Green Toxicology: a strategy for sustainable chemical and material development

Abstract

Green Toxicology refers to the application of predictive toxicology in the sustainable development and production of new less harmful materials and chemicals, subsequently reducing waste and exposure. Built upon the foundation of “Green Chemistry” and “Green Engineering”, “Green Toxicology” aims to shape future manufacturing processes and safe synthesis of chemicals in terms of environmental and human health impacts. Being an integral part of Green Chemistry, the principles of Green Toxicology amplify the role of health-related aspects for the benefit of consumers and the environment, in addition to being economical for manufacturing companies. Due to the costly development and preparation of new materials and chemicals for market entry, it is no longer practical to ignore the safety and environmental status of new products during product development stages. However, this is only possible if toxicologists and chemists work together early on in the development of materials and chemicals to utilize safe design strategies and innovative in vitro and in silico tools. This paper discusses some of the most relevant aspects, advances and limitations of the emergence of Green Toxicology from the perspective of different industry and research groups. The integration of new testing methods and strategies in product development, testing and regulation stages are presented with examples of the application of in silico, omics and in vitro methods. Other tools for Green Toxicology, including the reduction of animal testing, alternative test methods, and read-across approaches are also discussed.

Antibacterial activity, morphology, and physicochemical stability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil

“…However, the physical and chemicals methods results in toxic and nonecological components to produce nanoparticles, which limit the use of these materials in many industrial areas, such as clinical, pharmaceutical and food [2,3]. A solution to this problem is the use of new methods to produce innovative materials, minimizing the impact of toxic components in the environment and in the human health [4]. In this way, new mechanisms to produce silver nanoparticles are gaining prominence in the scientific field, as the use of natural phytochemicals to produce silver nanoparticles [5,6].…”

Chemical and Colloidal Dynamics of MnO2 Nanosheets in Biological Media Relevant for Nanosafety Assessment

“…As we enter a new decade, it may be appropriate to reflect on progress in the field that we now refer to as "nanosafety." [1,2] Over 15 years of intensive research has taken place in academic, government, and industry laboratories, on hundreds of different nanomaterials, and covering aspects of this complex issue that include nanomaterial release, environmental fate and transport, material transformations, exposure, safe design, [2][3][4] and biological responses [1,5,6] from a wide array of in vitro and in vivo model systems. [7] This work has provided a wealth of scientific information that has guided policy and regulation, [8,9] and helped distinguish real risks from the many potential risks considered in the early days of nanotechnology development.…”

Interband transitions in closed-shell vacancy containing graphene quantum dots complexed with heavy metals

“…Furthermore, as has been demonstrated for other carbon materials, especially for multi-wall carbon nanotubes, the surface functionalization with carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups can increase their toxicity. 58 In the light of global trends towards development of ''green'' fabrication technologies for new less harmful materials and chemicals, 59 utilizing highly-toxic functionalized graphene-based materials for detection and removal of heavy metals becomes less safe and less desirable. There is, therefore, a strong demand for development of an easy-to-use versatile platform (including only the key benefits of graphene) that allows both high-performance detection and effective removal of heavy metals.…”