In an era where innovation and safety must go hand in hand, the CompSafeNano project emerges as a beacon of hope for the construction sector, particularly in the application of nanomaterials (NMs). Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, this initiative seeks to revolutionize the way we design and implement nanomaterials by ensuring they are safe from the outset. As construction increasingly turns to advanced materials for enhanced durability and performance, the implications of this research could be profound.
Dimitrios Zouraris, the lead author of the project and affiliated with NovaMechanics Ltd and the Entelos Institute in Cyprus, emphasizes the project’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge nanoinformatics and predictive toxicology. “Our goal is to enable the design of inherently safer nanomaterials right from the earliest stages of development,” Zouraris states. This approach not only enhances regulatory compliance but also fosters international collaboration, which is crucial in a globalized economy.
The CompSafeNano project employs Safe-by-Design (SbD) principles, which aim to mitigate risks associated with nanomaterials before they reach the market. This proactive stance is particularly relevant for the construction industry, where the use of NMs can lead to significant advancements in material properties, such as increased strength and reduced weight. However, the potential hazards associated with these materials necessitate rigorous safety evaluations. The project’s innovative methodologies, including advanced in vitro models and AI-driven predictive models, are designed to assess the interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems, paving the way for safer applications in construction.
One of the critical aspects of CompSafeNano is its focus on developing predictive models for risk assessment of nanomaterials. Zouraris notes, “By generating atomistic and quantum-mechanical descriptors, we can evaluate how nanomaterials interact with everything from small molecules to entire ecosystems.” This capability is vital for construction firms looking to adopt new materials without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.
Moreover, CompSafeNano is committed to enhancing data management practices in line with the FAIR principles—ensuring that data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. This emphasis on data integrity is likely to benefit the construction sector by providing stakeholders with reliable information that can guide decision-making regarding material choices and safety protocols.
Despite facing challenges, such as the limited regulatory acceptance of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), the CompSafeNano project is making strides in developing tools that could redefine how nanomaterials are evaluated for safety. The project aims to expand the NanoPharos Database, which could serve as a critical resource for construction professionals seeking to understand the safety profiles of nanomaterials.
As the construction sector continues to embrace innovation, the findings from CompSafeNano could drive the widespread adoption of safer nanomaterials, ultimately leading to more sustainable building practices. Zouraris envisions a future where “the integration of computational nanosafety into the design process will not only enhance material safety but also foster a culture of innovation within the industry.”
The CompSafeNano project is a compelling example of how scientific research can intersect with commercial interests, particularly in the construction sector. As this research unfolds, it promises to reshape the landscape of nanomaterials safety and application, ensuring that the next generation of construction materials is not just innovative, but also inherently safe.
This groundbreaking research was published in the Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, a title that translates to “Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal” in English. For more information on the lead author’s work, visit NovaMechanics Ltd.
