Nanotechnology has become an opportunity for big companies, University spin-off and start-up companies to develop new products for applications that are meant to replace in many cases conventional materials/devices.
Indeed, nanotechnology results in an enabling platform technology for applications impacting all industrial sectors from Chemical Industry to Semiconductors, from Pharmaceutical to Automotive. Nanotechnology production processes and products, however, also pose potential risks, since the extreme miniaturization requires an unprecedented level of accuracy in terms of process and quality control. Indeed functionality in these systems depends on nanosized features and nanosize control is therefore a crucial requirement.
Consequently a need emerges for a multidisciplinary effort aimed at assessing the biosafety characteristics and environmental impact of nanomaterials and their production processes. IIT research will focus on the interaction of nanosystems with biological entities assessing new security standards for living beings and human environments (in pharmacology, therapies, food, agriculture etc)
