Microfluidic platforms for advanced risk assessments of nanomaterials

Abstract

In the past few years, promising efforts to utilize microfabrication-based technologies have laid the foundation for developing advanced, and importantly more physiologically-realistic, microfluidic methods for risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). In the present review, we discuss the wave of recent developments using microfluidic-based in vitro models and platforms for nanotoxicological assays, such as determination of cell viability, cellular dose, oxidative stress and nuclear damage. Here, we specifically highlight the tangible advantages of microfluidic devices in providing promising tools to tackle many of the current and ongoing challenges faced with traditional toxicology assays. Most importantly, microfluidic technology not only allows to recreate physiologically-relevant in vitro models for nanotoxicity examinations, but also provides platforms that deliver an attractive strategy towards improved control over applied ENM doses. In a final step, we present examples of state-of-the-art microfluidic platforms for in vitro assessment of potential adverse ENM effects.

• Cytotoxicity
• engineered nanomaterials
• exposure method
• microfluidics
• risk assessment

Declaration of interest

This research was supported by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF grant nr. 990/12) and by Research Grant Award No. PGA 1302 from the Environment and Health Fund (EHF), Israel and the Technion Center of Excellence in Exposure Science and Environmental Health (TCEEH). Dr S. K. Mahto was supported in part by the Russel Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI Nevet grant, Technion).