INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory Achieves OECD Good Laboratory Practice Certification

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) celebrates a significant milestone as its Nanosafety Laboratory is officially recognized for meeting the demanding standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). This certification, granted by the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ), highlights INL’s commitment to responsible innovation, establishing its laboratory as a trusted center for safe and credible nanotechnology research.

Following an extensive review in May 2024, the certification assures that INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory complies with the highest international standards for testing and assessing nanomaterials, particularly for industrial and agricultural applications. The laboratory’s commitment to safe technological advancements aligns closely with INL’s mission to promote public health and environmental integrity.

Leading the Way in Nanotechnology Safety

With GLP certification, INL’s Nanosafety Laboratory is now validated for several essential testing areas in nanotechnology safety:

• Biomarker Quantification: Using multiplex systems, the laboratory provides precise biological marker analysis to enhance safety assessments.
• Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Testing: Through the DCFH-DA assay, the laboratory measures oxidative stress levels, a critical component in toxicity assessment.
• Cytotoxicity Testing: Employing the Resazurin assay, the lab assesses cell viability, determining nanomaterial impact on biological systems.

This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts across INL’s teams, including the Alfaro-Moreno Research Group, the CQM Unit, and participants in the ERA-Chair Sinfonia and SbDToolbox projects. Contributing team members, including Filipa Lebre, Vânia Vilas-Boas, Andreia Carvalho, Ana Ribeiro, Nivedita Chatterjee, Catarina Gonçalves, Helena Macedo, Begoña Espiña, Marina Brito, Margaret Costa, Ana Teixeira, and Sadaf Almas, have driven essential advances in nanomaterial safety testing.

A Gateway to Global Partnerships

This certification strengthens INL’s reputation as a global leader in nanotechnology research and positions the organization for broader international collaboration. It also assures that INL’s safety testing data aligns with stringent regulatory standards, promoting faster market access for industries that depend on reliable nanomaterial safety evaluations.