Profiling the biological activity of oxide nanomaterials with mechanistic models

In this study we present three mechanistic models for profiling the potential biological and toxicological effects of oxide nanomaterials. The models attempt to describe the reactivity, protein adsorption and membrane adhesion processes of a large range of oxide materials and are based on properties either calculated from experimental data or obtained by statistical regression methods. The information provided can be used to describe and predict the molecular initiating events that can lead to different toxicity and fate profiles of nanomaterials. It is suggested that this information be used collectively with in vitro models in a weight-of-evidence approach to hazard assessment. The theoretical framework underlying each model and its predictions are discussed in relation to experimental data. © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd.