Speaker: Prof. Luisa Campagnolo, professer from the University of Rome
Title: Nanoparticle Exposure and Reproductive Outcomes: From Hazard Identification to Safe-by-Design Nanocarriers
Time: 9:30 October 13th, 2025 (Monday)
Venue: No.4 Conference room at the 3rd floor, Building No.5
Host: Prof. Chunying Chen
Info. of Speaker：
Luisa Campagnolo is Full Professor of Histology and Embryology at the University of Rome "Tor Vergata,"where she focuses on reproductive and developmental biology. Her research combines in vivo and advanced in vitro models (including organ-on-chip and 3D systems) to study embryo implantation, placental development, and the reproductive effects of engineered nanomaterials and micro-/nanoplastics. She trained at The Scripps Research Institute and is Visiting Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. She has represented Italy in OECD working groups on nanosafety and in the EU COST Action MODENA. Currently Vice President of the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR), she also serves as Associate Editor of Particle and Fibre Toxicology and Frontiers in Toxicology. Her work is supported by European and national funding programs (including Horizon Europe and H2020 projects), and she has authored widely cited publications.
Abstract:
Human exposure to engineered nanoparticles is not new; evidence of risks to reproductive health has been accumulated. Our work over the past 15 years maps how distinct nanoparticle classes interact with the reproductive system using in vivo animal studies, in vitro feto–maternal models, and complementary computation. We show that maternal inhalation or systemic exposure to silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, silica nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes can lead to placental passage, fetal deposition, and, in selected cases, developmental and functional alterations. Examples include altered placental inflammatory status after silver nanoparticle exposure and auditory dysfunction in offspring after zinc oxide exposure. In vitro assays are preferred for speed and for reducing animal use. Careful cellular dosimetry (matching delivered cellular doses to realistic exposures) supports translation and aligns in vitro and in vivo data on a common scale. In vitro models indicate compromised barrier integrity and embryotoxic responses, while encapsulation strategies (e.g., silica-coated ZnO NPs) appears to mitigate toxicity for the reproductive system. Beyond hazard identification, we evaluate safe nanocarrier design. Solid lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery preserved reproductive performance and gut barrier integrity following pre-mating oral exposure. Explainable machine-learning models predict cytotoxicity and relate physicochemical traits to biological responses.
Together, these findings underscore the dual nature of nanoparticles: unmanaged exposure can harm maternal and fetal health, whereas safe-by-design, surface-engineered nanocarriers enable therapeutic use. Early toxicological input, attention to dose, and integration of SbD principles throughout development are essential. Examples from our in vivo, in vitro, and computational studies will be presented.
