Knowledge-based testing for nanomaterials
Nanomaterials have at least one dimension on the scale of atoms or molecules (nanoscale). They exhibit unique properties very different from their bulk forms due to their large surface areas relative to their volumes. These useful properties may unfortunately also impose unusual risks to humans and the environment. As the number of nanomaterials-based products on the market continues to grow rapidly, developing a knowledge-based and standardised testing strategy is imperative. Responding to this urgent need, EU-funded scientists initiated the project 'Intelligent testing strategy for engineered nanomaterials' (ITS-NANO) . Partners sought to establish a roadmap for development of advanced tools and databases that help assess risks through knowledge-based decisions. For this purpose, researchers combined comprehensive physicochemical, exposure and modelling data with focused experimental testing. To ensure accurate and reliable grouping and ranking system, research into new approaches for grouping and ranking is required. A research agenda was therefore established and prioritised by ITS-NANO partners.Scientists considered both present needs and gaps as well as mid-term and future priorities. They laid the foundations for a robust intelligent testing strategy that will yield accurate answers to the appropriate questions in a timely and cost-effective way. ITS-NANO delivered a research agenda highlighting short-, mid- and long-term priorities to facilitate risk assessment, identification of high-risk materials and implementation of suitable risk-mitigation strategies. In addition, the plan was generated to gradually decrease reliance on experimental testing while increasing the use of computational models with availability of more data. The project’s intelligent testing strategy has already been taken up by two Seventh Framework Programme projects. Eventual international agreement on intelligent testing of engineered nanomaterials will lead to appropriate certification and regulation policies. Thus, ITS-NANO has made an important contribution to ensuring protection of public health and the environment while sustainably introducing new products to market.
Keywords
Engineered nanomaterials, knowledge-based, standardised, intelligent testing strategy, database, physicochemical, exposure, modelling, research agenda, risk-mitigation
