January 15 2024

Authors: Battista et al.

This study explores multi-dimensional similarity assessment methods for multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs), focusing on core–shell quantum dots (QDs) composed of various heavy metals with diverse morphologies and surface chemistries. Motivated by the need to balance functionality and safety in a safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) context, the study compares QDs to benchmark materials (e.g., ZnO, BaSO4, TiO2, CuO) using two approaches: one based on predefined descriptors like dissolution and oxidative damage, and another utilizing raw multidimensional data. Strengths and limitations of each method are discussed, with potential for broader application to other advanced materials.

January 2024

Authors: Keller et al.

This review discusses advancements in predicting the environmental concentrations of nanomaterials, focusing on Material Flow Analyses (MFAs) and Environmental Fate Models (EFMs). While MFAs have evolved from limited data to more refined models, they still don't account for crucial fate processes like aggregation and transformation. EFMs, which include multimedia compartment and watershed models, improve upon this by considering these processes and predicting environmental concentrations (PECs) in different compartments. However, challenges remain, such as the lack of field data for validation, uncertainties in market data, and gaps in analytical techniques for measuring nanomaterial properties. The review also highlights the adaptation of these models for nano- and microplastics, noting that these materials present new challenges due to their non-engineered nature and differing fate processes.

September 26, 2023

Authors: Gakis et al.

The challenging nature of in vivo and in vitro toxicity assessment methods for ENMs, has led to emerging in silico techniques for ENM toxicity assessment, such as structure–activity relationship (SAR) models. Although such approaches have been extensively developed for the case of single-component nanomaterials, the case of multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs) has not been thoroughly addressed. In this paper, we present a SAR approach for the case metal and metal oxide MCNMs.

September, 2023

Authors: Pizzol et al.

The European Green Deal, through the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, emphasizes the transition to Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials. The H2020 SUNSHINE project has developed a tiered approach to implement SSbD, focusing on multi-component nanomaterials (MCNMs). This approach evaluates safety and sustainability at each product development stage from a lifecycle perspective using qualitative (Tier 1), semi-quantitative (Tier 2), and quantitative (Tier 3) methods. The Tier 1 self-assessment methodology was tested on two industrial case studies, showing that these innovative materials offer better safety, functionality, and sustainability compared to conventional materials.

September, 2023

Authors: Stone et al.

This study discusses the use of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATAs) in the GRACIOUS project to aid in the grouping of nanomaterials for hazard assessment. Grouping involves using evidence to demonstrate the similarity of nanomaterials based on their physicochemical characteristics, fate, toxicokinetics, and hazard. Data for assessing hazard similarity can come from tier 1 methods (in vitro, in chemico, or in silico) or more advanced tier 2 methods (such as 3D multilineage in vitro models). For regulatory purposes, one member of a group should have tier 3 animal data, which can then be used for read-across to fill data gaps for other substances.

February 1, 2023

Authors: Lya Soeteman-Hernández, Carlos Felipe Blanco, Maarten Koese, Adrienne Sips, Cornelle Noorlander, Willie Peijnenburg

Technical and policy-related literature was surveyed for battery technologies and recommendations were provided for a broad SSbD approach that remains firmly grounded in Life Cycle Thinking principles. The approach integrates functional performance and sustainability aspects throughout the life cycle of materials, products and processes. It evaluates how their interactions reflect on SSbD parameters.

October 7, 2022

Authors: Sonia Cambiaso, Fabio Rasera, Giulia Rossi, Davide Bochicchio

This paper develops a transferable coarse-grained model of PDMS, compatible with the recent Martini 3 force field, using structural and thermodynamic properties as targets in the parametrization, including a vast set of experimental free energies of transfer.

June 21, 2021

Author: Andreas Falk

The “international network initiative on safe and sustainable nanotechnology” (INISS-nano) was formed, aiming to bring together science, industry and government from partners all over the world. The focus shall be on the collaboration in different fields pertaining to nanotechnology research in general and nano-safety research in particular.

May 31 2023

Authors: Hristozov et al.

The Green Deal aims to transform the European economy towards safer, more sustainable chemicals, materials, processes, and products, prioritizing health and environmental protection while tackling pollution. To achieve this, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and Zero Pollution Action Plan advocate for a shift towards Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD), ensuring safety, functionality, and sustainability are integrated early in the design process. Unlike the current reactive regulatory system, SSbD proactively embeds these factors. Given the complexity of advanced materials and the involvement of various stakeholders, defining and balancing trade-offs in safety, functionality, and sustainability requires a co-creative, decision-science-driven approach. This collaboration, supported by digital tools, is key to implementing SSbD and advancing prevention-based risk governance.

May 10, 2023

Authors: Saccardo et al.

This study evaluates the human hazard potential of complex multicomponent nanomaterials (MCNMs) using a tiered testing approach. Tier1 involves a simple in vitro assay, while Tier2 uses a more complex model to simulate inhalation exposure. The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of selected MCNMs were tested using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay and population doubling. Results showed that combining core components in MCNMs could lead to synergistic effects, with differences in dose-response relationships observed between the tiers. The study compares the results to assess if advanced culture models provide more physiologically relevant data than standard in vitro systems.

