Skip to main content
Skip header

Risks of nanomaterials

Type of study Bachelor
Language of instruction Czech
Code 651-2077/01
Abbreviation RZ
Course title Risks of nanomaterials
Credits 4
Coordinating department Department of Chemistry and Physico-Chemical Processes
Course coordinator Prof. Mgr. Jana Kukutschová, Ph.D.

Subject syllabus

1. Introduction to the subject: risk definition, risk assessment methods.
2. Hazardous parameters of nanomaterials: Why are they dangerous? Toxicologically relevant parameters of nanomaterials. Differences from the regular toxicology.
3. Occurence of nanomaterials in the environment – their origin and sources. Indoor nanmaterials. Nanomaterials in a workplace – occupational exposure.
4. Environmental fate of nanomaterials, life cycle assessment, nanomaterials release from nano-enabled products. Nanomaterials as wastes.
5. Environmental risks – air, water and soil pollution – case studies.
6. Exposure to nanomaterials – measurement (dosimetry), exposure routes, entrance of nanomaterials into an organism/cells, translocation, biotransformation, bioaccumulation, deposition in single target sites.
7. Interactions of nanomaterials with living organisms on molecular, cellular and organ level. Genotoxic effects, oxidative stress.
8. In vitro toxicity testing of nanomaterials – introdution to nanotoxicology.
9. In vivo, in silico methods of toxicity assessment/prediction of nanomaterials. Trends in nanomaterials toxicity assessment.
10. Selected biomedical, hygienic and environmental applications and their risks – case studies.
11. Ecotoxicity of nanomaterials – impact on organisms from different trophic levels. Impact on autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms, adverse effects on vital functions of plants and animals.
12. Health risks of nanomaterials – impact on tissues, organs, etc.
13. Health risks of nanomaterials – occupational exposure and safety.
14. Ethical aspects of nanomaterials use and current legislation framework for usage and regulation of nanomaterials.

Literature

1. VOGEL, Ulla, ed. Handbook of nanosafety: measurement, exposure and toxicology. London: Elsevier Academic Press, c2014. ISBN 978-0-12-416604-2.

Advised literature

1. WOHLLEBEN, Wendel, Thomas A. J. KUHLBUSCH, Jürgen SCHNEKENBURGER a Claus-Michael LEHR, ed. Safety of nanomaterials along their lifecycle: release, exposure, and human hazards. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, [2015]. ISBN 978-1-4665-6786-3 .