Advancements in nanoscience over the past 25 years have significantly influenced fields like nanoelectronics, bionanotechnology, and nanophotonics, driving innovations in computing, healthcare, and energy. Two key publications celebrate these achievements while underscoring the necessity for robust safety governance frameworks to address health, environmental, and ethical concerns associated with nanomaterials. As the integration of nanotechnology into everyday life accelerates, understanding the risks and benefits of these materials becomes crucial, prompting a call for proactive, adaptive regulatory approaches and international collaboration.

25 years of progress in nanoscience and technology

Two recent publications offer an overview of 25 years of achievements and challenges in the field of nanoscience. The editorial in the journal NanoLetters celebrates 25 years of impressive progress in nanoscience and offers insights into anticipated future developments. A complementary review in Frontiers in Toxicology traces 25 years of nanosafety research and regulation. Together, they highlight the transformative potential of nanomaterials and the ongoing need for robust safety and governance frameworks.

Nanoelectronics, Biotechnology and Nanophotonics 

According to NanoLetters, nanoelectronics is advancing through materials like 2D semiconductors and carbon nanotubes, as well as new concepts that cut energy use. By the 2030s, 3D chip architecture and quantum materials are expected to pave the way for faster, more efficient, and ultra-low-power computing systems.
Bionanotechnology emerges as another fast-growing frontier, combining synthetic with biological components to create “living” nanomaterials that could interact with cells or mimic natural functions. While these innovations hold promise for healthcare and biotechnology, they also raise new questions about long-term safety, ethical considerations, and environmental impact.
Nanophotonics involves the precise manipulation of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, enabling the design of nanomaterials that can lead to breakthroughs in energy conversion, catalysis, molecular sensing, and communication. Advances in 2D materials, metasurfaces, and quantum emitters are already making efficient photocatalysis and sensing possible, with the potential for low-power optical and quantum technologies by the 2030s.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming nanoscience

NanoLetters further states that Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools are enabling rapid, data-driven discovery, self-optimising material design and real-time atomic insights, while additive nanomanufacturing is foreseen to allow on-demand, nanoscale production of customised devices.

Nanoscience to advance sustainability

Sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of nanoscience. Researchers are developing nanomaterials that can clean pollutants, be recycled, and reduce environmental impact. Innovations in nanofluidics and membranes promise advances in water purification, energy harvesting, and molecular sensing. In the energy sector, nanomaterials are improving catalysis, batteries, and solar technologies. In addition, nanostructured materials designed for extreme environments will enable durable and recyclable systems for space exploration and clean energy applications.

Balancing benefits and risks is key

Understanding how nanomaterials move, transform, or accumulate in nature will be key to managing both benefits—like cleaner energy systems—and risks, such as nanoparticle pollution. The overarching message of the NanoLetters roadmap is clear: as nanotechnology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, society must build strong systems for safety, transparency, and ethics to accompany scientific breakthroughs.

A Birdseye’s view on nanosafety research and regulation

A complementary perspective is provided by a review in Frontiers in Toxicology, written by experts from the European Joint Research Centre, DG Environment, and the OECD. This publication reflects on 25 years of research and regulation, and poses the question: Is nanotechnology safe to commercialise? It traces the evolution of global nanosafety efforts since 2000, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the size-dependent properties of nanomaterials. Major hurdles were defining what constitutes a nanomaterial, developing reliable test methods, and ensuring data comparability. The OECD has played a central role in fostering international collaboration and creating nano-specific testing guidelines.

Regulatory developments across the globe

Regulatory progress has varied significantly across different regions. The European Union is moving toward a holistic, sustainability-oriented governance model, while countries around the world are modifying existing chemical laws to cover nanoscale materials. Alternative testing methods, such as cell-based models, computer simulations, and grouping approaches, are advancing, although achieving full regulatory acceptance remains a work in progress. Tools like Adverse Outcome Pathways and 3D organoid models help predict long-term biological effects, yet more real-world data are needed, especially for workplace and environmental exposures. To ensure sustainable innovation, initiatives such as the OECD’s Safe(r) and Sustainable Innovation Approach (SSIA) and the EU European Union (European Union )’s Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) are encouraging the integration of safety considerations early in the material development process.

A call for collaboration

Both publications converge on the same message: as nanotechnology grows more complex, regulators, scientists, and industry must work together to balance innovation with health, environmental, and ethical responsibilities. This approach ensures that advancements are both safe and sustainable.

Reflections by RIVM 

Both publications offer a broad and insightful overview of key domains in nanotechnology, including safety and governance. The timelines presented in NanoLetters seem quite ambitious—especially for areas such as standardisation, where the experience from the OECD indicates that these processes typically take much longer. In light of the rapid pace of innovation, a crucial question arises: can safety and governance systems keep up? Specific attention is needed for emerging areas such as bionanomaterials and the convergence of technologies, where regulatory coverage remains unclear.

The NanoLetters roadmap envisions a “globally shared digital twin safety hub” jointly managed by regulators, industry, and standardisation bodies. While it is uncertain how this aligns with current regulatory ambitions, it underlines the urgent need to better connect nanosafety research, regulation, and nanomaterial innovation. This vision also relates to European strategic roadmaps such as the one proposed by the European Network for Safety and sustainability of Chemicals and materials (NSC) and the Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda by the partnership programme IAM4EU, both of which emphasise integration across research and governance.

The call to develop this technology responsibly requires, in addition to a Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design approach, a proactive stance in regulatory frameworks to explore how safety and sustainability can be ensured in a timely manner. Europe already has several strong collaborations in place, yet the necessary ecosystem remains too fragmented. To maintain Europe’s technological and economic leadership in advanced (nano)materials, we need extended landscape analyses, stronger coordination and governance aimed at ensuring safe and efficient innovation.