1. Solid-state NMR reveals toxicological mechanisms of PCB
Christian Totland
Dept. of Chemistry, University of Bergen

2. PCB – the wonder chemical
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Non-flammable
Very high chemical stability
high boiling point ( °C)
electrical insulating

3. PCB – the wonder chemical
Transformers and capacitors
Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets
Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems
Eelectrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors
Fluorescent light ballasts
Cable insulation
Thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork
Adhesives and tapes
Oil-based paint
Caulking
Plastics
Carbonless copy paper
Floor finish
Concrete additive

4. Why PCB now?
Banned in Norway in 1980
Banned world wide in 2001

5. Why PCB now?

6. Toxicity – coplanar and non-coplanar PCB
Dioxin
Hormonal disorders
Reduced immune response
Cognitive and motoric birth defects
Reduced cognitive development in children
Etc…
Cancer

7. POPC
PCB 52
PCB 77
*The amount of PCB in the samples is above the limit where nonspecific toxicity occurs for noncoplanar PCB

8. 31P NMR, lipid membranes: lineshapes
Sheila Villasmil-Sánchez et al Colloids Surf B, 105, 14-23

9. 31P NMR, lipid membranes: CSA
Michèle Auger, Université Laval Québec, Canada

10. Static,
recorded
Static,
Simulated
Magic angle
spinning
50 %
18 %
32 %

11. Packing parameter:
PCB 77
PCB 52

12. 13C MAS NMR

13. Short summary Non-coplanar PCB induces higher bilayer fluidity
Sufficient amounts of non-coplanar PCB in outer and inner lipid layer
induce formation of channels
- Both coplanar and non-coplanar PCB are positioned in the outer part of the bilayer core

14. Thank you for your attention!
C. Totland, S. Steinkopf, W. Nerdal. Effects and Location of Coplanar and Noncoplanar PCB in a Lipid Bilayer: A Solid-State NMR Study Environmental Science and Technology, 2016, 50, 8290−8295