Below the 100 nm, we enter the world of nanoparticles. Our relative unfamiliarity with this world can be a problem for us in roughly two different ways. We can become so blinded by the opportunities that we lose sight of the risks involved; or we can become so blinded by the risks that we do not take advantage of the opportunities. The real challenge is to use nanotechnology safely as well as responsibly. TNO is busy finding out how.
Flexible solar cell, developed by TNO together with Helianthos
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Nanotechnology offers phenomenal opportunities for improving raw materials and products. By developing particles with a very specific composition, shape or charge, it becomes possible to create a practically unlimited range of characteristics. Examples include dirt-repellent or antimicrobial surfaces, extremely resistant materials or coatings which are actually very responsive to changes in the surroundings. But there is also another side to the coin. Many nanoparticles are extremely reactive. In particular, insoluble particles which are not broken down by natural mechanisms and can therefore accumulate in organisms and the environment may cause possible damage to health. The probability that consumers will be exposed to large amounts of ‘free’ nanoparticles is not very big: after all, the particles are bound inside paints, coatings, creams or plastics. However, employees involved in the production and processing of nanomaterials can sometimes run real risks in terms of exposure levels.
As practically all nanomaterials were developed only recently, conventional screening methods may not be effective enough. Universities, knowledge institutes and TNO therefore work together to develop new validated screening models which companies can use to quickly obtain information regarding environmental and health risks. These risks are a function of the intrinsic toxicity of the particles and the level of exposure. Quantifying such risks is no simple matter.
The goal of TNO is to serve as a one-stop provider which serves as a link between the abstract and sometimes rather futuristic university-centred field of nano-science on the one hand and practical and sustainable industrial applications on the other. Among others, as a member of NanoNed, a cooperative initiative of eight knowledge institutes and Philips, and as cofounder of NanoLab NL, TNO has the position to bring the expertise with regard to developing, improving, patenting and applying existing and new nanomaterials together.