February 2, 2023

Authors: Furxhi et al.

This article discusses the EU’s Green Deal and its focus on Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) practices for managing chemicals, including nanomaterials (NMs) and advanced materials (AdMas). It highlights the shift towards prevention-based approaches in design to minimize environmental and health impacts and promote a circular economy. Drawing from a 2022 workshop in Venice, the article explores the challenges and progress in implementing SSbD concepts, focusing on industrial, technical, and organizational hurdles, and the future financial support needed for their adoption by industry and regulators.

January 12, 2023

Authors: Murphy et al.

Manufacturing materials at the nanoscale has led to a diverse range of nanoforms (NFs) with varying size, morphology, and surface characteristics. Testing each unique NF for adverse effects is impractical due to financial, time, and ethical constraints. Hypothesis-driven grouping and read-across approaches, supported by the GRACIOUS Framework, offer an efficient alternative to individual testing. This framework facilitates the assessment of similarity between NFs, supporting grouping and read-across, and minimizing the need for new testing, in line with the 3R principles of animal testing reduction. The GRACIOUS template organizes data collection into structured categories—lifecycle, environmental release, human exposure, physicochemical characteristics, environmental fate, and toxicity—allowing for logical, evidence-based expansion of grouping and read-across across a broader range of NFs.

December 21, 2022

Authors: Monikh et al.

This paper reviews the definitions and categorizations of advanced materials (AdMas) and assesses their adequacy from a toxicological perspective. It discusses the challenges in evaluating the environmental and human health risks of AdMas and proposes solutions to address these challenges. The paper emphasizes the importance of classification for identifying potential hazards and supporting safe-by-design strategies.

October 22, 2022

Authors: Cambiaso et al.

Correction for ‘Development of a transferable coarse-grained model of polydimethylsiloxane’ by Sonia Cambiaso et al., Soft Matter, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2sm00939k.

This paper develops a coarse-grained (CG) model for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) compatible with the Martini 3 force field. The model addresses limitations in simulating PDMS dynamics and accurately predicts key properties, such as the gyration radius and wetting behavior with water and acetonitrile. It enables future studies of PDMS interactions with synthetic and biological molecules.

October 11, 2022

Authors: Cazzagon et al.

The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in medical devices, particularly wound dressings, is growing due to their antimicrobial properties. However, excess Ag NPs can release ions during use or end-of-life, posing environmental risks. To address this, a Safe-by-Design (SbD) procedure was developed to optimize functionality and minimize environmental impact. The procedure uses criteria like mechanical strength, antibacterial effect, and Ag leaching to evaluate pre-market alternatives. It helped identify the safest option and compare it with existing products. The SbD approach proved effective for ranking, prioritizing, and selecting safer nano-enabled medical devices.

October 5, 2022

Authors: Zhang et al.

The rapid development of multicomponent nanomaterials (NMs) increases the potential for simultaneous exposure to multiple engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), making it important to understand their combined toxicity. A review of toxicity studies across various species showed that 53% of cases had antagonistic, 25% synergistic, and 22% additive effects. The combination of nCuO and nZnO showed the strongest interactions, with plants more likely to experience antagonistic effects. Key factors influencing these responses include chemical composition, suspension stability, exposure conditions, and species. This knowledge aids in assessing hazards and predicting the impacts of hybrid NMs.

July 14, 2022

Authors: Falk et al.

The "International Network Initiative on Safe and Sustainable Nanotechnology" (INISS-nano) fosters collaboration in nanotechnology and nano-safety through training, standardization, ethics, sustainability, and governance. This revised document outlines actions for harmonization, industrial support, resource sharing, and ethical collaboration.

May 9, 2022

Authors: Stella Stoycheva, Alex Zabeo, Lisa Pizzol, Danail Hristozov

This manuscript describes an innovative approach to socio-economic assessment of (advanced) engineered nanomaterials and nano-enabled products (NEPs) to support safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) decision making by industries in the early stages of product development.

March 1, 2022

Authors: Cardellini et al.

This study investigates the interaction between citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and lipid vesicles with varying membrane rigidities. Using molecular dynamics simulations and experimental techniques like UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, and cryogenic electron microscopy, the research explores how the physical state of the membrane influences the formation and morphology of AuNP-lipid vesicle hybrids. Soft membranes lead to single vesicles decorated with AuNPs, while rigid membranes cause flocculation, with AuNPs bridging between vesicles. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of nanoparticle adhesion and self-assembly on biomimetic membranes, offering design principles for lipid–nanoparticle hybrid systems.

July, 2021

Authors: Peijnenburg et al.

The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability supports the Green Deal’s goal of a toxic-free environment by promoting the safe and sustainable use of chemicals. Advanced materials, such as metamaterials and biomedical soft materials, are key to achieving this vision but raise potential safety and sustainability concerns. A proposed methodology addresses these concerns by identifying risks early, balancing innovation with safety. Case studies demonstrate its utility for innovators, risk assessors, and regulators, with potential integration into broader EU initiatives.