The European Commission (EC) intends to establish a digital infrastructure for advanced materials called the ‘Materials Commons’. This initiative intends to enhance the design, development, and testing of advanced materials. A key aspect of the platform will involve the use of artificial intelligence tools, which can potentially be used for optimized hazard and risk assessment of advanced materials.

A recent critical perspective argues that nanomaterials should be regulated as biological rather than chemical entities. The researchers emphasise the importance of using existing knowledge about the biological interactions of nanomaterials and their impact on human health and the environment. The authors list various well-known challenges regarding the safety assessment of nanomaterials.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has introduced new guidance for evaluating nanoparticles in food that may dissolve in lipids before consumption. By using the 1-octanol-water partition coefficient (KOW) method nanospecific considerations for safety assessments may potentially be waived.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2), previously banned as a food additive (E 171) in 2022 due to safety concerns, is used in medicines as an excipient. French scientists have estimated the intake of TiO2 from oral medications, finding that 54% contained TiO2, with an average daily intake of 1.71 mg. This is lower compared to the exposure from food when E 171 was still allowed.

Ex vivo exposure of human placentas to realistic concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicium dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles affect placental protein secretion, which slowed the growth of new blood vessels in an in vitro model. Current regulatory guidelines do not sufficiently address placental toxicity, highlighting the need for improved testing methods to evaluate the reproductive and developmental toxicity of nanomaterials.

Several OECD guidelines for testing chemicals have been updated to include nanospecific considerations, which are generally effective. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in standardising the testing of nanomaterials in water, as particles tend to clump together, leading to unstable dispersions and irreproducible results.

Nanoforms of fertilisers or biostimulants sprayed directly onto plant leaves may contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. However, it needs to be clarified whether the current legislation and methodologies sufficiently addresses the nanospecific properties of these products when assessing the benefits and risks for crops, the environment, and human health.

Two recent reports reviewed existing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). One focussed on the purpose of regulatory risk assessment and the other on in silico methods for the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) of nanomaterials.

The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated information on genotoxicity of titanium dioxide used in cosmetic products. This was triggered by previous similar concerns for food additive E 171 (titanium dioxide, TiO2).

The past few decades of managing the uncertain risks for human and environment associated with nanomaterials have provided crucial insights for ensuring the safe and sustainable development of advanced materials.