Some engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), metal oxides or metal nanoparticles are produced already on an industrial scale. Their impact on human health and the environment is still controversially discussed. Yet, it is still unknown to what extent ENMs are able to adversely affect biological processes. We want to actively contribute to a safe and sustainable nanotechnology within the Research Program ‘Nanotechnology’ of Empa.

Our goals are:

• to identify the hazard of ENMs in relation to their physico-chemical properties with a special focus on the most important exposure route, the lung
• to address effects of ENMs on specific tissues such as the immune system, neuronal system or placenta
• to elucidate the mechanisms of how ENMs interact with cells on a cellular- and molecular level: e.g. cell death (apoptosis) or genotoxicity
• to develop, in a national and international framework, a standardized and validated testing strategy for ENMs

On a national level, we support and monitor – in collaboration with the Empa Technology and Society Laboratory – the debate on safety and risk of nanosized materials. And on an international level, we participate in different European 6th and 7th Framework Programmes focusing on various aspects of ENMs – cell interactions and as members of different expert groups (IANH, CNT-Initiative, Nanomed Round Table, Dechema Working Group). In this context the Nanointercell group has developed an in-depth competence in ENM sample preparation and the assessment of possible cytotoxic effects to anticipate health hazards during production and in the final application.

• Dr. P. Wick (curriculum vitae)
• Prof. Dr. H.F. Krug (curriculum vitae)

• Empa internal: nanotech@surfaces, Thun; Technology and Society, St. Gallen; Advanced fibers, St. Gallen; Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics, Dübendorf; Abteilung Luftfremdstoffe/Umwelttechnik, Dübendorf
• National: ETH Zürich Wendelin Stark Lab, Dep. of Chemistry; EPFL Heinrich Hofmann’s Lab, Powder Technology Laboratory (LTP); IST Lausanne, Michael Riediker; TEMAS, Arbon; University of Bern Peter Gehr's Lab, Inst. of Anatomy; University Hospital Zurich Ursula von Mandach’s Lab, Dep. of Obstetrics
• International: Research Center Karlsruhe (6 Institutes); Universities of Kaiserslautern, Münster, Bielefeld, Kassel, Karlsruhe and of Saarland; Napier University, Edinburgh; IOM, Edinburgh; DECHEMA, Frankfurt; Karolinska Institute, Stockholm; MPI Stuttgart, Institute for Solid State Research; Fritz-Haber-Institute Berlin; University of Leuven; J. Robertson Lab Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge UK; NIMS, Japan; NIST, USA; NIOSH, USA