Assessing Inhalation Toxicity of Cellulose Nanofibrils

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), a lightweight and extremely strong material derived from biomass, has shown great promise in various industrial fields as a potential alternative to petroleum-based materials. However, the increased usage of CNF has raised concerns about its potential toxicity, primarily due to physicochemical properties such as its ultrafine fibrous shape. Managing the inhalation exposure of workers, particularly during the manufacturing stage, is crucial. However, there are few test reports on inhalation toxicity of CNFs, leaving the actual situation unclear, and challenges persist in test methodologies. This paper aims to bridge these gaps by offering a comprehensive overview of potential implications linked to CNF exposure. Special emphasis is given to insights obtained from our ongoing inhalation toxicity assessments, with the primary objective of offering valuable guidance for the development of CNF products.

graphical abstract