(Re)Conceptualizing decision-making tools in a risk governance framework for emerging technologies-the case of nanomaterials.

The utility of decision-making tools for the risk governance of nanotechnology is at the core of this paper. Those working in nanotechnology risk management have been prolific in creating such tools, many derived from European FP7 and H2020-funded projects. What is less clear is how such tools might assist the overarching ambition of creating a fair system of risk governance. In this paper, we reflect upon the role that tools might and should play in any system of risk governance. With many tools designed for the risk governance of this emerging technology falling into disuse, this paper provides an overview of extant tools and addresses their potential shortcomings. We also posit the need for a data readiness tool. With the EUs NMP13 family of research consortia about to report to the Commission on ways forward in terms of risk governance of this domain, this is a timely intervention on an important element of any risk governance system.

Review of Existing Standards, Guides, and Practices for Raman Spectroscopy.

Over the past decades Raman spectroscopy has been extensively used both on an industrial and academic level. This has resulted in the development of numerous specialized Raman techniques and Raman active products, which in turn has led to the adoption and development of standards and norms pertaining to Raman unit's calibration, performance validation, and interoperability. Purpose of the present review is to list, classify, and engage in a comprehensive analysis of the different standards, guides, and practices relating to Raman spectroscopy. Primary aim of the review is to consider the commonalities and conflicts between these standards and norms and to identify any missing aspects. Standardization in the field of Raman spectroscopy is dominated by the work of American institutions, namely, the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM or ASTM International), with several active standards in place pertaining to terminology, calibration, multivariate analysis, and specific applications, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), providing numerous certified reference materials, referred to as standard reference materials. The industrial application of Raman spectroscopy is dominated by the pharmaceutical industry. As such, pharmacopoeias provide not only important information in relation to pharmaceutical-related applications of Raman spectroscopy, but also invaluable insight, into the basic principles of Raman spectroscopy and important aspects that include calibration, validation, measurement, and chemometric analysis processes, usually by referring to ASTM and NIST standards. Given the fact that Raman spectroscopy is a modern and innovative field, the standardization processes are complex and constantly evolving. Despite the seemingly high number of existing standards, the standardization landscape is incomplete and has not been modernized according to the developments in Raman spectroscopy techniques in recent years. This is evident by the lack of protocols for numerous areas as well as by the fact that some of the existing standards have not been updated to reflect the advances in the technique. Therefore, it is important for the Raman community to actively engage in and contribute to a modernization process that will result in updating existing and introducing new terms, protocols, and guides. Indeed, the development of optimized common standards would be extremely beneficial and would further foster the development and application of Raman spectroscopy techniques, most notably those of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and low-resolution portable analyzers.

Nanocharacterization, Materials Modeling, and Research Integrity as Enablers of Sound Risk Assessment: Designing Responsible Nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology, as a mature enabling technology, has great potential to boost societal welfare. However, nanomaterials' current and foreseen applications raise serious concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. These concerns emerge because a reliable risk assessment in nanotechnology is yet to be achieved. The reasons for such a shortcoming are the inherent difficulties in characterizing nanomaterials properties. The interaction of characterization with modeling is an open issue and, due to overarching concerns about the reliability of research results, usually framed within the context of research integrity. This essay explores the connection between these different, but deeply intertwined concerns and the way they enable the production of responsible nanotechnology, i.e., nanotechnology devoted to societal welfare.

Effect of nonionic surfactants on the solubilization of alachlor.

The ability of nonionic surfactants to solubilize the pesticide alachlor was studied. Two homologue series, octylphenol ethoxylates (Triton X-114, Triton X-100 and Triton X-102) and ethoxylated decyl alcohols (Neodol 91-5E, Neodol 91-6E and Neodol 91-8E) were used at concentrations 3 critical micelle concentration (CMC) and 6 CMC. The rate of solubilization of a sufficient quantity of alachlor (for saturation) in aqueous solution containing the micelles of nonionic surfactant was recorded. The experimental data were fitted to a first-order kinetic model. The rate constant, saturation concentration and enhancement factor were estimated for each surfactant system. The effect of surfactant structure, CMC concentration, pesticide structure and its physicochemical properties on the effectiveness of solubilization was determined. In terms of solubilization capability, the nonionic surfactants of each homologue series can be ranked as follows: Neodol 91-8E>Neodol 91-6E>Neodol 91-5E and Triton X-102>Triton X-100>Triton X-114. The more hydrophilic Neodol series was proved more efficient in alachlor solubilization than Triton series. The enhancement factor values ranged from 1.064 to 1.995 at 3 CMC and 1.320 to 2.919 at 6 CMC. The results will be used mainly for micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration since the extent of solubilization is a critical factor.

Interaction behavior in ultrafiltration of nonionic surfactant micelles by adsorption.

Adsorption of nonionic surfactant micelles onto ultrafiltration (UF), membranes was studied. Two homologous series of nonionic surfactants, namely, Tritons (alkylphenol ethoxylates) and Neodols (alcohol ethoxylates), were used to characterize surface properties of two polymeric ultrafiltration membranes with 20,000 nominal cutoff. Particularly, a cellulose acetate and a polysulfone membrane were investigated. Static adsorption experiments were carried out using surfactant solutions at concentrations above their critical micelle concentration. The characterization of surface properties of UF membranes was based on the adsorption behavior of surfactant species. The adsorption extent on UF membranes was affected by the hydrophobicity-to-hydrophilicity ratio mainly determining the interactions developed at the membrane-surfactant species interface. Adsorption experimental data seem generally to fit the Langmuir isotherm model. Atomic force microscopy was used to examine the alteration of the top membrane surface morphology.