NanoDesk
Advanced web tools to promote the implementation of nanotechnologies and a safe use of nanomaterials in the plastic industry
Axis 1 Research and innovation
Objective 1b1 Strengthening the synergic and networking operation of R+i at a transnational level in the specific Sudoe sectors as from smart specialisationImage gallery
- Multisectorial
2. ProtoQSAR 2000 SL ES
3. Universitat Rovira i Virgili ES
4. International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory PT
5. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Délégation Midi-Pyrénées. Centre d'Elaboration de Matériaux et d'Etudes Structurales FR
6. Instituto Valenciano Seguridad y Salud Trabajo ES
7. Universidade do Porto. Faculdade de Ciências PT
Project summary
This project aims to improve the competitiveness of the over 6500 companies that make up the plastic sector in south-west Europe, breaking down the current barriers to investment in nanotechnology. In order to do so it will concentrate on its promotion as an essential technology for the development of new plastic materials of high added value based on the use of nanomaterials. The main tool that will be developed by the project will be the NanoDesk platform which will integrate free-access Internet tools designed to help the industries to select specific types of nanomaterials that can be used for the production of nanostructured materials and to assess in an effective and solid manner the risks of these materials to health and the environment.
Participating regions
- Cataluña
- Comunidad Valenciana
- Midi-Pyrénées
- Norte
Estado de avance del proyecto
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.