The ENPRA project is a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.

ENPRA commenced in 2009; it is co-ordinated by Dr Lang Tran of the IOM, UK.

With an estimated economic impact of $292 billion by 2010 across industrial, consumer and medical products, nanotechnology is already one of the key industries within Europe and worldwide. Key to its long term growth and sustainability is establishing end-user confidence that the technologies developed are safe. ENPRA (Engineered NanoParticle Risk Assessment) aims to support long term growth and sustainability of nanotechnologies by expanding the classic exposure-dose-response paradigm of risk assessment, to develop an effective approach for the assessment and management of potential health risks from exposure to engineered nanoparticles. 

The 3 ½ year project, led by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM, Edinburgh), worth €3.7 million, harnesses the knowledge and capabilities of 15 European and 6 US partners including three US Federal Agencies: EPA, NIOSH and NIH-NIEHS. A Full list of ENPRA partners is available here.

Under the coordination of Dr Lang Tran, IOM’s Director of Computational Toxicology, ENPRA will utilise the latest advances within in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches to nanotechnology environment, health & safety (EHS) research to realise its aims. The in vitro and in silico approaches to be developed within ENPRA will help to reduce the need for animal experimentation in nanotoxicology. Harnessing the latest advances in toxicology to nanotechnology EH&S issues, the fundamentally novel rationale of ENPRA goes beyond traditional toxicity assessment of ENP and seeks to: 

• identify the critical ENP physico-chemical characteristics responsible for the observed toxicity; 
• investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the observed association; 
• develop systems, verifiable with in vivo experiments, which could be used as potential high throughput alternative toxicity tests;
• use a Structure-Activity method to facilitate such identification and use this to predict the hazard of new materials; 
• extrapolate the results from in vitro to in vivo and to other relevant occupational or consumer situations;
• incorporate all possible data as weight-of-evidence for a risk assessment of ENP.

For further information, please visit the project's website.

ENRHES (Engineered Nanoparticles - Review of Health and Environmental Safety) was a 12 month project, which completed in 2009. It was co-ordinated by Professor Vicki Stone of Heriot Watt University (formerly Edinburgh Napier University) UK.

The primary aim of ENRHES was to perform a comprehensive and critical scientific review of the health and environmental safety of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal and metal oxide nanomaterials. 

The review considers sources, pathways of exposure, the health and environmental outcomes of concern, in the context illustrating the state-of-the-art in the field and informing the regulation of the potential risks of engineered nanoparticles. This provides an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning exposure to nanoparticles and ongoing work in the area.  Prioritised recommendations in each of the themes tackled have been developed and set in the context of informing policy makers. The results and conclusions drawn through the review have been disseminated to stakeholders concerned with the potential risks to the environment and human health from nanomaterials via high impact routes, for example through cooperation with NanoImpactNet.

ENRHES brought together leading experts with established track-records in experimental science, engagement with industry and regulators, and in conducting reviews. IOM acted as scientific lead for this project.

For further information and to download the final project report, please click here. 

In addition, the outputs of ENRHES led to a number of publications, which are listed below: 

Aschberger, K., Micheletti, C., Sokull-Klüttgen, B., Christensen, F.M. 2011, "Analysis of currently available data for characterising the risk of engineered nanomaterials to the environment and human health – Lessons learned from four case studies," Environment International (in press).
doi:10.1016/j.envint.2011.02.005

Aschberger, K., Johnston, H.J., Stone, V., Aitken, R.J., Tran, C.L., Hankin, S.M., Peters, S.A.K., Christensen, F.M. 2010, "Review of carbon nanotubes toxicity and exposure – assessment of the feasibility and challenges for human health risk assessment based on open literature," Crit Rev Toxicol, vol. 40, no.9, pp. 759-790.
doi:10.3109/10408444.2010.506638

Christensen, F.M., Johnston, H.J., Stone, V., Aitken, R.J., Hankin, S., Peters, S., Aschberger, K. 2010, "Nano–silver - feasibility and challenges for human health risk assessment based on open literature," Nanotoxicology, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 284–295.
doi:10.3109/17435391003690549 

