Scientists urge nanotechnology vigilance

CALGARY, Alberta, March 8 (UPI) -- A Canadian scientist says he and his colleagues have developed a way to measure nanomaterials in blood vessels.

University of Calgary Professor David Cramb says his team's achievement means science is a step closer to helping solve a complex problem in nanotechnology: identifying the impact nanoparticles have on human health and the environment.

"With the boom in nanomaterials production there is an increasing possibility of environmental and/or human exposure. Thus, there is a need to investigate their potential detrimental effects," Cramb said. "We have developed very specialized tools to begin measuring such impacts."

Cramb and his researchers say they've developed a methodology to measure various aspects of nanoparticles in the blood stream of chicken embryos.

Nanoparticles -- particles or groups of atoms or molecules nanometers in size -- are already used in the cosmetics industry and are being developed for drug delivery, diagnostic imaging and tissue engineering, among other things. The scientists say it is estimated investments in nanotechnology globally will reach about $12 trillion by 2012.

Cramb is looking for ways to help answer questions including:

-- If embryos are exposed to nanoparticles, where will the nanoparticles go?

-- How will the embryo respond?

-- What regulatory approaches can be recommended to mitigate accidental exposure?

-- How can nanotechnology be made green and sustainable?

The research appears in the early online edition of the journal Chemical Physics Letters.