Work

Determination of IC50 of Advanced nanomaterials (Ad-NMs) and nano-microplastics (NMPs) in vivo, in C. elegans v1

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: The acute toxicity of advanced nanomaterials (Ad-NMs) and nano-microplastics (NMPs) in vivo was evaluated in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which is widely used to assess the effects of nanomaterials of various shapes and sizes. This nematode is a reliable model for human pathophysiology because it exhibits toxic modes of action similar to those of mammals. C. elegans was selected not only for its well-conserved signal pathways and its high level of gene homology with humans, but also because it can be used to obtain helpful information regarding the toxicity of Ad-NMs and NMPs for environmental health (particularly for terrestrial and aquatic animals). The nematode is ubiquitous worldwide and can live in both soil and water. Data on worms provide information from a whole-animal perspective, with intact, metabolically active digestive, reproductive, endocrine, sensory, and neuromuscular systems.

DOI: 10.17504/protocols.io.54v98eow4l3e/v1

Authors: Luisa Diomede, Carmina Natale

Institution: Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, European Health and Digital Executive Agency

Awards: Platform Optimisation To Enable NanomaTerIAL safety assessment for rapid commercialisation, G7598473398