Improved non-invasive technique for the analysis of three types of engineered nanoparticles embedded in a food-mimicking film

In collaboration with the Technical University Dresden, JRC scientists demonstrated the applicability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a screening method for the quantification of three engineered nanoparticles, i.e. gold, silver and silica, which were embedded in a film of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).

As of 13 December 2016, food producers must specify whether any of the ingredients of foodstuffs is in the nano-form (Regulation 1169/2011/EU). Control of this legislation requires methods to detect and quantify nanoparticles in food. Several methods capable of detecting certain kinds of nanoparticles have been published in the recent years, but they are often time consuming and not very accurate. In addition, sample preparation steps may change the size of the nanoparticles in food, thus rendering the results unreliable. Therefore, a fast, non-invasive technique that is capable of screening many foodstuffs for the presence of nanoparticles would be very welcome.

Further information: Improved non-invasive technique for the analysis...