The invisible boundary where nanoparticles meet biological systems may hold the key to safer products across medicine, cosmetics, and food, and EU researchers are now building the computational tools to decode it.
Better models of the bionano interface could accelerate risk assessments and reduce reliance on animal testing, two goals that have long eluded the field simultaneously.
nanoPASS Project Unveils the Importance of the Bionano Interface in Nanosafety
Summary
In a groundbreaking effort to advance nanosafety and innovation, researchers from University College Dublin (UCD), as part of the EU-funded nanoPASS project, are shedding light on the critical role of the bionano interface. This tiny boundary, where biological and inorganic materials interact, holds the key to major advancements in fields ranging from medicine to cosmetics and food processing. Yet, understanding this interface remains a significant challenge due to the complex nature of these interactions.
The nanoPASS project, in which NIA is partner, aims to address this complexity by developing advanced computational models to better understand how nanoparticles interact with biological systems. This research is essential for creating safer and more effective nano-enabled products while moving towards animal-free screening methods for nanosafety assessments. With the increasing use of nanoparticles in everyday products, these insights are crucial for ensuring both innovation and safety across multiple industries.