INSTANT

Innovative Sensor for the fast Analysis of Nanoparticles in Selected Target Products

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'INSTANT will face the challenge of the detection, identification and quantification of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in complex matrices such as cosmetic products and engineered food and drinks. Therefore, new detection methods and technologies are mandatory. This is completely in line with the Call FP7-NMP.2011.1.3-1 which deals especially with innovative, practically implementable and cost effective measurement approaches for ENPs in complex matrices. Recently emerging ENPs include Ag, SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, and organic NPs. The “Opinion of the Scientific Committee on the Potential Risks Arising from Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies on Food and Feed Safety” released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009) also highlights the urgent need for such a tool. Accordingly, the interdisciplinary project INSTANT will develop an innovative and integrated technology for monitoring the exposure of consumers to ENPs using a label free opto-electrochemical sensor array in combination with novel recognition elements. The SME driven INSTANT will develop an innovative, cost effective, and easy to use analytical tool to extract, detect and identify ENPs typically used in cosmetic products (e.g. sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, ...) and engineered food (e.g. instant soups, ketchup, ice cream, ...) and drinks (e.g. fruit juice, energy drinks, bottled water, ...). A crucial point of measuring in these complex matrices is the sample preparation and extraction. Therefore INSTANT will develop and integrate tailored extraction methods. Especially the size distribution of ENPs in the sample and the influence of the matrix on chemical and physical properties of the ENPs have to be taken into account. The INSTANT device will be designed to be used as a cost effective monitoring tool which is suitable for characterisation and classification of ENPs for the future implementation of quantitative structure-activity relationship studies.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Several consumer products such as food and cosmetics contain engineered nanoparticles but no clear information exists about associated hazards. Currently, no integrated holistic sensor system exists for the detection, identification and analysis of nanoparticles in complex substances like food and cosmetics.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded project 'Innovative sensor for the fast analysis of nanoparticles in selected target products' (http://www.instant-project.eu (INSTANT)) is working to change the status quo. The INSTANT consortium will develop a cost-effective device to analyse food and cosmetics starting with nanoparticle extraction followed by detection and identification. The device will serve as a tool for food and cosmetic analysis at the point-of-need.

Scientists selected the most significant particless for analysis: silver, gold and zinc-oxide. As a result, After defining variations in term of core, shell and size, the team produced three types of particle for each of them.

Another crucial aspect addressed was sample preparation and nanoparticle extraction. Spiked solid, semi-liquid and liquid samples were prepared using complex matrices from foods such as orange juice and sausage and from cosmetics like sunscreens. These samples helped in the development of an extraction procedure that pre-concentrates nanoparticless using filters followed by extraction.

For the sensor array in the detection unit, researchers focused on developing recognition elements that are capable of optical and electrochemical sensing.

For this purpose, highly specific molecularly imprinted polymers and tailored carbon nanotubes were developed and tested.

These were assembled in a setup that permitted parallel read-out of both sensor transducers at the same time using a specially designed flow cell.

Based on this setup, scientists were able to develop a system integration concept.

To optimise handling of complex data, a workshop was held that included experimental design. As a result, multivariate statistical data analysis was selected to maximise utility of data. Successful project activities will result in the development of an innovative, fully integrated and validated cost-effective sensor system.

For the first time ever, it will be possible to monitor and analyse engineered nanoparticles that are present in cosmetic products, engineered food and drinks.

Besides increasing the competitiveness of the consortium, end users such as industries will also benefit by increased consumer confidence in the safety of nanoparticle-supplemented products.