Aschberger, K., Johnston, H.J., Stone, V., Aitken, R.J., Tran, C.L., Hankin, S.M., Peters, S.A.K., Christensen, F.M. 2010, “Review of fullerene toxicity and exposure – a human health risk assessment appraisal based on open literature,” Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 58(3):455-473.  
doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2010.08.017 

Christensen, F.M., Johnston, H.J., Stone, V., Aitken, R.J., Hankin, S., Peters, S., Aschberger, K. 2010, “Nano titanium–dioxide - feasibility and challenges for human health risk assessment based on open literature,” Nanotoxicology, Early online. 
doi: 10.3109/17435390.2010.504899 

Johnston, H.J., Hutchison, G.R., Christensen, F.M., Aschberger, K., Stone, V. 2010, “The biological mechanisms and physicochemical characteristics responsible for driving fullerene toxicity,” Toxicol Sci, vol. 114, no. 2, pp. 162-182. 
doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfp265 

Johnston, H.J., Hutchison, G.R., Christensen, F.M., Peters, S., Hankin, S., Aschberger, K., Stone, V. 2009, “A critical review of the biological mechanisms underlying the in vivo and in vitro toxicity of carbon nanotubes; the contribution of physicochemical characteristics,” Nanotoxicology, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 207-246.
doi:10.3109/17435390903569639 

Johnston, H.J., Hutchison, G.R., Christensen, F.M., Peters, S., Hankin, S., Stone, V. 2009, “Identification of the mechanisms that drive the toxicity of TiO2 particulates; the contribution of physicochemical characteristics,” Part Fibre Toxicol, vol. 6, no. 33. 
doi: 10.1186/1743-8977-6-33 

Johnston, H.J., Hutchison, G.R., Christensen, F.M., Peters, S., Hankin, S., Stone, V. 2010, “A review of the in vivo and in vitro toxicity of silver and gold particulates: particle attributes and biological mechanisms responsible for the observed toxicity,” Crit Rev Toxicol, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 328-46. 
doi:10.3109/10408440903453074 

MARINA (MAnaging RIsks of NAnoparticles) is a 39 month specific targeted European research project funded by the European Commission under FP6 (Project Number: 263215; Project timescale: 2011-2015). 

Led by Dr. Lang Tran, Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), the project involves a global consortium of 47 partners in total. 

MARINA aims to develop specific reference methods for all the main steps in managing the potential risk of engineered nanomaterials (ENM).  It will address the four central themes in the risk management paradigm for ENM:  Materials, Exposure, Hazard and Risk. 

The methods developed by MARINA will be (i) based on beyond-state-of-the-art understanding of the properties, interaction and fate of ENM in relation to human health and the quality of the environment and will either (ii) be newly developed or adapted from existing ones but ultimately, they will be compared/validated and harmonised/standardised as reference methods for managing the risk of ENM. MARINA will develop a strategy for Risk Management including monitoring systems and measures for minimising massive exposure via explosion or environmental spillage.

For further information, visit: http://www.marina-fp7.eu/

Or, contact: lang.tran@iom-world.org

The IOM coordinated European FP7 project NANEX, which aimed to collate currently available information on occupational and consumer exposure and environmental release and available risk management measures.  The project, which was completed in early 2011, focused on three types of MNMs: 

• carbon nanotubes; 
• mass-produced nanomaterials (TiO2); and 
• specialised nanomaterials (nano-silver). 

Information from the peer-reviewed and gray literature was reviewed and a small number of case illustrations have been carried out, followed by a gap analysis and definition of future research needs. The exposure information has been entered into an online exposure scenario data library.

 

Further information and workpackage reports from NANEX can be found on the project's website.  

NANODEVICE 'New and innovative concepts and methods for measuring and characterizing airborne ENP with novel portable and easy-to-use device(s)' for workplaces commenced in 2008; it is co-ordinated by Dr Kai Savolainen of FIOH in Finland, and involves 26 partners from around Europe.

