Nanomaterial dosage

Nanomaterials are substances with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers. At this scale, the particles exhibit specific physicochemical properties, different from those of the same materials in their macroscopic state. Nanomaterials are found in many consumer products, including cosmetics, packaging, medical devices, polymers, and certain food formulations.

The quantification of nanomaterials makes it possible to identify their presence, to characterize their size, distribution and concentration, but also to verify their compliance with current regulations.

Analytical methods

Several complementary techniques are used for the quantification of nanomaterials:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to directly visualize particles and determine their morphology.
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS) to estimate the average size and distribution of suspended particles.
• sp-ICP-MS (Single Particle ICP-MS) to quantify metallic nanoparticles and their concentration in a matrix.
• Flux field fractionation (FFF) coupled with spectrometry to separate and analyze particles according to their size.

The choice of method depends on the type of nanomaterial (metallic, carbonaceous, organic, mineral) and the matrix being studied (cosmetic, food, environmental).

Affected matrices

Nanomaterial quantification can be applied to many matrices:

• Cosmetic products (sunscreens containing TiO₂ or ZnO, lotions, powders)
• Packaging and materials in contact with food
• Industrial ingredients and chemical formulations
• Environmental samples (water, soil, sediment)
• Research nanomaterials and composite materials

Industrial applications

• Cosmetics : characterization of metal oxides (TiO₂, ZnO) used as UV filters and control of their nanometric shape.
• Environment : detection and monitoring of metallic nanoparticles such as silver, which may have ecotoxicological impacts.
• Materials and polymers : validation of the presence of nanometric fillers (silica, carbon nanotubes) in composites.
• Food : verification of the conformity of packaging and additives in relation to the INCO regulation 1169/2011.
• Research and innovation : development of new functional applications based on the specific properties of nanomaterials.

Additional analyses

Nanomaterial analysis can be complemented by other analytical services to ensure comprehensive monitoring:

• SEM (scanning electron microscopy) analysis to observe the structure of the particles.
• Specific migration tests to measure the potential transfer of nanomaterials from a material to a food product.
• Dosage of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) used as an additive or UV filter.
• Determination of zinc and its derivatives to complement the analysis of ZnO sunscreens.

Regulations and quality issues

Regulations mandate increased transparency regarding the use of nanomaterials. For example, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (INCO) requires the explicit mention of [nano] in the list of food ingredients. The Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 also requires a specific declaration and evaluation of nanomaterials. Finally, the REACH Regulation governs the registration and evaluation of chemical substances at the nanoscale.

Meeting these requirements necessitates precise and validated analyses. Nanomaterial testing therefore contributes to product safety, increased transparency for consumers, and preparation for regulatory controls.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in nanomaterial analysis, accredited to ISO 17025 and, in some cases, recognized by COFRAC. Our scientific team helps you choose the most suitable method based on the matrix and regulatory requirements.

With our digital platform, you benefit from simplified analysis management: sample submission, service tracking, and centralized results retrieval. Since 2020, YesWeLab has supported numerous manufacturers, distributors, and research organizations in the evaluation and control of nanomaterials.