Centre of Technologies and Investigations of Nanomaterials (NAMUR+), 01.01.2017–31.12.2021
European Regional Development Fund projects No 2014‐2020.4.01.16‐0123.

Leader of the project: Tartu University, TU (Dr. V. Kisand). Partners: Tallinn University of Technology, TUT (Dr. M. Kauk-Kuusik) and National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, NICPB (Dr. A. Kahru). The total cost of the project is 1 782 135 EUR, and share of NICPB is 270 000 EUR. Project self-financing is 5%.

Main participants in the project (NICPB): Dr. K. Kasemets, Dr. I. Blinova, and Dr. V. Aruoja

The main aim of the project NAMUR+ is to establish the Estonian Research Infrastructure Roadmap object, a centre of excellence for the nanomaterials research and development, and their safety assessment bringing together projects partners’ already existing high-technology equipment and the equipment to be purchased in the future purchased. The centre of the nanomaterials will provide the research and development service and cooperation to the research institutions and as well to the industry.

One aim of the project is to update the infrastructure of the Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, NICPB – the leading partner for the nanosafety evaluation. The nanosafety and bio-interactions studies are prerequisite for the development of the novel perspective nanomaterials for the different applications, including the biomedical ones.

Results of Project

High-tech equipment complexes that enable studies in nanomaterials safety and bio-interactions have been procured and commissioned.

1. Complex for (nano)eco-toxicity studies: incubator AlgaeTron AG230 with temperature- and illumination control for the ecotoxicological assays, and stereo microscope Nikon SMZ1270 for the visualization of the toxicity test organisms.
2. Complex for in vitro nanotoxicity studies: UVA-climate chamber Climacell 111 EVO for the nanomaterials and surfaces antimicrobial properties and safety assessment, microplate-washer ThermoScientificTM Wellwash for the ELISA tests, automated cell-counter Logos Biosystems Luna-II for the counting of the cells and cell viability assessment, inverted microscope Zeiss Axio Vert.A1 with video camera Axiocam208 for the visualization of cell cultures.
3. Complex for nanoparticles-cell interactions studies: laser-scanning confocal microscope Zeiss LSM800.

Qualified staff was trained for the implementation of the high-tech equipment for the nanosafety and nano-bio-interaction research and development.