What makes silica toxic?

Interaction of spherical silica nanoparticles with neuronal cells: size-dependent toxicity and perturbation of calcium homeostasis.

The effects of Stöber silica nanoparticles on neuronal survival, proliferation, and on the underlying perturbations in calcium homeostasis are investigated on the well-differentiated neuronal cell line GT1-7. The responses to nanoparticles 50 and 200 nm in diameter are compared. The 50-nm silica affects neuronal survival/proliferation in a dose-dependent way, by stimulating apoptotic processes....

The treatment of experimental silicosis with compound 48/80.

To treat established silicosis it would appear to be necessary to inactivate the dust in the lungs in order to prevent further toxic action and permit the repair of what damage is reversible. The drug used would presumably need to reach phagocytic cells which have transported the dust from the alveoli to the interstitial tissue and lymph nodes. In the conditions of experimental silicosis, alumi...

Polymeric Gas Separation Membranes: What Makes them Industrially more Attractive?

The Phagocytosis and Toxicity of Amorphous Silica

BACKGROUND Inhalation of crystalline silica is known to cause an inflammatory reaction and chronic exposure leads to lung fibrosis and can progress into the disease, silicosis. Cultured macrophages bind crystalline silica particles, phagocytose them, and rapidly undergo apoptotic and necrotic death. The mechanism by which particles are bound and internalized and the reason particles are toxic i...

Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control

Least toxic physical and chemical solutions are often part of an IPM program. Various forms of amorphous silica are commonly used as part of this strategy. Diatomaceous earth and silica gel are used in various physical formulations with or without added pesticide. The type of silica and the formulation depend on the target pest. In this issue advantages and disadvantages of diatomaceous earth a...