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New biological test system for risk assessment of fine particles originating from the combustion of wood - Risk assessment of fine particles using bacterial test kits

Projektleitung: PD Dr. Wolfgang Ahlf
Mitarbeiter: Iris Gutiérrez

Keywords: biological test system, fine particles, wood combustion

Due to the increased use of renewable energy sources within the last decade, fine particle exhaust from the combustion of wood has become a relevant issue in human health risk assessment. The aim of our project is the establishment of in vitro methods that provide a rapid risk assessment of fine particles originating from wood furnaces. In cooperation with the Human and Environmental Toxicology Group of the University of Konstanz and the Deutsche Biomasse Forschungszentrum Leipzig different bioassays comprise cell lines, bacteria and nematodes.
Differentiating between effects that result from the particle size (d smaller 10 µm) and chemical characteristics of the particles, pre-trials will be conducted first under submerged conditions where test particles are simply resuspended in the medium. Subsequently an exposure chamber (Cultex) is used to simulate the inhalation of atmospheric particulate matter. The exposure at the air-liquid interface reflects the real situation in the lung during the inhalation of atmospheric particulate matter. In parallel chemical composition, structural properties and size distribution of the particles are assessed in combination with the test battery to enable a comprehensive toxicological characterisation of particulate matter from the combustion of wood and its relevance for human health. My part of the project is the development of bacterial test kits. They are used to assess cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of fine particles. In specific dehydrogenase activity of Arthrobacter globiformis as an indicator for metabolic activity is determined in the bacterial contact test. The genotoxic potential of particles is evaluated in the umu-test. It is based on the use of the genetically engineered bacteria Salmonella thyphimurium TA 1535 pSK1002. Further microbial bioassays e.g. to assess the endocrine potential of fine particles will be established after these trials.
My part of the project is the development of bacterial test kits. They are used to assess cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of fine particles. In specific dehydrogenase activity of Arthrobacter globiformis as an indicator for metabolic activity is determined in the bacterial contact test. The genotoxic potential of particles is evaluated in the umu-test. It is based on the use of the genetically engineered bacteria Salmonella thyphimurium TA 1535 pSK1002. Further microbial bioassays e.g. to assess the endocrine potential of fine particles will be established after these trials.