This project aims to develop new concepts and methods for measuring and characterizing airborne nanoparticles with novel portable device(s) for workplaces.

Its specific objectives are as follows:

IOM will primarily be involved in development of guidance documentation detailed in point 6 above. This will describe those instruments developed during the project and how they can be used to effectively measure exposure to NPs in occupational scenarios.

Further information about NANODEVICE can be found on the project's website.

NanoImpactNet is a multidisciplinary European network on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials. 

The NanoImpactNet project commenced in 2008; it is co-ordinated by Dr Michael Riedeker of the IST, Switzerland. 

It aims to create a scientific basis to ensure the safe and responsible development of engineered nanoparticles and nanotechnology-based materials and products, and support the definition of regulatory measures and implementation of legislation in Europe.

NanoImpactNet focuses on a strong two-way communication to ensure efficient dissemination of information to stakeholders and the European Commission, while at the same time obtaining input from the stakeholders about their needs and concerns. 

The 24 institutes behind NanoImpactNet members are leading European research groups active in the fields of nanosafety, nanorisk assessment and nanotoxicology. Through numerous workshops over a period of four years, NanoImpactNet will bring together some of the best researchers to discuss future strategies, to exchange their ideas with the different stakeholder groups and to further the responsible development of nanotechnology.

IOM/SAFENANO is involved predominantly in the project's communication workpackage. For further information on this project and its outputs, visit the NanoImpactNet website.

The Nanommune project commenced in 2008 and will run for 3 years; it is co-ordinated by Dr Bengt Fadeel of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. 

The main concept in the NANOMMUNE project is that the recognition versus non-recognition of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) by immune-competent cells will determine the distribution as well as their toxic potential. The project aims to to provide a comprehensive assessment of hazardous effects of engineered nanomaterials on the immune system. It will assess whether ENPs interfere with key functions of the immune system in vitro and in vivo, such as macrophage engulfment of cellular (apoptotic) debris and antigen-presentation by dendritic cells to lymphocytes. Detailed physico-chemical characterization of ENPs is also intergrated in the project.

 

The NANOMMUNE consortium’s work will focus on: 

• the synthesis and detailed characterization of representative classes of ENPs;
• the monitoring of potential hazardous effects by in vitro and in vivo systems;
• transcriptomics and oxidative lipidomics to determine nanotoxic signatures;
• risk assessment of potential adverse effects of ENPs on human health.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, combining analytical procedures from different disciplines, NANOMMUNE aims to establish a panel of read-out systems for the prediction of the toxic potential of existing and emerging ENPs. NANOMMUNE's findings will thus enhance the understanding of possible adverse effects of nanomaterials and will hopefully contribute to a continuous and sustainable growth of the nanotechnologies.

IOM's principal focus in this project is on modelling and risk assessment of the data generated throughout the project's duration.

For further information, please visit the project's website. 

NanoTEST commenced in 2008; it is co-ordinated by Dr Maria Dusinska of NILU, Norway.

The project aims to develop methodology alternative testing strategies and high-throughput toxicity testing protocols using in vitro and in silico methods for the risk assessment of nanoparticles used in medical diagnostics.

The specific aims of NanoTEST are:

• To define parameters describing properties of NP, and to carry out particle characterization;
• To study specific and nonspecific interactions of NP with molecules, cells and organs and to develop in vitro methods which can identify the toxicological potential of NP;
• To validate in vitro findings in short-term in vivo models, to study manifestation of particle effects in animals and humans, and to assess individual susceptibility in the response to NPs;
• To perform Structure-Activity modelling and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of NP; 
• To adapt the most advanced and promising assays for high-throughput automated systems and to prepare for validation by ECVAM.

NanoTEST's goal is to define reference biological markers, using relevant in vitro models of toxicology which can be used by other researchers and technologists to test the possible toxicity of medical (or other) NP, in order to reduce animal experiments as much as possible. 

