NANODESK is a nanotechnology project, whose market is expected to exceed one trillion euros in the next ten years. Despite its high potential, its development has been slowed by ignorance, the lack of data on its toxicology and the lack of risk assessment methods in terms of safety and health.
To respond to these obstacles, the project created an online platform, freely accessible, that allows professionals in the plastic sector to define the specific types of nano-materials to be used based on polymeric matrices and properties of interest, predict the toxicology of nano-loads, estimate the potential for exposure in processing operations, identify legislative developments and meet new applications demanded in the market. This server will be available for a minimum of five years. For its construction, a series of activities have been carried out:
- Identification of specific types of nano-materials and polymer matrices.
- The use of data mining for massive data extraction in terms of nanomaterial applications, toxicological properties, functional properties or legislative aspects.
- The development of prediction models of nanomaterial toxicity.
- The development of models for estimating the potential for exposure to particles of workers and consumers.
- The validation of the models.
- The development of news and publications observatory.
A major series of products have been developed, among which are:
- An automated decision making system.
- The application of massive data search to allow the automatic extraction of information on nano-materials and polymer matrices of interest.
- 4 models to predict bioaccumulation potential, genotoxity, dermal sensitization and oral toxicity.
- 3 models of prediction of exposure to nano-materials depending on the mode and conditions of use.
- An observatory of nanostructured plastic materials aimed at SMEs in the sector, prevention professionals and regulators.
The NANODESK classroom was installed at INVASSAT's facilities, a project partner, giving direct access to the industrial fabric of the Valencian Community.
