Toxicological validation during the development of new catalytic systems using air / liquid interface cell exposure system

September 23, 2015

Authors

Y. Landkocz1, M. Al Zallouha1, J. Brunet2, R. Cousin2, J.M. Halket3, E. Genty2, D. Courcot1, S. Siffert2, P. Shirali1, S. Billet1

(1) UCEIV, Chimie et Toxicologie des Emissions Atmosphériques, EA4492, Dunkerque, France; Sylvain.Billet@univ-littoral.fr
(2) UCEIV, Traitement Catalytique et Energie Propre, EA4492, Dunkerque, France
(3) Mass Spectrometry Facility, King’s College, London, United Kingdom

The aim of this study was to determine the most efficient catalyst for toluene oxidation. Thereby A549 lung cells were exposed using an air/liquid interface (ALI) system and the results are performed with the LDH cytotoxicity test and XME gene expression measurement.

The suitability of using Vitrocell® system as an innovative, direct and dynamic model of ALI exposure in the development of new catalysts is successfully shown.

Introduction

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes (BTEX) are industrial solvents frequently used and emitted into the atmosphere. Toluene is one of the most used despite its major and direct impact on human health. It is therefore fundamental to minimize emissions directly at source. Catalytic oxidation represents an efficient remediation technique in order to reduce VOCs emission directly at the source, but it can release byproducts. Catalyst performance is usually evaluated using dedicated analytical chemistry methods measuring VOC conversion or CO2 emission. Precious metals such as gold are the most effective catalysts, but they are very expensively. It is necessary to develop less expensive alternatives by keeping a good efficiency. In this study, several catalysts with aluminum doped with low contents of precious metals were developed for the oxidation of the toluene (i.e. Pd / αAl2O3, Pd/ γAl2O3 and CoAlCeO). The aim of this study was to determine the most efficient catalyst for toluene oxidation. Thereby A549 lung cells were exposed using an air/liquid interface (ALI) system for 1h to a 1000ppm stream of toluene or to gas mixtures issued from its oxidation. Following the exposure, toxicological tests were conducted to validate the best performing catalyst for toluene remediation.

View Poster

News overview
chevron-down