IOM is involved in QSAR & PBPK modelling activities and is lead organisation in dissemination of the project findings.

Click here to visit the project's website for further information. 

ObservatoryNano is a European-wide observatory on nanotechnologies which brings together leading EU organizations who collectively have expertise in the technological; economic; societal/ethical; health, safety, and environmental analysis of nanotechnologies.

ObservatoryNANO commenced in 2008; it is co-ordinated by Dr Mark Morrison of the IoNano, UK.

ObservatoryNANO's primary aim is to become an industry leading and opinion forming catalyst for nanotechnology in the EU, working to avoid the exaggerated socio-economic impact of nanotechnologies and place developments in a realistic time-frame.

ObservatoryNANO is to present reliable, complete and responsible science-based and economic expert analysis, of peer-reviewed literature, patents, national funding strategies, investment trends, and markets; in combination with information derived from questionnaires, interviews and workshops with academic and industry leaders, investors, and other key stakeholders across technology sectors, in order to develop validated methodologies that will yield accurate indicators of the socio-economic impact of nanoscience and nanotechnology. 

A major source of dissemination is to be via web-based reports in a common format covering all sectors, considered by all criteria, and widely publicised.

In addition ObservatoryNANO aims to establish dialogue with decision makers and others regarding nanotechnology’s benefits and opportunities, balanced against barriers and risks, and allow them to take action to ensure that scientific and technological developments are realized as socio-economic benefits. 

IOM/SAFENANO leads the EHS & Risk workpackage of this project, further details of which can be found here.

For further general information on the project and its outputs, please visit the project website.

IOM led PARTICLE_RISK, a collaborative research project funded by the European Commission FP6-NEST programme (Project leader Dr Lang Tran). PARTICLE_RISK involved 7 research organisations throughout Europe and was completed in 2008. The aim of the project was to acquire a bank of new and emerging science and technology particles (NESTP) including Fullerenes, C₆₀, Carbon Nanotubes, Carbon Black, CdTe quantum dots and gold nano-clusters, and to assess the health risk from exposure to these materials through air or the food supply with a work programme, integrating in vitro experiments, animal models of healthy/susceptible individuals and exposure/risk assessment. 

 

A presentation summarising the project from Project Co-ordinator Dr Lang Tran is available here.

 

For further information, please click here.

Collaborative Project: Public-Private Partnership “Green Cars”

FP7-2010-GC-ELECTROCHEMICAL-STORAGE

The focus of ElectroGraph is to explore the properties of graphene for the use as an electrode material along with development of a production processes for cost-efficient manufacturing of graphene – a material whose development is currently a hot topic within the nanotechnology field.

ElectroGraph’s main aim is to prove that supercapacitors based on graphene have higher energy and power density than other carbon materials. In addition, it hopes to show that graphene-based electrodes are products of higher environmental friendliness and sustainability than other commodity products.

SAFENANO is leading the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) workpackage within ElectroGraph. Our aim is to carry out a risk assessment of exposure to particles from the production and processing of graphene. This will include:

• a review of exposure to graphene and associated substrates used in electrodes;
• a comprehensive list of exposure scenarios in graphene production and processing;
• exposure assessment for key scenarios identified across production, processing and recycling activities;

Using this, a basic risk assessment will be undertaken identifying the safe practice and control measures for workers in the exposure scenarios considered.

For further information on ElectroGraph, please visit the project website, or contact Dr Steve Hankin

NanCore is a 4 year project, which commenced in Autumn 2008. It is co-ordinated by Dan Lindvang of LM Glasfiber A/S, Denmark.

 

The idea and rationale behind NanCore stems from consideration of the scientific feasibility of developing a capable nano-based substitute for core materials in sandwich structures, which addresses a significant market need of a number of strategic sectors essential to the European economy and employment base.

