Development and validation of comprehensive testing strategies for engineered nanomaterials and biomaterials

The primary goal of this project is to develop a robust testing strategy that can be utilized by Vireo Advisors Canada to help industries and regulators assess the environmental and health safety of ENMs. To accomplish this goal, I will validate commonly used and recently developed cell-based assays for potential engineered nanomaterial (ENM) interference and determine which assays are suitable for use. Comparison with zebrafish embryo toxicity tests will allow to validation of these methods and potential reduction in use of animals for testing. The project will characterize 13 different commercially relevant ENMs provided by Vireo Advisor Canada. The overall goal of the project will be to validate which cell-based test methods best predict toxicity of ENMs. Validation of these cell-based testing methods with correlates of toxicity on embryos can then function to replace or significantly reduce direct animal testing. This project will also help Vireo Advisor Canada to expand its operations within in Canada by providing important toxicity data on ENMs and a robust, read-across testing strategy for their clients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Greg Goss

Student:

Partner:

Vireo Advisors Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: