MBStox

The MBStox project promoted the development of biosystems and methods to face, at least in part, the concerns regarding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) toxicity to the environment and human health.

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Many toxic PAHs and OPPs are widely dispersed in the environment and are persistent to biodegradation, and therefore have been listed as priority pollutants by environmental agencies. In addition, recent studies have highlighted the importance of skin absorption for human exposure to PAHs, and decontamination procedures are recommended for some professional groups more exposed. Occupational exposure to OPPs, such as chlorpyrifos, is also a major concern worldwide, and dermal absorption is the main exposure route for pesticide field applicators.

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The project tackled the problematic of environmental pollution and toxicity of PAHs and OPPs in different ways. In the first group of studies, the team developed new materials and techniques for the adsorption and enzymatic degradation of the pollutants, making use of different polymers (alginate, PCL) and enzymes of the oxidoreductase type. In another line of work, in vitro methods were implemented to investigate the dermal permeation of chemical compounds, including testing of alternative non-animal approaches. In a further project stage, potential skin protection strategies were explored based on flavonoid release systems and relevant toxicity mechanisms were studied for conditions of human occupational exposure.

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In addition to other information, this webpage presents the activities, publications and communications delivered by the project team. A compilation of peer-reviewed publications in indexed journals can also be found here.

 

Summary of the assessment by the funding agency (FCT): "The planned scientific objectives were fully achieved. The results show high scientific quality, namely in terms of publications in refereed international journals. The project contributed to the training of young researchers and to the international projection of the team". (Translated from Portuguese)

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