The principal objective of the NanCore project is to design a novel microcellular polymer nanocomposite (MPNC) foam, with mechanical properties and cost characteristics allowing for a substitution of Balsa wood and PVC foam as core material for lightweight composite sandwich structures. Besides the prospect of a significant cost decrease, the development of a new core material will help to alleviate serious market imperfections and supply problems suffered by European consumers of both PVC foam and Balsa wood.

IOM/SAFENANO's involvement in the NanCore project relates to determination of environmental impacts and potential health and safety risks of nanomaterials used in the composite materials being developed. More specifically, the safety issues workpackage considers exposure scenarios (based on information from manufacturers of composites, industrial users of nanofillers, and a life-cycle analysis conducted within the project), conduction of exposure measurement, toxicology & risk assessment to estimate health risks and develop control measures.

NanoMaster is a new FP7 project which will commence on December 1st 2011.

The aims of the NanoMaster project are to reduce the amount of plastic used to make a component by 50% and hence reduce the component weight by 50%, at the same time imparting electrical and thermal functionality.

This will be achieved by developing the next generation of graphene-reinforced nano-intermediate that can be used in existing high-throughput plastic component production processes. Within this broad goal 5 primary objectives have been set:

SAFENANO will lead the health and safety work package to meet objective 5, involving detailed characterisation and assessment of the potential risks presented by materials and processes developed throughout the duration of the project. 

For further information on NanoMaster, please contact Dr Steve Hankin. 

NANOfutures is an ETIP European Technology Integrating and Innovation Platform, an European multi-sectorial, cross-ETP, integrating platform with the objective of connecting and establishing cooperation and representation of all relevant Technology Platforms that require nanotechnologies in their industrial sector and products. 

This two year project, funded under EC FP7 grant agreement number 266789, commenced in October 2010 and aims to:

Within this remit IOM chairs the Safety Research Working Group (WG), which has the specific aim to improve knowledge concerning risks, exposure, toxicology, safety, and impact, particularly in relation to risk assessment and to contribute to promote safe, sustainable, and socially responsible nanotechnology.   

A key element is to define and implement an interface process between academia, industry, policy makers and society to facilitate open exchange (of, for example, data, methods, knowledge) between the stakeholder groups on these issues. This can provide a trusted (independent) information resource which captures, interprets and disseminates the emerging evidence on nanoparticle risk issues.  The NANOfutures Coordination Action provides a basis for how this can be achieved.

The Safety Research WG will create synergies among ongoing EU activities including the NanoSafetyCluster, the ERANET on safe implementation of innovative Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (SIINN) and the NanoimpactNet network. In the framework of the regulatory research, the Safety Research WG will closely interact with the regulation and standardisation WGs and will establish contacts with the OECD Working party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPNM) and the Working Party on Nanotechnology (WPN).

For further information on NANOfutures, please visit the project website or contact Dr Rob Aitken (rob.aitken@iom-world.org). 

QNANO is a Research Infrastructure for nanosafety assessment, funded under EC FP7 grant agreement number 214547-2. QNANO’s core aim is the creation of a 'neutral' scientific and technical space in which all stakeholder groups can engage, develop, and share scientific best practice in the field. Initially it will harness resources from across Europe and develop efficient, transparent and effective processes. Thereby it will enable provision of services to its users, and the broader community, all in the context of a best-practice ethos. This will encourage evidence-based dialogue to prosper between all stakeholders. However, QNANO will also pro-actively seek to drive, develop and promote the highest quality research and practices via its Joint Research Activities, Networking Activities and provision of Transnational Access functions, with a global perspective and mode of implementation.

This four year project began in February 2011 and comprises 27 top European analytical and experimental facilities in nanotechnology, medicine and natural sciences. IOM is playing a key role in QNANO as lead chair of the Modelling Resource Group, which aims to establish a platform for development of a common approach with regards to:

IOM is also contributing to the development of alternative testing strategies, as well as the overall management and coordination of QNANO, including networking activities and planning the project’s future development and sustainability. 

For further information on QNANO, please visit the project website or contact Dr Rob Aitken (rob.aitken@iom-world.org).