Increasing production of nanomaterials in industrial quantities has led to public health concerns regarding exposure, particularly among pregnant women and developing fetuses. Information regarding the barrier capacity of the placenta for various nanomaterials is limited due to challenges working with ex vivo human placentas or in vivo animal models. To facilitate real-time in vivo imaging of placental transport, we have developed a novel, multifunctional nanoparticle, based on a core of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), and functionalized for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and fluorescent microscopy. Our MSN particles were tested as a tracking method for harmful and toxic nanomaterials. In gravid mice, intravenous injections of MSN were administered in the maternal circulation in early gestation (day 9) and late gestation (day 14). MRI and ultrasound were used to track the MSN following the injections. Changes in contrast relative to control mice indicated that MSN were observed in the embryos of mice following early gestation injections, while MSN were excluded from the embryo by the placenta following late gestation injections. The timing of transplacental barrier porosity is consistent with the notion that in mice there is a progressive increasing segregation by the placenta in later gestation. In addition, built-in physico-chemical properties of our MSN may present options for the therapeutic treatment of embryonic exposure. For example, if preventive measures such as detoxification of harmful compounds are implemented, the particle size and exposure timing can be tailored to selectively distribute to the maternal side of the trophoblast or delivered to the fetus.
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science
3
8%
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
3
8%
Chemistry
2
6%
Arts and Humanities
1
3%
Other
5
14%
Unknown
17
47%
Attention Score in Context
Attention Score in Context
This research output has an Altmetric Attention Score of 6. This is our high-level measure of the quality and quantity of online attention that it has received. This Attention Score, as well as the ranking and number of research outputs shown below, was calculated when the research output was last mentioned on 08 August 2024.
All research outputs
#9,484,491
of 34,531,218 outputs
Outputs from PLOS ONE
#79,945
of 225,007 outputs
Outputs of similar age
#134,270
of 492,033 outputs
Outputs of similar age from PLOS ONE
#1,368
of 3,607 outputs
Altmetric has tracked 34,531,218 research outputs across all sources so far. This one has received more attention than most of these and is in the 72nd percentile.
So far Altmetric has tracked 225,007 research outputs from this source. They typically receive a lot more attention than average, with a mean Attention Score of 17.2. This one has gotten more attention than average, scoring higher than 64% of its peers.
Older research outputs will score higher simply because they've had more time to accumulate mentions. To account for age we can compare this Altmetric Attention Score to the 492,033 tracked outputs that were published within six weeks on either side of this one in any source. This one has gotten more attention than average, scoring higher than 72% of its contemporaries.
We're also able to compare this research output to 3,607 others from the same source and published within six weeks on either side of this one. This one has gotten more attention than average, scoring higher than 61% of its contemporaries.
