NanoSight,
providers of unique nanoparticle tracking analysis technology (NTA)
welcomes the publication of the European Commission report listing
methods currently available for measurement of Nanomaterials, as
defined by the EU in 2011.
This
report, from the Joint Research Centre of the EU, defining the
measurement of nanomaterials is entitled: "Requirements on measurements
for the implementation of the European Commission definition of the
term "nanomaterial", Linsinger T., Roebben G., Gilliland D., Calzolai
L., Rossi F., Gibson N., Klein C.".
The
report follows publication by the European Commission of a
recommendation of the term "nanomaterial" for regulatory purposes. The
report describes the requirements for particle size measurement issues
of nanomaterials based on that definition. It reviews the capabilities
of the measurement methods currently available, amongst which is
Particle Tracking Analysis (PTA).
Eight
methods are discussed, three of which have the number-based methodology
which is at the heart of the EU definition(2). These are electron
microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Particle Tracking
Analysis.
Dr
Patrick Hole, NanoSight's Head of Development, warmly welcomes the
report: "This is a balanced and expert review from the team at the IRMM
(Institute for Reference Materials and Measurement), providing a clear
overview of the issues in particle characterization as well as the
methods available. The individual methods sections address directly the
match of technology to the definition issues. The onus is now on
NanoSight to further address directly the requirements of the
definition2 through a combination of broadening the applicability of
the technology, developing protocols for specific sample types and
working with other suitable techniques in order to provide the
definitive characterization solutions."
The
report describes PTA as having a number of important advantages
including relatively low instrument cost and high sensitivity which can
detect nanoparticles at concentrations as low as 106 particles/cm3. It
also highlights limitations including lower size detection limit and
the inability to distinguish agglomerates and aggregates from primary
particles. The report highlights practical examples of the measurement
issues that remain to be solved.
Jeremy
Warren, NanoSight's CEO comments: "There was never going to be a
universal technique or even combination of techniques that would
address the myriad of different types of nanoparticles that may be
subject to legislation. However, it is important that Particle Tracking
Analysis is included on the list. This gives much support to our
discussions with cosmetic and food industry scientists as they search
for characterization methodologies to meet forthcoming regulation."
To find out about NanoSight and to learn more about particle
characterization using NanoSight's unique nanoparticle tracking
analysisinstrumentation, visit the NanoSight
website and register to receive the next issue of NanoTrail, the
company's electronic newsletter.