Perigo oculto nos nanomateriais: tecnologias para remoção no ambiente e desintoxicação do organismo

Abstract

A driving agent for the scientific, technological and social advancement of many countries, nanotechnology, for its ability to add value, stands out for its applicability in several areas, such as industry, medicine and the environment. However, this exponential development contrasts with a concern about the deposition of nanomaterials in the body and its effects on health and the environment, some of which are already recognized as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer and causes of other diseases, some possibly still unknown. Thus, this study aims to analyze the main health and environmental hazards generated by some nanomaterials and, through patent prospecting, identify existing technological innovations capable of removing them, detoxifying the organism or minimizing the risk. To achieve this goal, an exploratory research was carried out, with a qualitative-quantitative approach, using bibliographic, documentary and patent research for data collection, analysis and synthesis of content, as well as the SWOT Matrix. The database of the Orbit Intelligence search platform and the National Institute of Industrial Property were used to carry out the patent research. It was found that the respiratory system is the main route of absorption and route for the entry of contaminants, in addition to the skin, the ocular and digestive system. Another way is by the intentional introduction of nanoparticles into the bloodstream for the transport of drugs. It was found that exposure to nanoparticles, for example silver nanoparticles, can cause genotoxicity and DNA damage, inflammation of the liver and kidneys, and other lesions in the lungs, heart, intestine and spleen. Regarding technological innovations, through the search strategy used, 20 patent families were identified that deal with the removal of several nanomaterials, 10 related to water treatment, 8 for air control application, 1 for dentistry and 1 focused on environmental evaluation, measurement and control. Among them, we highlight a device, method and system to quantify, in real time, the concentration and distribution by size of nanoparticles, and can be used for environmental, clinical, epidemiological and occupational exposure studies; and a technology that can be used in a water and sewage treatment plant for the removal of nanoparticles by magnetism, using a magnetic nanoparticle. We also found 12 patent families to prevent and evaluate the toxicity of nanomaterials in the body, bringing methods and devices such as an inhalation toxicity test, which uses a pulmonary model to perform activities similar to those that occur in human lungs, as well as a pharmaceutical product to strengthen the body from the toxic and genotoxic action of nanoparticles. As for the detoxification of the human organism, no technology was found for the search strategy used. Thus, at the present moment, where there is a great nanotechnological expansion to the most diverse areas, it is necessary to be aware of the real impacts that nanoparticles can cause to living beings and the environment, so that, in this way, solutions and methods that eliminate or at least minimize their potential effects are found.