The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative has updated its Environmental Health and Safety strategy to address ongoing challenges and emerging nanotechnology applications. The strategy emphasises responsible innovation and highlights the need for collaborative actions to address concerns related to the impact of engineered nanomaterials on human health and the environment.

Scientists from the public, private and philanthropic sectors involved in the Nano4EARTH initiative have identified key research directions to maximise the impact of nanotechnology in addressing climate change. They focus on enhancing energy storage, reducing industrial carbon emissions and improving efficiency in industrial processes.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a groundbreaking delivery system for mRNA vaccines, such as those used for COVID-19. Now, they are pivotal in developing a range of new vaccines and gene therapies. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Pharmacopoeia are actively updating guidelines and quality requirements to ensure the safe and effective use of LNP-based medicine.

A recent EU ON opinion highlights the potential of advanced materials to support sustainability goals while acknowledging their human health and environmental risks. The European Commission’s 2024 communication emphasises the need for Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles to ensure safety and sustainability.

The degradation of two-dimensional (2D) materials throughout their life cycle can result in the formation of degradation products with different properties and effects on human health and the environment than the original materials.

Early4AdMa is an early awareness and action system for identifying emerging issues of advanced materials. Its first application on nanocarriers has revealed several potential issues for nanocarrier materials. These include the applicability of current regulations regarding nanocarriers. In various chemical domains this needs to be critically assessed in more detail. Further, research activities should focus on the carrier’s influence on the active ingredient. What happens to the carrier itself after its work is done also requires attention. Overall, the workshop results demonstrate that the Early4AdMa system may help to identify potential issues with safety, sustainability, and regulation. Provided that these issues are addressed through follow-up actions, this may help regulatory preparedness and contribute to safer materials.

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a valuable source of precious and rare metals. Recycling of e-waste is an essential step towards sustainability. Scientists are currently studying methods to convert the metals present in e-waste into nanoparticles. However, it is important to consider the possible risks associated with this process to maximise its positive environmental impact.

Danish researchers assessed recommendations for adjustments to legislation for nanomaterials published in 2004. While many of these recommendations were partly or fully met, some legislation still needs adjustments for nanomaterials. For example, the definition of nanomaterials differs between legislations. Additionally, instruments to measure nanomaterials and test methods require further development to meet regulatory requirements and enable enforcement. Advanced materials may pose additional challenges in risk assessment. The legislation amendments for nanomaterials may not necessarily identify potential hazards and risks for advanced materials.

Respirable rigid fibres are considered more hazardous than non-rigid fibres. However, there is currently no standardised method to measure fibre rigidity. A new approach uses techniques to identify changes at the molecular level in cells. This approach can distinguish between different types of carbonaceous materials. The researchers could tell the difference between rigid fibres, non-rigid fibres, and non-fibrous carbonaceous materials. For this they looked at which biological pathways were affected. This method will help group different types of fibres into hazard categories based on their rigidity.

Bioaccumulation assessment of nanomaterials cannot be done using the equilibrium partitioning method commonly used for organic chemicals. Therefore, the current guidance on bioaccumulation assessment is not suitable for nanomaterials. To address this issue, the OECD has proposed a tiered approach designed specifically for nanomaterials. This approach is tailored for metallic and metal oxide particles but can likely be extended to other advanced (nano)materials as well.