The investment in research to develop new nanotechnologies is accompanied by research addressing the health risks of these new materials, nanomaterials and/or nanoproducts, in order to underpin their safe use.

Our contribution is mainly given by the ability of performing advanced characterization methods for nanoparticles analysis in different stages of their life cycle. The basic idea and concept behind is the observation that (1) the physicochemical properties of nano-sized particles, and hence their biological activity, are distinct from those of the same bulk materials and often unpredictable, and that (2) the existing methodology for measurement and testing is only to a limited extent applicable to nanoparticles.

The nanostructure, size distribution and surface charge distribution of nanomaterials will be analyzed and correlate with their interactions with other molecules (bioacumulation of organic contaminants) to achieve sustainable solutions for nanotechnology - based products.

Going forward we aim also validation of measurements and test methods, for reliable reference methods development, in cooperation with international standardization bodies and the concerned industry.