The Nanobiotechnology Laboratory features state-of-the-art equipped facilities designed to foster interdisciplinary studies. Priorities are the detection of micro(nano)plastics and the characterisation of nano-biotechnology based health products.

The Nanobiotechnology Laboratory features state-of-the-art equipped facilities designed to foster interdisciplinary studies. A special emphasis lies on characterisation of nanomaterials, micro-nanoplastics, nanomedicines, advanced materials and their interactions with biological systems, as well as on the detection, identification and characterisation of nanomaterials in food and consumer products.

Training and capacity building topics for Nanobiotechnology

Hands-on training on detection and characterisation of micro(nano)plastics in media contributing to human exposure (such as food, drinking water). Topics will include sample pre-treatment procedures and the subsequent use of established instrumental methods such as micro Fourier transform infrared,  micro Raman and pyrolysis– gas chromatography mass spectroscopy for microplastic detection and characterisation. To complement the hands-on training in the analysis of microplastics,  participants will get an overview of key advanced nanomaterials characterisation tools highlighting their potential application to the challenges of analysing nanoplastics.  

This training  supports the objectives of the European Green Deal and the new European Circular Economy Plan to address the presence of microplastics in the environment, drinking water and food (COM(2020) 98 final).

Hands-on training on Detection and characterisation of nanomaterials in complex matrices (e.g. food) and their interactions with biological systems. Topic will include techniques for nanomaterial sizing, nanomaterials hydrophobicity determination, detection of nanomaterials in food and measurements of nanomaterials effects in biological systems. The training will include  the use of  instrumentation such as asymmetric field flow fractionation with multi detectors, dark field microscopy, single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and established in vitro method endpoints and techniques such as trans-epithelial electrical resistance, lactate dehydrogenase, confocal fluorescence microscopy and ELISA assays. The participants will follow the EU Academy online course “Nanomaterials in EU Legislation” that will be summarised and discussed during the hands-on training session.

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