NanoSens

This website serves as the official platform for our research project focused on ecological risk assessment (ERA) and the evaluation of risks associated with nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and tools for understanding the impact of NPs on various species across different ecosystems. Ecological risk assessments are essential for evaluating how pollutants, particularly NPs, affect the environment and living organisms. As concerns about the ethical implications of animal testing grow, our project emphasizes the need for intelligent testing strategies (ITS) that reduce reliance on animal studies while maintaining scientific integrity. We utilize advanced in silico tools, such as quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and read-across (RA) methods, to predict NP toxicity and address data gaps effectively. Current models for estimating species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) often have limitations, typically focusing on specific species without considering a broader range of ecological factors. This project aims to develop new models for various NP sub-groups, in accordance with established OECD guidelines. Through a “class-specific” read-across approach, we will identify the most effective methods for different chemical classes, supported by thorough data analysis. The outcomes of our work will be compiled into a knowledge database and a user-friendly software tool, both available on this website. We invite you to explore our findings and resources as we work to improve ecological risk assessment practices.