Nano Technology
Nanomaterials are increasingly being used in everyday life, present in over 1300 commercial products from medicine to food. As the impact of nanotechnologies on human life becomes more prevalent, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to characterise nanomaterials within biological systems and understand their behaviour. Our globally leading novel methods to characterise the physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials are supporting full exploitation of their safe use in a range of food, consumer products and more recently medicines, helping create new treatments that are both safer and more effective.
Quantifying nanoparticles in food
By exploring new methods of quantifying nanoparticles (particle-specific isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS) techniques), we have achieved more reliable quantification of nanoparticles in simple and highly complex food matrices. Such methodology will be invaluable in the production of matrix reference materials for nanoparticle concentration.
Nanoplastics in drinking water
Nanomaterials have also emerged as potential environmental contaminants. We are working with European collaborators to systematically evaluate the applicability of currently available measurement methods for the characterisation of nanoplastics in drinking water and to develop reference materials.
Resources
Our work makes a difference, helping to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time. Discover how we apply our measurement expertise through our case studies, publications and updates.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities with the NML or learning more about our measurement capabilities, we’d love to hear from you.