WP 2: Proteomics, genomics/toxicogenomics and bioinformatics. Key instruments for long term assessment of nanotoxicity
Systems biology, high throughput screening and toxicogenomics approaches were followed to identify underlying toxicity pathways in different unicellular models. The challenge was to develop and demonstrate a mechanism-based understanding of NMs toxicity, which allowed further improvement of toxicity testing by identifying novel endpoints for risk assessment of novel and emerging materials. New methodologies were developed and applied mainly in carbon derived nanomaterials. WP2 lead beneficiary: UPO
WP 3: Multidisciplinary approaches and tools to understand nanotoxicity
This WP focused on the development of multidisciplinary techniques, innovative tests and methodologies as tools and vehicles to predict the effects of NMs on human and environmental health through a deep understanding of the biophysical and physicochemical mechanisms underlying nanotoxicity. Moreover, new cutting-edge visualization techniques for NMs distribution were developed and improved through implementation of new sensing devices. These approaches were complemented with computational models capable of predicting molecular interactions, including mechanistic molecular dynamics simulation of the interaction of carbon NMs with model cell membranes. This WP also laid the groundwork for much of the Safe-by-design work completed in WP4 and this worked closely with WP4 in terms of the research and the publication outputs.WP3 lead beneficiary: UoB
WP 4: Safe by design production and demo of nanomaterials/products
This WP carried out a truly multidisciplinary cross-sectorial activity directly interlinked with WPs 2 & 3, which was focused on the production of carbon-based NMs used as a reference within the process of pre-validation of the new tools explored (WP2 & 3). Additionally, training and research in new methods to achieve the understanding and management, and implementation of the concept of ‘safe by design’ in a manner useful for industry and especially SMEs was conducted. Finally, a demo on the safe design of NMs and products for sensor devices based on carbon nanotubes, was developed. WP4 lead beneficiary: S45
WP5: Policy developments, regulation and standardization
Efforts were made to achieve the best use of the results from the NGT project, optimizing the transfer of results and knowledge to the interested parties, and EU industry. The policy activities were based on counselling decision makers and policymakers around the new generation of nanosafety assessment tools, and the novel concepts developed under this project, and their possible onward development and validation as standard reference materials and methods. The plan was specifically designed and addressed towards SMEs and its measures focused to bring the conclusions to this group of industries, as a fundamental part of European producers of NMs and their applications. WP5 lead beneficiary: NIA
