Nanoparticles in food:
Analytical methods for detection and characterisation
NanoLyse is a European collaborative research project which is partly funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme (contract no. 245162). The project addresses the increasing need for analytical tools for the measurement of engineered nanomaterials in food. The bi-annual NanoLyse newsletter keeps stakeholders, scientific communities and the interested public up to date with aims and progress of the project. Furthermore, NanoLyse dissemination activities such as Open Days and training workshops will be announced. The newsletter is completed by a compilation of external events related to the topic. A full version of this newsletter as well as further information is available via the project’s website: nanolyse.eu
The first issue focuses on the goals of the project. I wish you a pleasant reading and hope that you will also enjoy the future issues of the NanoLyse newsletter,
Stefan Weigel
RIKILT
Coordinator of the NanoLyse project
NANOLYSE IN A NUTSHELL:
Research on development of validated methods and reference materials for the analysis of engineered nano-particles in food and beverages
The NanoLyse project will focus on the development of validated methods and reference materials for the analysis of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in food and beverages. The developed methods will cover relevant classes of ENPs with reported or expected food and food contact material applications, i.e. metal, metal oxide/silicate, surface functionalised and organic nano-particles (e.g. nano-encapsulates). Rapid and automated imaging and screening methods will be complemented by more specific instrumental methods dedicated to the unambigious characterisation and quantification of ENPs in food samples. Food matrix reference materials will allow interlaboratory method validation and proficinecy testing. Finally, the developed methods will be disseminated to stakeholders via open days and training workshops. More >>>
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
WP1: Reference materials for engineered nanoparticles
Reference materials are essential to calibrate analytical instruments, develop and validate test methods and assess the performance of individual laboratories. Up to date only few reference materials are available (as aqueous suspensions) for nanoparticles (most of them not relevant for food related applications). Therefore, Work package 1 has three main objectives, namely the production of reference materials for method development and method validation, the development of a solid and sound approach for method validation and compilation of the knowledge gained in the project into a document outlining a reproducible preparation of ENP containing food reference materials, including information on processing, homogeneity and stability. More >>>
WP2: Development of rapid imaging and screening methods for engineered nanoparticles
Presumably, many foods will not contain any engineered nanoparticles. Applying rapid, cost-efficient and robust methods to distinguish the samples which actually contain nanoparticles from the majority which doesn’t would allow to focus more laborious quantitative methods on those samples. The objective of WP2 is to develop such rapid analytical methods, based on imaging and screening techniques, for providing qualitative and semi-quantitative data on engineered nanoparticles in different food matrices. The developed methods should enable a rapid decision if any target particles are present or absent in a food sample. More >>>
WP3: Development of coupled separation / characterisation methods for inorganic nanoparticles
If engineered inorganic nanoparticles are present in foods their identity and quantity needs to be determined, e.g. for proper exposure assessments or the testing for any (future) legal limits. The goal of WP3 is to develop methods for the unambiguous characterisation and quantification of inorganic nanoparticles in food, including sampling, sample preparation, analytical separation and instrumental detection. Separation and detection will be coupled on-line into reliable quantitative methods. More >>>
WP4: Development of coupled separation / characterisation methods for organic and functionalised nanoparticles
In the case that engineered organic nanoparticles are present in foods their identity and quantity needs to be determined, e.g. for proper exposure assessments or the testing for any (future) legal limits. The aim of WP4 is to develop respective methods for the detection and characterisation of organic nanoparticles in food, including sampling, sample preparation, analytical separation and instrumental detection. More >>>
WP5: Dissemination and training activities
The NanoLyse project intends to exploit the knowledge which is generated within the project in the most beneficial way in various aspects. This includes consumer food safety, competitiveness of the European economy as well as scientific progress. Main goal of WP5 is to ensure that the knowledge and methods which are developed within NanoLyse are distributed to stakeholders and exploited in a proper way. Core elements of the dissemination strategy are
(i) The public NanoLyse website (nanolyse.eu) and the e-Newsletter
(ii) Presentation of results at conferences and in scientific journals
(iii) Open Days and Training workshops
More >>>
PROJECT PARTNERS
The NanoLyse consortium comprises 10 Universities and research centres from Europe and
Canada.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nanotechnology in the Food Sector
10 – 12 October, 2010, Karlsruhe, Germany More >>>
Nanosafe 2010 Conference
16 – 18 November, 2010, Grenoble, France More >>>
Nanotechnology in the food chain: Opportunities & Risks
24 November, 2010, Brussels, Belgium More >>>
Food Integrity and Traceability Conference
21 – 24 March, 2011, Belfast, United Kingdom More >>>
We hope you have found this Newsletter interesting and informative. We would welcome your views on any of the issues covered. Please email [email protected].
Please feel free to distribute this NanoLyse e-Newsletter to other interested parties.
Acknowledgement:
This project is partly funded by the European Commission through the 7th Framework Programme, contract no. 245162, Nanoparticles in Food: Analytical methods for detection and characterization (NanoLyse).
Disclaimer:
The information expressed in this Newsletter reflects the authors’ views; the European Commission is not liable for the information contained therein.
The NanoLyse consortium cannot accept any liability for the Newsletter accuracy or content.
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