Toxicological testing is essential to assess the impact of nanoparticles on biological systems. This includes evaluating their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and potential to cause inflammation or other adverse effects. Animal models, cell cultures, and computational models are often used to predict the behavior of nanomaterials in living organisms.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of nanomaterials is another critical area. This involves studying their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential effects on ecosystems. Methods such as ecotoxicological studies are employed to understand how nanomaterials interact with different environmental components.
Mechanical Testing
Mechanical testing evaluates the strength, flexibility, and durability of nanomaterials. Techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation are used to measure properties such as hardness and elastic modulus at the nanoscale.
Electrical and Optical Testing
Electrical and optical properties of nanomaterials are tested to determine their suitability for applications in electronics and photonics. Conductivity, resistivity, and optical absorption are some of the parameters measured using techniques like scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy.
