Development and scaled Implementation of sAfe by design tools and Guidelines for multicOmponent aNd hArn nanomateriaLs

Project Information

DIAGONAL

Grant agreement ID: 953152

DOI

10.3030/953152

Project closed

EC signature date 18 January 2021

Start date 1 May 2021

End date 31 October 2024

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Advanced materials

Total cost

€ 6 340 223,75

EU contribution

€ 6 265 103,75

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE BURGOS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - DIAGONAL (Development and scaled Implementation of sAfe by design tools and Guidelines for multicOmponent aNd hArn nanomateriaLs)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The DIAGONAL project aims to address existing research gaps (at Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Risk Governance levels) in the understanding of Multi-Component NanoMaterials (MCNMs) and High Aspect Ratio Nanoparticles (HARNs) constituents’ interactions (among components and with the environment), release and fate and their influence on the NMs toxicity integrating risk assessment methodologies, computational modeling, and sustainability analysis.
These advanced materials are applied in several industrial applications, so their potential environmental and human health risks require urgent attention. DIAGONAL supported industrial stakeholders developing methodologies to predict and mitigate potential risks, contributing to reduce costs and time in safety assessments in the development of safer and more sustainable materials. Moreover, the societal perceptions regarding MCNMs and HARNs at different stakeholder level were explored in order to foster consumer trust in nanomaterial applications.
The key achievements of the project are specified following:
• Increase knowledge on the MCNMs/HARNs in order to understand their implications for human & environmental safety and sustainability: A massive amount of information in terms of physico-chemical properties, toxicology, fate, behaviour and exposure and Lice Cycle Sustainability assessment of MCNMs and HARNs was produced using the materials provided by the seven industrial demonstrators.
• Development and validations of multi-scale modelling tools to predict physicochemical properties, hazard potential, and environmental behavior.
• Development of SSbD strategies, and demonstration of their application in the industrial cases. In most of the strategies implemented, the result has been satisfactory, achieving positive effects in terms of safety, sustainability and economy.
• Transfer of valuable knowledge, recommendations and tools to the industrial demonstrators that can be utilized in the future to better address the safety and sustainability issues associated with the use of nanomaterials.
• Development of the DIAGONAL DST including SSbD guidelines and recommendations.
• Identification and specification of Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and definition of a exploitation roadmap.
• Development of Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination activities: publication of 41 peer-reviewed papers (29 in RP3) and organization of several conferences and workshops.
DIAGONAL has successfully fulfilled its objectives, making significant advancements in mainstreaming SSbD principles in the development of MCNMs and HARNs. The Decision Support Tool, the main key exploitable result, provides a robust platform for industries to implement SSbD strategies effectively. The methodologies developed in the project will be a reference for future research, regulatory policies, and industrial innovation, fostering a safer and more sustainable production of nanomaterials.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

From the beginning of the DIAGONAL project, significant progress has been made in developing Safe-by-Design (SbD) strategies and tools for multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs) and high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs). The project has successfully implemented a comprehensive framework integrating risk management, computational modeling, and sustainability assessments to enhance safety and sustainability while maintaining functionality.
One of the main achievements is the integration of machine learning models to predict physicochemical properties, hazards, and environmental impact, reducing time and costs in R&D. The project has generated a database with experimental and computational data, including predictive models available at the Enalos Cloud Platform. Additionally, DIAGONAL developed SSbD guidelines for industries to minimize toxicity while ensuring performance. Seven industrial cases were selected to test these strategies, demonstrating feasibility and effectiveness.
The project has also advanced in risk assessment, with methodologies for human and environmental toxicity characterization. Life cycle assessments (LCA, LCC, and SOLCA) were applied to integrate sustainability considerations into material design. These assessments were crucial in evaluating trade-offs between performance, safety, and environmental impact.
The cooperation with sister projects and clusters in the field has been successful, providing joint publications and projects for further cooperative research and innovation. DIAGONAL organized a final webinar, created an animated video, and published 41 scientific articles. The Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Decision Support Tool (DST), the key exploitable result of the project, was showcased to industry stakeholders, ensuring its adoption beyond the project's duration. The dissemination efforts, including publications and stakeholder engagement, will ensure the continued application and impact of the project results.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The DIAGONAL project has significantly advanced beyond the state of the art in the SbD field including sustainability aspects, particularly in multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs) and high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs). By integrating advanced computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and experimental approaches, DIAGONAL has developed new frameworks for risk assessment, sustainability evaluation, and industrial implementation.
Key breakthroughs include the development of machine learning-based predictive models for physicochemical properties and hazard assessment, reducing the reliance on costly and time-intensive experimental studies. A decision-support tool (DST) was created to assist industries in selecting optimal SSbD strategies, streamlining safety assessments and compliance with evolving regulations.
By the project's conclusion, it is expected that further refinements to the DST and the integration of experimental and computational data will enhance its usability for various stakeholders, including regulators, industry professionals, and researchers. Additionally, the sustainability framework, combining life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and social-organizational life cycle assessment (SOLCA), will provide industries with comprehensive decision-making tools to optimize safety, environmental impact, and economic viability.
The socio-economic and societal impact of DIAGONAL is profound. The adoption of its SSbD methodologies by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will enhance their competitiveness, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while maintaining cost-efficiency. Moreover, the dissemination of knowledge through publications, workshops, and industry collaborations fosters widespread adoption of safer and more sustainable nanomaterials.
Additionally, public perception studies have been conducted to address concerns regarding nanotechnology, reinforcing trust and transparency in the sector. The project has actively engaged in stakeholder outreach, organizing public events and expert discussions to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and societal expectations
DIAGONAL contributions will have lasting impacts on the development and commercialization of advanced nanomaterials, ensuring their safe and sustainable integration into society. The SSbD framework and related policies will benefit from the Project’s results, providing insights on the nanomaterials specificities for a safe and sustainable future chemistry.

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