Methods for the Prediction of Nanoparticle Fate & Transport in the Environment

Keywords:
nanomaterials, fate, transport, membrane kinetics, bioaccumulation

Abstract:
Recently, we presented a method for predicting the mass transport and stability of nanomaterials in the environment using competitive probability kinetics. The model has been furthered by including diffusion kinetics into the fate and transport paradigm. Larger molecules and nanoparticles face a rate-limiting condition related to the probability that a particle will cross a lipid bilayer and thereby capable of achieving equilibrium. Studies indicate that even highly lipophilic molecules with sizes greater than 1,000 daltons show little potential to bioaccumulate. Smaller molecules potential vary with lipophicity. This approach permits for rapid screening of compounds for potential systemic distribution thereby reducing the need for expensive bioaccumulation studies.

Nanotech 2008 Conference Program Abstract