NanoScale Corporation in Manhattan, Kansas manufactures high surface area specialty metal oxide nanoparticles. A proprietary blend of these powders called FAST-ACT has been developed to be highly reactive against chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. This product was developed for use by the military against chemical warfare threats and is currently being used by first responders to neutralize harmful vapor and liquid spills. An intensive study is in progress in conjunction with the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology to determine the dermal penetration ability and effect on human epithelial cells of FAST-ACT and its components.

The first area of focus for the project is to determine the ability of the nanocrystalline materials to pass through human skin. Quantitative testing is being completed to determine the penetration of FAST-ACT, a FAST-ACT/water mixture and a FAST-ACT/water/surfactant mixture through human skin. The FAST-ACT/water mixture and the FAST-ACT/water/surfactant mixture are being tested to simulate the application of water and FAST-ACT to the skin or respectively water, soap and FAST-ACT. Additionally, the affinity of the lipids in skin for the nanocrystalline material is being tested by an octanol/water partitioning studies.

The second area of focus of the project is the effect of inhaled FAST-ACT on the human lung. The solubility of FAST-ACT in various body fluid simulants is being tested. Additionally, the effect of FAST-ACT as well as FAST-ACT with adsorbed chemical warfare agent reaction products on lung epithelial cells will be determined.

The project will be completed at the end of July, 2008 and at that time it is expected that the dermal penetration ability of FAST-ACT and the effect of FAST-ACT on lung epithelial cells will be determined.