Patrols

Exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENM) poses a risk to human and environmental health. However, at present, the test methods used to assess this risk are inadequate and unrealistic. Current test systems utilise scientific models that lack the detail and complexity of the environment and the human body, and only consider the effects of short-term ENM exposure which does not reflect realistic extended or repeated exposure scenarios. The primary aim of PATROLS is therefore to establish and standardise a set of innovative, next generation safety testing tools that more accurately predict adverse effects caused by long-term ENM exposure in humans and the environment. PATROLS will achieve its aim by: • Producing realistic and predictive cultured 3D tissue models of the lung, gastrointestinal tract and liver for ENM safety assessment. • Developing innovative methods for safety assessment in ecologically relevant test systems and organisms, selected according to their position in the food chain • Characterising ENM under relevant experimental conditions dictated by the advanced human and environmental models developed. • Creating robust computational methods for ENM exposure, dose modelling and hazard prediction. The cutting-edge models, hazard reporter tests and computational methods developed through PATROLS will allow ENM to be categorised based on their human and environmental risk. The improved predictivity of the tools generated will help to minimise uncertainty in ENM safety, thereby reducing the extent of animal testing in current use. Furthermore, the PATROLS toolbox will provide effective data to support and enhance the current ENM safety evaluation frameworks.