Rita Fabbri

TL;DR: This spectrophotometric method allows the simple, repeatable and low cost detection of minimal concentrations (nmoles) of metallothionein in biological samples and therefore it is suggested as a tool for metallothsionein quantification in eco-toxicological investigations and biomonitoring programmes.

TL;DR: In vivo exposure to NPs indicates that, due to the physiological mechanisms involved in the feeding process, NP agglomerates/aggregates taken up by the gills are directed to the digestive gland, where intra-cellular uptake of nanosized materials induces lysosomal perturbations and oxidative stress.

TL;DR: Mussels responses to exposure to NP suspensions involve changes in lysosomal and oxidative stress biomarkers in the digestive gland, suggesting uptake of NP aggregates/agglomerates mainly through the digestive system, and further support the hypothesis that suspension feeding invertebrates represent a significant target for NPs in the aquatic environment.

TL;DR: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of genotoxicity tests, alkaline elution and micronucleus test, as biomarkers for the detection of heavy metals in mussels as the sentinel species and a relationship between genotoxic effects and metallothionein content was observed.

TL;DR: The observed changes in immune parameters that represent significant biomarkers of exposure at the organism level suggest that exposure to n-TiO2 may pose a serious risk to mussel health.