Preparation, characterisation and toxicology of cerium oxide nanoparticles

Elgy, Christine N. (2013). Preparation, characterisation and toxicology of cerium oxide nanoparticles. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Ceria nanoparticles have a range of uses, including industrial polishing of silicon wafers and as a diesel fuel additive. A proportion of nanoparticles will be released into the environment. The size of nanoparticles provides the potential for interaction with living cells, as they are similar in size to natural organic matter and biological molecules. Pseudomonas putida are bacteria which live in soil, and this work assessed the toxicity of ceria nanoparticles to these organisms.

Suspensions of ceria nanoparticles were prepared and characterised. A batch of nanoparticles was tested for toxicity alongside commercial ceria nanoparticles. Bacteria were cultured in Minimal Davis Media and ceria nanoparticle concentrations between 5mgL-1 and 100mgL-1 were used in toxicity trials. Bacterial growth was monitored over 24 hours, with and without nanoparticles, by the increase in turbidity at 595nm in a well plate reader. Inhibition of bacterial growth due the cerium oxide nanoparticles was evaluated. Commercial ceria inhibited the growth of the P. putida bacteria, but the lower concentrations of ceria were shown to be more toxic than the higher concentrations. Ceria nanoparticles prepared in this laboratory showed no toxicity, and appeared to enhance the growth of the bacteria.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):