Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyse the amount and
properties of the finest fraction of cellulose
nanofibrils (CNF), as well as to study its toxicity to
humans as part of its safety assessment. A finely ground
CNF was fractionated into four separate size fractions
using a MicroFracon device, which utilises a tube flow
fractionation principle. The two finest fractions,
comprising around 20% of the original material, were
collected and combined for further studies. Estimates for
the dimensions of fibrils in the fraction were obtained
with an in-line image analysis of the MicroFracon device,
and transmittance measuremens were used for indirect
information of the particle size. The morphological
studies performed with state-of-the art methods, such as
scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy
(AFM), showed that the fraction was quite monodisperse,
contrary to the original, heterogeous CNF sample, and
consisted of thin, long fibrils. The cytotoxicity of the
fraction was assessed by performing the short-term
cytotoxicity studies in vitro, including estimates of the
highest tolerated dose (HTD) and total protein content
(TPC). Sublethality on human cells was studied with the
RNA inhibition test, while Ames test was used to evaluate
the genotoxicity of the fraction and test with nematode
for studying its potential systemic effects. Some
indication of cytotoxicity was observed in the TPC test
with the highest sample concentration. However, the
significance of this result should be addressed in
relation to the other toxicity tests, in which no
toxicity was observed. And most importantly, no
indication of toxicity was found in the in vivo test.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Event | 2013 Tappi International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials - Stockholm, Sweden Duration: 24 Jun 2013 → 27 Jun 2013 |
Conference
Conference | 2013 Tappi International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials |
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Country/Territory | Sweden |
City | Stockholm |
Period | 24/06/13 → 27/06/13 |
Keywords
- cellulose nanofibrils
- fractional analysis
- morphology
- fibril width distribution
- cytotoxicity
- genotoxicity