Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are novel materials that can be used in various applications due to their mechanical stability and resistance combined with low weight and flexibility. Due to their size in the nanometer range, CNTs can reach the alveoli when inhaled and have a proinflammatory effect there.For our experiments, human whole blood was incubated with CNTs in different concentrations. Then, we measured the immune response using electrochemiluminescence. Furthermore, we incubated precision cut lung slices (PCLS) from rat and human tissue with CNTs and measured the immune response. A WST assay and an LDH assay were used to determine the remaining vitality and cell stress of the PCLS. We also tested whether adhering lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or the immunoregulatory enzyme PTP1b play a role in the effect of CNT. In the whole blood assay, a significant increase in the proinflammatory interleukins (IL) 1 beta, 6, and 8 as well as TNF alpha was measurable 24 hours after contact with CNT. We were unable to measure this effect in the PCLS. This could mean that the proinflammatory effect of CNTs is caused by migrating immune cells in the blood rather than by resident immune cells. We were able to rule out both adhering LPS structures and inhibition of the enzyme PTP1b as possible causes of the inflammation. Considering these findings, it is important to handle CNTs responsibly. Therefore, the use of FFP3 masks and protective suits, as well as special ventilation systems in production, is recommended.
Source: RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen)
Author: Merkelbach, Johanna Juliane
Language: German
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7148204722