
Biology |
Head |
2009 - 2012 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0104 |
National Institute of Chemistry |
Ljubljana |
5051592000 |
10 |
Significance for science
The potential hazard of nanomaterials for human and environment is one of current interesting scientific problems. Despite the fact, that the number of studies regarding this topic is increasing constantly, there are still a number of knowledge gaps. Among these is how the physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials are linked to their biological reactivity. Also, the body distribution and mechanism of toxic action of ENPs are largely unknown. The results of this project will help resolve these crucial questions. Among the most important result of the project is the one, that the organism greatly modifies the behaviour of ENPs. The importance of results gained by the project is reflected in four publications in internationally recognized journals with high impact factors.
The use of alternative test systems employed in the project, namely invertebrates and early life stages of zebrafish, will also have a scientific impact. At the moment, there is a general trend in scientific community that the number of adult vertebrates used to gain toxicity information on chemicals should be kept to an absolute minimum and the use of alternative approaches such as the use of embryos and early life stages, as well as invertebrates for these purposes are encouraged. From this point of view, the use of alternative test systems and generation of meaningful results in the present project will help to increase their recognition and importance as alternative toxicity tests. Finally, this will help reduce the number of laboratory mammals (rats, mice) used in clinical studies as well as adult vertebrates in environmental risk assessments.
Significance for the country
According to the current Slovenian Resolution on the National research and development program, nanotechnology, health and life sciences are among priority research fields in Slovenia. In the proposed project, all three fields are somehow integrated with major focus on the safety of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) for human and environment. We focused on engineered nanoparticles commonly present in food, feed, drugs and drinking water. In Slovenia, food and feed industry and agriculture are important constituents of gross domestic product. According to current world and European trends of ENPs’ uses in this sector, we expect that Slovenia will not be an exception. It is therefore of outmost importance to gain as much as possible information on safe use of ENPs. The findings of the present project are therefore a contribution to the safe food production. The information on the potential effects of ENPs is also important to inform the consumers on the safe use of certain products containing ENPs. Namely, ENPs are already present in many products widely used by consumers (cosmetics, cleaning products, medicine), although their safety has rarely been assessed.
The safety data on ENPs obtained in this study will also help preserve the environment. According to the current trends of ENPs usage, they will inevitably be released to the environment. In European Union there is currently no internationally agreed jurisdiction concerning the safe use and production of ENPs. The knowledge of the safety of ENPs for terrestrial and aquatic organisms will help developing guidelines for sustainable and responsible development, as well as provide support for regulatory acts for preservation of environment. In this way, the results will enable the preservation of Slovenian natural heritage and biotic diversity.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
