This study, conducted by researchers in Japan, was designed to examine the skin penetration, cellular localization and cytotoxic effects of amorphous silica particles ranging in size from 70 to 1000 nanometers. Nanomaterials with particle sizes less than 100 nm have been successfully employed in various industrial applications in medicine, cosmetics and food, but in order to open new frontiers in these fields, it is necessary, say the authors, to collect detailed information on the properties of nanomaterials and build a prediction system of nanomaterials’ safety. The study found that well-dispersed amorphous nanosilica of particle size 70 nm penetrated the skin barrier and caused systematic exposure in mice, and induced mutagenic activity in vitro. The authors concluded: “Our information indicated that further studies of relation between physicochemical properties and biological responses are needed for the development and the safer form of NMs [nanomaterials].” The abstract, and a link to the full article, can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TWB-52108WB-5&_user=10&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2011&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=gateway&_origin=gateway&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=0717da0634669871de38fbb925887d0c&searchtype=a