Innovative strategies for identifying and grouping chemicals, nanomaterials and materials to improve their safety of use

Abstract

To enhance the safety of chemicals, nanomaterials, and materials, innovative identification and grouping strategies are urgently needed. There are various methods which can improve hazard assessment, reduce testing burdens, and support regulatory decisions. This study explores cutting-edge approaches to enable more efficient and accurate safety evaluations, ensuring sustainable and safer use, as part of an European-wide project. Considering the Chemicals Sustainability Strategy (CSS) and the challenges it addresses regarding the production and use of chemicals to meet societal needs and protect people and ecosystems, two key research and innovation actions are being undertaken, namely 1) Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and 2) implementation of Safe and Sustainable by Design concept. To address these needs, the CheMatSustain project aims to develop new research methods or improve existing ones to enhance the safety and sustainability assessments of chemicals and materials. The project uses photoelectron spectra to identify chemicals, nanomaterials and materials (CNMs), and alternatively, transcriptome and proteome profiles of EA.hy926 cells exposed to contact with the tested CNMs. In the latter alternative case, the cells serve as selective biosensors that repeatedly and specifically recognize the stress factor resulting from contact with artificial surfaces. Identifying similarities and differences in photoelectron spectra and transcriptome and proteome profiles are crucial. All tested samples of CNMs are also used in in vitro biological studies to assess cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, the impact on the processes of free radicals' formation, apoptosis, repair of damaged DNA, and to assess ecological effects in vivo in relation to aquatic organisms. The collected data are stored in a database and utilized to develop computational QSAR models for predicting CNMs' activity in various toxicological and ecotoxicological endpoints (in silico risk assessment). Data obtained within the CheMatSustain project also will allow the combined use of CNMs risk assessment and life cycle assessment to estimate the environmental impacts and human health risks at each stage of the life cycle of the CNMs studied.