WP2

Experimental methods and data

Objectives

To identify, adapt and improve relevant experimental methods to generate knowledge and data on the EHS implications and functionality of MCNMs. To inform the development of IATA to generate data for developing and testing the S&SbD strategies.

Methodology

WP2 will identify relevant experimental methods (e.g. SOPs) for NMs and chemicals and where necessary will adapt/improve them for MCNMs. The areas of focus in WP2 will include: (1) establishing how the identity of the MCNMs change throughout their lifecycle, spanning release, weathering and aging; (2) physicochemical characterisation of intrinsic and extrinsic properties (e.g. particle size distribution, sedimentation rate, surface composition, dissolution rate, reactive species, pro-oxidative potential) to develop understanding of how the unique characteristics of MCNMs influence their biodistribution and hazard; (3) assessing environmental fate, effective exposure and uptake dynamics (e.g. using CLS, XPS and ICPMS techniques to determine size, concentration, uptake and biodistribution), considering water, soil and sediment; (4) determining human biodistribution, exposure-dose-response relationships with considerations of exposure duration, (5) assessing human and environmental hazard (endpoints such as toxicity, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and genotoxicity) and environmental toxicity (population relevant level effects such as impacts on growth, mobility and reproductive success). WP2 will utilise advanced in vitro and high-throughput technologies adapted from ongoing developments in projects such as PATROLS, NanoFASE and RiskGONE. The experimental designs will consider the multicomponent nature of the MCNMs to identify which of their components and physicochemical attributes are responsible for the observed responses.

Key Outcomes

The experimental methods developed and/or adapted and the data generated in WP2 will be essential to underpin the development and validation of multiscale modelling approaches (WP3), the grouping scheme and read-across rules (WP4) and for informing the creation of standards and adaptation of the current regulatory guidance and guidelines for exposure and hazard assessment of MCNMs (WP6).

Work Package Leader

SU