Research projects

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The  PINK project, funded by the EU under the HORIZON Resilience 01-23 call, combines computational models and a decision support system (DSS) that exploit the combined power of first-principles simulation and pre-existing data, which – in itself – is further improved by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology; this provides PINK with the capability to significantly decrease the time needed for SSbD Advanced Materials & Chemicals development. However, this requires the integration of tools from different and (hitherto) partly independently developed areas. PINK provides this integration in the form of an open innovation platform, the PINK In Silico Hub (PINKISH) based on an advanced Interoperability Framework, giving access to all information and knowledge, and executing SSbD workflows customisable to (a) the application area of the Advanced Materials & Chemicals, (b) their safety and sustainability concerns of the existing materials, and (c) the status ofthe relevant development project (from early design ideas to registration and market entry).

•  PINK – Provision of Integrated Computational Approaches for Addressing New Markets Goals for the Introduction of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design Chemicals and Materials

„SmartCERIALS – Smart CERIum dioxide-based nanocomposites for AntimicrobiaL Surface applications“ is a collaborative research project of the Bio-Nano Group at PLUS, the Phornano Holding GmbH, Korneuburg (4n), Austria, and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) that AIMs at the green development of novel nanocomposite raw materials for smart surface coatings by additive synthesis of different nanomaterials allowing for the combination of different desired functionalities. These combined functionalities comprise (i) superior anti-microbial properties that can be (ii) monitored for microbial binding and deactivation and (iii) contain a long-term tracing feature for coating stability. 

• SmartCERIALS – Smart CERIum dioxide-based nanocomposites for AntimicrobiaL Surface applications

„NanoProCoV – Nanoformulations protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection“ is a scientific & technological cooperation programme of the Bio-Nano Group at PLUS with the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), funded by the Austrian BMBWF and the Chinese MOST, for establishing cooperative research based on mobility of researchers and developing online training in nanomedicine with the aim to combat viral infection of the respiratory system.

• NanoProCoV – Nanoformulations protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Nanotechnology-enabled products with enhanced functions and durability have entered the international markets. These products extend to skincare, electronics, textiles, sports equipment, and to applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. The rapid growth of nanotechnology economy has, upon significant funding by the European Commission, been accompanied by research in nanosafety assessment having resulted in the establishment of risk governance procedures and safe-by-design strategies. In the upcoming framework program termed Horizon Europe (2021-2027) this safety-related knowledge will be transferred to aid sustainable innovation, combat emerging contaminants of ecological concern, and tackle environmental challenges such as micro- and nanoplastics. Specific sources of emerging contaminants of ecological concern are nanomaterials-derived particulates, sanitizers and active pharmaceutical ingredients leaching into the environment. While the risk assessment of such substances in their individual state is rather straight forward and obligation of the producers, the one of mixture effects is much more complex and the resulting risk vs. revenue estimation basically remains with societal stakeholders including regulators or community authorities. The Austrian partner, the Bio-Nano Group at Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS) has built up a strong track record in nanosafety assessment focusing on human health, while the South African partner group at the University of Pretoria (UP) focuses on environmental aspects of emerging contaminants including nanomaterials. The “africa uninet” project PUSH will thus form a nucleation for future synergistic research and teaching for both partners.

• The PLUS-UP European-African university network for Sustainable innovation and Health – PUSH

NanoCommons is a EU Research Infrastructure Activity to promote data FAIRness in nanosciences. The initiative, furthermore, serves the scientific community by means of consultancy and services providing e-tools for:
– design and implementation of experimental workflows
– data processing and analysis
– data visualization and predictive models
– data storage and metadata completeness
…to improve scientific quality assurance in the field of nanosafety assessment. NanoCommons offers as part of its  Knowledge Infrastructure, a  Knowledge Base and a Data Warehouse. The PLUS partner is responsible for education & training activities.

•  NanoCommons

The EU NanoSafety Cluster Working Group A (WG-A) focuses on cross-linking all currently active projects in the EU NanoSafety Cluster. In addition, WG-A endeavors to align all training offers in nanosafety projects and beyond. This effort shall be including the research fields of microplastics’, advanced/innovative materials’, or nanomedicines’ safety assessment. Joint educational strategies are developed with representatives from the currently ongoing projects. The main activity to facilitate this essential and fruitful cross-talk between the people that are actively involved in the work of the projects is executed by informative webinars and virtual training sessions.

•  EU NanoSafety Cluster WG-A

Nan-O-Style is an interdisciplinary research project, which investigates interactions between nanomaterials (NMs) in consumer products with substances from daily life with a special focus on modern lifestyle products (MLPs) used by adolescents.

• Nan-O-Style

• Allergen standardization

• Systemic drug hypersensitivity

Project overview

Principle Investigator

Project participation