Das Projekt "Development of reference methods for hazard identification, risk assessment and LCA of engineered nanomaterials (NANOVALID)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von NordMiljö O. Grahn AB durchgeführt. Objective: The growing development, production and use of engineered nano-materials and associated products will increase exposure of both humans and ecosystems to these new materials. However, current knowledge is still incomplete and established test methods are as yet inappropriate to reliably assess the extent of exposure and risk of materials at the nano-scale. There is an urgent need to develop methods to overcome the current limitations of existing hazard and risk assessment schemes and to generate the body of reference data needed as the basis for regulative requirements and for measures to safeguard production, application and the disposal of nano-materials. The proposed project will mobilize the critical mass of international scientific knowledge and technical expertise required to address these questions. Current analytical and toxicity test methods and models will be put to test and subjected to rigorous intercalibration and validation. Where necessary, methods and test materials will be modified, adapted and validated, and new reliable reference methods developed, in cooperation with international standardisation bodies and the concerned industry, to support both pre and co-normative activities and to make the applicability of existing RA and LCA schemes to ENPs more reliable. The feasibility of validated measurement, characterization and test methods will be assessed by selected case studies to help the significant improvement of the performance of existing exposure monitoring systems as well as the development of new risk management and reduction strategies.
Das Projekt "A pan-European infrastructure for quality in nanomaterials safety testing (QNANO)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von University College Dublin, National University of Ireland durchgeführt. Objective: Nano-scale objects interact with living organisms in a fundamentally new manner, ensuring that a fruitful marriage of nanotechnology and biology will long outlast short term imperatives. Therefore, investment in an infrastructure to drive scientific knowledge of the highest quality will have both immediate benefits of supporting the safety assessment of legacy nano-materials, as well as pointing towards future (safe) applications with the lasting benefits to society. There are immediate priorities, for few doubt that serious damage to confidence in nanotechnology, unless averted, could result in missed opportunities to benefit society for a generation, or more. QNano will materially affect the outcome, at this pivotal moment of nanotechnology implementation. The overall vision of QNano is the creation of a 'neutral' scientific & 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 JRA, NA and TA functions, with a global perspective and mode of implementation. QNano will also look to the future, beyond the current issues, and promote the growth and development of the science of nano-scale interactions with living organisms. By working with new and emerging scientific research communities from medicine, biology, energy, materials and others, it will seek to forge new directions leading to new (safe, responsible, economically viable) technologies for the benefit of European society.
Das Projekt "Safe Implementation of Innovative Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (SIINN)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH - Geschäftsbereich Technologie-Transfer (T) durchgeführt. Objective: The primary aim of the SIINN ERA-NET is to promote the rapid transfer of the results of nano-science and nanotechnology (N&N) research into industrial application by helping to create reliable conditions. In order to strengthen the European Research Area and to coordinate N&N-related R&D work, the project has the aim of bringing together a broad network of ministries, funding agencies, academic and industrial institutions to create a sustainable transnational programme of joint R&D in N&N. The commercial application of nano-materials (NMs) products is increasing rapidly, but one important question, the safety of NMs, still represents a barrier to their wide innovative use. Therefore the first priority of SIINN is to focus on developing a consolidated framework to address nano-related risks and the management of these risks for humans and the environment by investigating the toxicological behaviour of NMs. European R&D activities in N&N remain largely uncoordinated and fragmented, resulting in the sub-optimal use of available resources, such as human resources, research equipment and funding. Since available data on their toxicological behaviour is often scant, unreliable or contradictory, the SIINN Project will focus on ways of remedying this situation. After defining the criteria important for NM toxicology, the environmental health and safety (EHS) information currently available to Europe will be examined. Liaisons will strategically be established and maintained. They will network with organisations looking into the EHS of NMs within Europe and abroad with the aim of continually exchanging information with these. Available information will be examined for their reliability in respect of the assessment of the risks of NMs towards human health and to the environment and major knowledge gaps identified. At least two joint, transnational calls will be organised during the initial lifetime of SIINN in order to fill these gaps.
