{"id":1413,"date":"2015-09-10T14:08:06","date_gmt":"2015-09-10T11:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kbfi.ee\/?page_id=1413"},"modified":"2024-01-11T15:27:45","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T13:27:45","slug":"past-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kbfi.ee\/en\/environmental-toxicology-2\/research\/kaimasolevad-projektid\/past-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Past Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Functional Glyconanomaterials for the Development of Diagnostics and Targeted Therapeutic Probes (GLYCONanoPROBES)<\/strong>, 2019-2023.<\/h4>\n

COST CA18132<\/span><\/p>\n

MC member<\/strong>: <\/strong> Dr. K. Kasemets
\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n

More information from COST<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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ANTIBIOtics removal from water by imprinted magnetic nanomaterials (ANT\u00ccBIO), <\/strong>1.01.2022 \u2013 31.12.2023.<\/h4>\n

Total funding from CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy): 189 332 Eur. KBFI\u2019s part of funding: 40 800 Eur. <\/span><\/p>\n

Coordinator: Dr. Giuliana Impellizzeri (IMM-CNR, Catania, Italy)<\/strong>
\nTeam members of KBFI: Anne Kahru (KBFI PI), Irina Blinova, Villem Aruoja, Mariliis Sihtm\u00e4e<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The project team will develop new molecularly imprinted inorganic (TiO2, ZnO) and organic polymeric materials for the removal of antibiotics from water. The presence of a magnetic core (Fe3O4 magnetite) will ensure the removal from water. All synthesized materials rely on visible light activation. Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin will be selected as model antibiotics. The potential environmental risks associated with the nanomaterials, the ecotoxicological tests at NICPB (Tallinn, Estonia) will be performed using Vibrio fischeri<\/em>, Daphnia magna<\/em> and Raphidocelis subcapitata<\/em>. The consortium: the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM) of the Italian National Research Council (IMM-CNR; PI Dr. Giuliana Impellizzeri), the Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials of the CNR (IPCB-CNR; PI Dr. Sabrina Carola Carroccio), and the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB, PI Dr Anne Kahru) in Estonia.<\/p>\n

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Assessment of hazard of UV weathered microplastics in aquatic environment (UV-PLASTOX) ,<\/strong> 2020-2022.<\/h4>\n

Mobilitas Pluss Postdoctoral Researcher Grant, project MOBJD509<\/span><\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. A. Khosrovyan
\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The adverse effect of the microplastic (< 5 mm) pollution on environment is increasingly acknowledged with oceans and surface waters as most concerned compartments. Warningly, there are big \u2018ecotoxicological\u2019 knowledge gaps concerning: (i) the impact of UV-weathering on water leachable toxicity of \u2018conventional\u2019 and biodegradable microplastic ; (ii) long-term toxic effects for planktonic vs benthic organisms and (iii) the effect of nanoplastic. In this project we will adapt a novel method introduced by EU JP Oceans project WEATHER MIC for evaluation of UV-facilitated water leachable toxicity of microplastic to our Laboratory conditions and apply that also for biodegradable microplastic. Thus, we will generate new data on the potential ecotoxicological effects of different sizes and types of UV-weathered microplastic to selected fresh and marine water planktonic and benthic organisms. Connection between the toxic effects and chemical composition of the leachates will be searched.<\/p>\n

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Response of algal communities to toxicants with different modes of action,<\/strong> 2019-2022.<\/h4>\n

Start-up grant PSG311<\/span><\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. V. Aruoja<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

The aquatic risk assessment of existing and emerging pollutants is mainly based on toxicity assays using artificial culture media and one species at a time. While such experiments are useful for comparisons of chemicals, the results are difficult to apply in real life situations with complex matrices and multi-species exposures. The relevance of aquatic toxicity assays can be improved by using media based on natural water and a community of species instead of one. This is already employed in the mainstream of ecology that deals with biodiversity, functional diversity and resistance of communities to external stress. The current proposal combines the two fields providing a more realistic approach to environmental effects of three major classes of toxicants with different modes of action: organic chemicals, pesticides and nanoparticles.<\/p>\n

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Advanced antibacterial nanoparticles and wound dressings: proof of concept study, <\/strong>1.01.2021-31.12.2022.<\/h4>\n

NICPB Development Fund grant<\/span><\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. O. Bondarenko<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Main contributors at NICPB: Dr. A.-L. Kubo, G. Vasiliev, M.D.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Silver-based nanoparticles are the most widely acknowledged and used nanoparticle-based antimicrobials. Our research group has been studying the antibacterial effects and molecular mechanisms of action of Ag nanoparticles to bacteria since 2008.\u00a0 In 2019 we developed a technology that enables to enhance antibacterial action of Ag nanoparticles. Current project aims to study the efficiency of this technology towards different antibacterial strains and to develop new antibacterial products based on this technology. Within the frames of this project, we vwill focus on the development of the ptorotypes of advanced antibacterial wound dressings for improved treatment of\u00a0bacterial wound infection.<\/p>\n

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Novel nanoparticle-based filter materials and face masks for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation,\u00a0<\/strong>1.01.2020-31.12.2021.<\/h4>\n

Target grants aimed at solving the problems caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVSG16)<\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. O. Bondarenko<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Scientific data suggests airborne transmission as the dominant route for the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Meta-analysis shows that face masks reduce the risk of the viral infection around 80% in the best cases, mostly less. These masks are single-use and do not contain active virucidal ingredients. The main goal of the current project is to develop new virucidal filtering materials and produce face masks from thereof. We will 1) test a set of antiseptical nanoparticels and choose the ones that are the most effective against SARS-CoV-2; 2) produce nanoparticles-containing filtering materials and the face masks. There are three science partners (NICPB, UT, TalTech) and one industrial partner (Esfil Tehno) in the project. NICPB will characterize nanoparticles, TalTech will develop filtering materials, Esfil Tehno will produce the face masks and UT will conduct virological tests. The main outcome of the project are novel efficient virucidal face masks produced by the local industry.<\/p>\n

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Center of Nanomaterials Technologies and Research (NAMUR+),<\/strong>\u00a02017-2021.<\/h4>\n

2014-2020.4.01.16-0123<\/p>\n

Leader of the project:\u00a0Tartu University (Dr. V. Kisand), partners: TT\u00dc (Dr. M. Kauk-Kuusik)\u00a0and NICPB\u00a0(Dr. A. Kahru),<\/strong><\/h5>\n
NICPB main contributors: Dr. A. Ivask, Dr. K. Kasemets, Dr. I. Blinova<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Aim of the project NAMUR+ is to establish the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object \u2013 an infrastructure\/excellence centre for the nanomaterials research and development, and their safety assessment bringing together projects partners\u2019 already exciting and in the future purchased high-technology equipment. The partners of NAMUR+ are Tartu University, Tallinn University of Technology and National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, leading partner for the nanomaterials safety assessment).<\/p>\n

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Technology-critical elements: potential ecotoxicological effects of application,<\/strong>\u00a01.01.2020\u221231.12.2020.<\/h4>\n

Personal Research Funding,\u00a0 PRG684<\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. I. Blinova<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The progress has always been related to the discovery and application of novel materials. However, the successful commercialization of innovative materials depends also on timely forecast of potential associated environmental risks, to avoid ecological and societal problems. Technology-critical elements (TCEs), including lanthanides, are crucial components in many high-tech technologies and due to unique properties their replacement by other elements is very difficult. TCEs are considered emerging contaminants as recent technological developments have resulted in accumulation of TCEs in the soil and water raising a concern on safe environmental levels of TCEs. However, there are large knowledge gaps on environmental fate and potential hazard of TCEs to ecosystems. The goal of the current project is to obtain new scientific knowledge on the potential ecological consequences of elevated concentrations of TCEs (focusing on lanthanides)in the environment.<\/p>\n

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Novel antimicrobial surface coatings,\u00a0<\/strong>1.01.2020\u221231.12.2020<\/h4>\n

Proof-of-concept grant, EAG20<\/p>\n

Principal investigator: Dr. Vambola Kisand (University of Tartu)<\/strong><\/h5>\n
NICPB contributor: Dr. A. Ivask<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The aim of the present project is to develop further the technology of manufacturing antimicrobial coatings based on ZnO\/Ag nanocomposite particles. First of all, such coatings are planned to be applied in hospitals as well as in public spaces on high-touch surfaces, which would also be exposed to UV-A or solar radiation at some stage. Compared to the products already on the market, the advantage of our solution is three simultaneously acting functionalities: zinc ions, silver ions and reactive oxygen radicals. In addition, on such coatings organic residues from dead microbes are photocatalytically decomposed. During this project, we plan to validate the ZnO\/Ag nanocomposite material surface fixation and also to test wearability, stability and antimicrobial efficacy of the surfaces in real-life conditions. According to our previous experience, Estonian companies are interested in such antimicrobial coatings, but our current low technology readiness level has hindered the collaboration.<\/p>\n

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Opportunities for mitigation of bee losses (ForBee),\u00a0<\/strong>2019-2021.<\/p>\n

RITA1\/02-10-09<\/p>\n

Lead partner: Eesti Maa\u00fclikool (Dr. M. M\u00e4nd, Dr. A. Viltrop); partners: T\u00dc (Dr. V. S\u00f5ber) and NICPB (Dr. A. Kahru)<\/strong><\/p>\n

NICPB main contributor:\u00a0Dr. I. Blinova, Dr.\u00a0 A. Lukjanova, Dr. M. Sihtm\u00e4e<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pollinators are vital for natural and agricultural ecosystems. Yet, recent trends indicate declines in their numbers and species richness. This decline is due to multiple stressors acting in parallel and synergizing the effects of each other. Moreover, each region carries its specific characteristics and stressors, creating the need for a region-based approach. The project \u2018Opportunities for mitigation of bee losses\u2019 will generate recommendations for efficient conservation as well as beekeeping measures. The new scientific knowledge gained by the project allows us to fill existing data gaps and provide optimal measures to mitigate bee losses in Estonia. The project will create the Project Network; evaluate the effects of habitat- and landscape-level factors affecting pollinators; analyse existing veterinary problems and toxic compounds relevant to Estonian conditions; analyse the severity of existing stressor and generate protocols for policymakers to mitigate the effects.<\/p>\n

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Nanoparticle-macrophage interactions in vitro: Focus on nanosafety,\u00a0<\/strong>2016-2021.<\/p>\n

Personal Research Funding, PUT1015<\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. O. Bondarenko<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer unique properties for biomedical applications. Therapeutic use of NPs implies their administration into bloodstream, where NPs inevitably come into contact with the immune cells and pose immunotoxicity concerns. Macrophages are phagocytizing immune cells that directly interact with NPs and can be used as in vitro model to study possible immunotoxic effects of NPs. The main aim of this proposal is to reveal physico-chemical properties of NPs that can be modified to reduce NP toxicity to human macrophages, without compromising their beneficial function(s). Medically perspective Fe, Ag and CuO NPs and their novel modifications were selected for the study, aiming to link chemical composition, size and surface coating of NPs to their in vitro effects in macrophages, focusing on toxicity mechanisms and immune responses. As the main output, we will provide novel structure-related immunotoxicity information for NPs that is crucial for biomedical applications.<\/p>\n

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Evaluation of the potential hazardous effects of microplastic to marine and freshwater zooplankton,\u00a0<\/strong>2017-2021.<\/p>\n

Personal Research Funding, PUT1512<\/p>\n

Leader: Dr.\u00a0M. Heinlaan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Microplastic (MP) waste (particles \u2264 5 mm) in the waterbodies is accumulating rapidly yet the current knowledge and scientific proof on the potential consequences of this pollution is not sufficient to choose the most effective countermeasures to fight this problem. The main objective of the current project is to evaluate the hazardous effects of of MP on marine and freshwater zooplankton \u2013 the base of aquatic food-webs. For that, we will perform hazard assessment of different particle types of the most wide-spread low-density polymers. Special focus will be on linking the particle properties to the observed effects, mapping the sub-lethal effects as early warnings of instability of the aquatic populations in the long-run and evaluating the MP role as the co-contaminant carrier. As the main outcome, novel information, data and hazard assessment protocols will be provided for better understanding the MP waste problem and application for regulatory and further research purposes.<\/p>\n

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European Network of Vaccine Adjuvants,\u00a0<\/strong>2017-2021.<\/p>\n

COST CA16231<\/p>\n

MC member: Dr. O. Bondarenko<\/strong><\/p>\n

More information from\u00a0COST<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Anti-Microbial Coating Innovations to prevent infectious diseases (AMICI),\u00a0<\/strong>2016-2020.<\/p>\n

COST CA15114<\/p>\n

MC members: Dr. A. Kahru, Dr. K. Kasemets<\/strong><\/p>\n

More information from\u00a0COST<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Nano(eco)toxicology and beyond (ToxBe),<\/strong> 2014-2019.<\/h4>\n

