NML to launch study on determination of number concentration of nanoparticles
The National Measurement Laboratory at LGC is coordinating the first-ever metrology intercomparison this summer between national measurement institutes (CCQM) on the determination of number concentration of nanoparticles (colloidal gold).
The Inorganic Analysis Team will assess state-of-the-art techniques from measurement experts in inorganic and surface analysis. The study will help to underpin standardisation activities in this area, as no formal evaluation and validation of available techniques have taken place and nanoparticle reference materials certified for number concentration do not yet exist.
Nanomaterials and nanotechnology developments are having an increasingly substantial impact on human life, from enabling more targeted cancer treatments to improving the efficacy of vaccines or the delivery of agrochemicals.
Significant efforts are being made to ensure the appropriate regulatory and standards frameworks are in place to support the developing nanomaterial field. The NML is recognised as one of the top national measurement institutes globally for nano-measurements. In response to the worldwide demand for suitable methods for the detection and characterization of nanoparticles in food and consumer products, we have been instrumental in developing new international documentary standards (ISO) to support this field.
An inter-laboratory comparison using the same material that is open to industrial and academic laboratories with an interest in nanoparticle analysis will be run in parallel through Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory. This will allow a comparative evaluation across users and measurement institutes and may lead to the development of new international written standards to support regulation around nanoparticles.
If you are interested in finding out more about our nanomaterials activities, read our introductory leaflet, check out our recent case studies, or contact us.