Das Projekt "Development of Nanotechnology-based High-performance Opaque & Transparent Insulation Systems for Energy-efficient Buildings (NANOINSULATE)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von BASF SE durchgeführt. NANOINSULATE will develop durable, robust, cost-effective opaque and transparent vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) incorporating new nanotechnology-based core materials (nanofoams, aerogels, aerogel composites) and high-barrier films that are up to four times more energy efficient than current solutions. These new systems will provide product lifetimes in excess of 50 years suitable for a variety of new-build and retrofit building applications. Initial building simulations based on the anticipated final properties of the VIPs indicate reductions in heating demand of up to 74Prozent and CO2 emissions of up to 46Prozent for Madrid, Spain and up to 61Prozent and 55Prozent respectively for Stuttgart, Germany for a building renovation which reduces the U-value of the walls and roof from 2.0 W m-2 K-1 to 0.2 W m-2 K-1. This reduction could be achieved with NANOINSULATE products that are only 25 mm thick, giving a cost-effective renovation without the need of changing all the reveals and ledges. Similarly, significant reductions in U-values of transparent VIPs (3 W m-2 K-1 to 0.5 W m-2 K-1) are shown by substituting double glazed units in existing building stock. Six industrial & four research based partners from seven EU countries will come together to engineer novel solutions capable of being mass produced. Target final manufacturing costs for insulation board (production rates above 5 million m2/year) are less than 7 m-2 for a U-value of 0.2 W m-2 K-1. NANOINSULATE will demonstrate its developments at construction sites across Europe. A Lifecycle Assessment, together with a safety and service-life costing analysis, will be undertaken to prove economic viability. NANOINSULATE demonstrates strong relevance to the objectives and expected impacts of both the specific call text of the Public-Private Partnership Energy-efficient Buildings topic New nanotechnology-based high performance insulation systems for energy efficiency within the 2010 NMP Work Programme and the wider NMP & Energy Thematic Priorities. Prime Contractor: Kingsplan Research and Developments Ltd.; Kingscourt; Irland.
Das Projekt "Modelling basis and kinetics of nanoparticle interaction with membranes, uptake into cells, and sub-cellular and inter-compartmental transport (NANOTRANSKINETICS)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von University College Dublin, National University of Ireland durchgeführt. Objective: The prediction of biological (and in particular toxicological) impacts has, as its basic pre-requisite, the correct prediction of the sites of action and localization of the nano-particle in living organisms. We have identified the need for a paradigm shift in modelling these properties for nano-scale objects. The interactions between bare particles and organisms (cells, biological barriers) is radically different in the presence of proteins and lipids derived from the biological environment (the protein corona). The bare particle characteristic is therefore insufficient to describe the system. Similarly, nano-particles are trafficked and translocated between sites by active biological processes where traditional equilibrium principles for small molecules no longer apply. Nano-TransKinetics is firmly based on advanced high quality experimental data on the distribution of nano-particles in cells, across barriers, and (more limited) in vivo. We frame phenomenological models in a modular manner by abstracting the essential relevant principles of particle-protein (and matrix) interactions, cellular and barrier transport mechanisms of nano-particles, fitting them to experimental data. More detailed models allow for explicit checking of mechanisms and movements of individual particles into cells and across barriers. Enormous amounts of experimental data are now available to validate the models. A predictive capacity requires only simple input data on particle, corona and similar characteristics. The basis of these claims has been checked in preliminary studies, and a limited number of interactions, particles fluxes (and control parameters) between prescribed sites are sufficient to specify the system at each level of description. Resources (reaching far beyond the program itself) have been mobilised in experimental work in the Partners laboratories, and EU and US collaborations. The output will be predictive tools for use in nano-safety research and regulation and beyond.
Das Projekt "Nanoparticle Fate Assessment and Toxicity in the Environment (NANOFATE)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Natural Environment Research Council durchgeführt. Concept: NanoFATE has been conceived to fill knowledge and methodological gaps currently impeding sound assessment of environmental risks posed by engineered nano-particles (ENPs). Our vision is to assess environmental fate and risk of ENPs from high-volume products for which recycling is not an option; namely; fuel additive, personal care and antibacterial products. Two market ENPs from each product (CeO2, ZnO, Ag of varying size, surface and core chemistries) will be followed through their post-production life cycles i.e. from environmental entry as spent product, through waste treatment to their final fates and potential toxic effects. This will test the applicability of current fate and risk assessment methods and identify improvements required for a scientific assessment of ENPs at an early stage. Objectives: Such systematic study of the environmental fate and toxicity of selected ENPs will entail addressing 9 S&T objectives: 1: Design, tagging and manufacture of ENPs 2: Analysis of ENP interactions with abiotic and biotic entities 3: Generating predictive models for ENP exposure in waters and sludge-amended soils 4: Studying the fate and behaviour of ENPs through wastewater treatment 5: Determining acute and chronic ecotoxicity 6: Assessing effects of physico-chemical properties on ENP bioavailability 7: Defining mechanisms of uptake, internal trafficking, and toxicity 8: Developing spatial RA model(s) 9: Improving understanding of ENP risks Methodology: The work plan is designed to progress beyond the state-of-the-art through focused work packages. While some objectives are delivered in single WPs, good cross WP integration will secure the key objectives of delivering new methods for quantifying ENP risks. Impact: NanoFATE will provide robust tools, techniques and knowledge needed by stakeholders to understand and communicate risks associated with different ENPs, including their environmental interactions and toxicity.
Das Projekt "MOFs as catalysts and adsorbents: Discovery and engineering of materials for industrial applications (MACADEMIA)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von BASF SE durchgeführt. A major challenge facing European industry involves the development of more specific, energy saving processes with less environmental impact. The recent development of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) may prove a major milestone in achieving these goals. MACADEMIA project is an extension to FP6 STREP (DeSANNS) which highlighted some MOF materials for CO2 capture and storage. It will expand and continue this work on a much larger scale. BASF and TOTAL companies, major industrial partners, complement each othe... Prime Contractor: Total S.A.; Courbevoie; France.
