April 2008

Joint project of ETH Zürich and Empa awarded international recognition

The scientific journal «Environmental Science & Technology», edited by the University of Iowa, has recognized a joint project by the ETH Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering and Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research). Among 1200 papers, the awarded work is distinguished as «Best Paper 2007» in the field of environmental science. In this paper the researchers describe the mechanism by which metal-containing nanoparticles can cause oxidative stress in human lung cells. Therefore, it seems that it is primarily the chemical composition of the nanoparticles which makes them dangerous to cells. Should this supposition be confirmed, the cells needing further priority investigation could be determined.

The ETH and Empa research progress is relevant because it advances the development of safe and sustainable nano applications. According to Wendelin Stark, ETH scientist and head of the study group, advantage can only be taken of the benefits to be derived from nanotechnology if a risk and sustainability analysis is performed simultaneously with every new development.

The awarded paper (Ludwig Limbach from the ETH Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering is its primary author) represents the successful cooperation of Swiss universities and research institutions. Additionally, focussing on forward-looking nanotechnology reaffirms Switzerland as an innovative knowledge center.

Empa is an interdisciplinary research and services institution for material sciences and technology development within the ETH domain. Empa’s research and development activities are oriented towards meeting the requirements of industry and society’s needs, as well as linking together application-oriented research and the practical implementation of new ideas.

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