The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has announced a significant achievement: its Nanosafety Laboratory has received official recognition from the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ) for meeting the rigorous compliance standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). This certification reinforces INL’s commitment to advancing safe and reliable research in the field of nanotechnology.
Following an extensive inspection in May 2024, the GLP certification validates that INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory adheres to the highest international standards in testing and assessing nanomaterials, particularly for industrial and agri-food applications. This achievement is a crucial aspect of INL’s overarching mission to foster safe technological innovations, all while prioritising public health and environmental safety.
The Nanosafety Laboratory focuses on several key areas critical to nanotechnology safety. It conducts essential toxicity testing to ensure that the development and application of nanomaterials comply with stringent safety requirements. Certified GLP activities at the laboratory include:
- Biomarker Quantification using Multiplex Systems: This method allows for the precise analysis of biological markers, leading to accurate safety assessments of nanomaterials.
- Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation via DCFH-DA Assay: This assay measures oxidative stress, which is crucial for evaluating the potential toxicity of nanomaterials.
- Cytotoxicity Testing using Resazurin Assay: This assessment determines cell viability, providing insights into the toxicological impact of nanomaterials.
The successful acquisition of GLP certification underscores INL’s commitment to safety and regulatory excellence in nanotechnology research. It enhances the laboratory’s credibility while demonstrating its dedication to maintaining high-quality standards in testing and assessment.
Furthermore, this certification positions INL as a global leader in nanotechnology research, opening doors for increased international collaboration with leading research institutions and industry stakeholders. By ensuring that its data meets rigorous global regulatory standards, the INL is paving the way for faster market access for companies reliant on nanomaterial safety evaluations.
With the global demand for safe and effective nanomaterials on the rise, INL is strategically positioned to support various industries through its advanced testing methodologies. The laboratory’s ongoing commitment to data integrity, risk-based management, and adherence to the highest quality standards in nanotechnology safety is underscored by this achievement.
The successful certification is attributed to collaborative efforts across INL, involving key contributions from Alfaro-Moreno’s Research Group, Espiña’s Research Group, the Department of Business and Strategic Relations, and the Coordination & Quality Management Unit. Their work, bolstered by the ERA-Chair Sinfonia and SbDToolbox projects, has been instrumental in driving innovation in nanomaterial safety testing.
As INL continues to lead in the field of nanotechnology research, the recent GLP certification not only enhances its reputation but also signifies a commitment to public health and safety in an increasingly technology-driven world.