Institutional Research Funding, IUT23-5<\/span><\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. A. Kahru<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Rapidly developing nanotechnologies offer the mankind countless benefits on the background of limited information on the respective environmental and health risks. ToxBe aims evaluating the existing and obtaining new scientific knowledge on chemical and nanoparticle (NP) safety. For that, we will first critically analyze the existing literature on environmental hazards of NPs, e.g., identify potential descriptors for QSAR models. Targeted (eco)toxicological testing will be used (i) to fill the data gaps on environmental hazard of NPs and (ii) to generate homogenous training sets for QSARs. Further, the toxicological pathways of hazardous NPs \u2013 solubilization, induction of reactive oxygen species, interference with biomembranes and -molecules will be identified by refining the existing and designing new cost-effective bioassays. To increase the environmental relevance, environmentally more relevant species, test conditions and simplified laboratory food chains will be used.<\/p>\n

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Network on technology-critical elements – from environmental processes to human health threats (NOTICE), <\/strong>2015-2019.<\/h4>\n

COST TD1407<\/p>\n

MC member: Dr. A. Kahru, MC substitute: Dr. I. Blinova
\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n

More information from the homepage of the project<\/a> and from COST<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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In vitro toxicological tool-box for targeted design of antimicrobial nanomaterials, <\/strong>2015-2018.
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Personal Research Funding<\/span>, PUT748<\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. A. Ivask<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Nanosized (1-100nm) materials have big expectations in almost every industrial domain. Currently one of the most important areas is development of novel nanoantimicrobials. From nanotechnological consumer products currently on the market about 30% are designed to avoid spreading of unwanted microbes. These products involve novel nanomaterials for surface treatments, incorporation into various textiles as well as creating new biocidal preparations to desinfect the skin. The main goal of the current project is the development of a biological tool-box – a suite of in vitro methods using various bacteria and mammalian cells – for \u2019safe-by-design\u2019 approach in developing highly efficient nano-antimicrobial materials with minimum unwanted side-effects to humans. The main emphasis will be given to design and testing of silver, copper, titanium dioxide and zinc nanoparticles that could be later used in surface coatings, antibacterial matrices e.g., textiles, and potentially, skin disinfectants.<\/p>\n

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Project on Estonian ambient air pollutants to review the current limit values of non-prioritized but hazardous air pollutants<\/span>, <\/strong>2016-2017.<\/h4>\n

Ordered by Ministry of the Environment, financed by Environmental Investment Centre<\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. M. Sihtm\u00e4e<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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The transfer of engineered nanomaterials from wastewater treatment & stormwater to rivers (ENTER), <\/strong>2013-2017.<\/h4>\n

COST ES1205<\/p>\n

MC members: Dr. I. Blinova and Dr. K. Kasemets, MC substitute: Dr. A. Kahru
\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n

More information from the homepage of the project<\/a> and from COST<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Adverse effects of nanosized Ag, Au and CuO to particle-ingesting crustaceans: an integrated approach,<\/strong> 2012-2017.<\/h4>\n

ETF grant No. 9347<\/span><\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. M. Heinlaan<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Environmental impacts of multiwall carbon nanotubes as studied in a microbial food chain, <\/strong>2014-2016.<\/h4>\n

Post-Doctoral<\/span> Research Funding<\/span>, PUTJD16<\/span><\/p>\n

Leader: Dr. M. Mortimer<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Modelling Nanomaterial Toxicity (MODENA), <\/strong>2012-2016.<\/h4>\n

COST TD1204<\/p>\n

MC member: Dr. A. Kahru, MC substitutes: Dr. M. Heinlaan and Dr. V. Aruoja<\/strong><\/h5>\n

More information from the homepage of the project<\/a> and from COST<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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EC FP7 project MODERN (MODeling the EnviRonmental and human health effects<\/strong> of Nanomaterials)<\/strong> 2013-2015.<\/h4>\n

Call: FP7-NMP-2012-SMALL-6<\/strong>; NMP.2012.1.3-2: <\/em>Modeling toxicity behavior of engineered nanoparticles<\/p>\n

Collarborative project with 7 partners. Coordinator: Dr. Francesc Giralt (URV, Spain). NICPB PI: Dr. A. Kahru<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td>\n

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