Das Projekt "Life Cycle of Nanoparticle-based Products used in House Coating (NANOHOUSE)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Commissariat a l Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA LIST) durchgeführt. Objective: NanoHOUSE intends to create a holistic and prospective view on the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) impacts of nanoproducts used in house building, namely paints and coatings. The latter are using relatively high amounts of Engineered NanoParticles (ENPs) such as nano-Ag and nano-TiO2 which will be investigated. A new Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approach will be developed gathering two complementary aspects: Investigation of risks and opportunities during the product life cycle as well as Life Cycle Analysis (ISO 14040). LCT will collect information on EHS impacts throughout all life cycle stages of the nano-products, identifying the data gaps which will guide the research work. NanoHOUSE will generate reliable scientific information for the missing data and will develop appropriate methods to analyze the potential EHS impacts of nano-products. NanoHOUSE first task will be to quantify the actual sources of ENPs during the use and ageing of actual coatings (weathering, renovation, demolition and final disposal). The project will then characterize the environmental compartments significantly impacted by ENPs released from nano-products, measure ENPs concentrations and states in those compartments, and investigate their fate in order to increase the knowledge regarding exposure to ENPs with a view to reducing the risks. NanoHOUSE will study the environmental behaviour and the toxicological effects of actually released ENPs ( aged ENPs) and compare them with pristine ENPs. Finally, NanoHOUSE will improve the solutions for end of life treatments regarding ENPs release in the environment. Main outcomes of the project will be a scientific risk evaluation of nano-products used in building, solutions to improve their competitive and sustainable development by decreasing their potential to release ENPs, and contributions to standard tests for their certification. The NanoHOUSE consortium involves 5 research/academic partners and 4 industrial manufacturers of which 1 SME.
Das Projekt "Nanoparticles in Food: Analytical methods for detection and characterisation (NANOLYSE)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Dienst Landbouwkundig Onderzoek durchgeführt. Objective: The NanoLyse project will focus on the development of validated methods and reference materials for the analysis of engineered nano-particles (ENP) in food and beverages. The developed methods will cover all relevant classes of ENP with reported or expected food and food contact material applications, i.e. metal, metal oxide/silicate, surface functionalised and organic encapsulate (colloidal/micelle type) ENP. Priority ENPs have been selected out of each class as model particles to demonstrate the applicability of the developed approaches, e.g. nano-silver, nano-silica, an organically surface modified nano-clay and organic nano-encapsulates. Priority will be given to methods which can be implemented in existing food analysis laboratories. A dual approach will be followed. Rapid imaging and screening methods will allow the distinction between samples which contain ENP and those that do not. These methods will be characterised by minimal sample preparation, cost-efficiency, high throughput and will be achieved by the application of automated smart electron microscopy imaging and screening techniques in sensor and immunochemical formats. More sophisticated, hyphenated methods will allow the unambiguous characterisation and quantification of ENP. These will include elaborate sample preparation, separation by flow field fractionation and chromatographic techniques as well as mass spectrometric and electron microscopic characterisation techniques. The developed methods will be validated using the well characterised food matrix reference materials that will be produced within the project. Small-scale interlaboratory method performance studies and the analysis of a few commercially available products claiming or suspect to contain ENP will demonstrate the applicability and soundness of the developed methods.
Das Projekt "Advanced bipolar membrane processes for remediation of highly saline waste water streams (NEW ED)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von RWTH Aachen University, Aachener Verfahrenstechnik, Lehrstuhl für Chemische Verfahrenstechnik durchgeführt. Objective: NEW ED aims at closing industrial water cycles and reducing the amount of waste water streams with highly concentrated salt loads stemming from a broad range of industrial production processes by exploiting the waste components (salts) and transforming them to valuable products. This will be achieved by developing new micro- to nano-porous bipolar membranes for bipolar electrodialysis (BPMED), a new membrane module concept and by integrating this new technology into relevant production processes. The bipolar membrane process produces acids and bases from their corresponding salts by dissociating water at the interface within the bipolar membranes. However, BPMED so far has been applied only in niche markets due to limitations of the current state of membrane and process development. Major drawbacks of the classic BPMED process are low product purity, limited current density and formation of metal hydroxides at or in the bipolar membrane. The objective of this project is to overcome these limitations by developing a new bipolar membrane and membrane module with active, i.e. convective instead of diffusive water transport to the transition layer of the bipolar membranes, where water dissociation takes place. The key feature of the innovative new bipolar membranes is a nano- to micro-porous and at the same time ion conducting intermediate transition layer, through which water is convectively transported from the side into the transition layer. The porous transition layer may have either the character of a cation or an anion exchanger. Several promising intermediate layer materials together with different monopolar ion-exchange layers will be tested and characterized. Membrane manufacturing and new module concepts will be investigated to exploit the full potential of the new bipolar membrane technique. Integration of the developed membranes and modules into relevant production processes is an essential part of the project.
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