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The same properties of nanoparticles makes it so attractive to producers could have negative effects on the environment and human health. However, little is known, the particles can be harmful. Part of the problem is to determine what nanoparticles.

A new analysis by an international team of researchers from the Center for the environmental impacts of nanotechnology (encircled), based on Duke University, called for a new look at how nanoparticles are selected to investigate the possible effects on human health and the environment. They found that, while making many small particles are considered  nano , these materials often do not meet the full definition, features made of conventional materials.

According to this definition is considered as a nano-particle, if diameter of between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm) - about 1 / 10 000 the diameter of a human hair - and it has properties differ significantly from their original natural or substitute crowds away.

The special properties of nanoparticles is a high proportion of their volume surface. They also have a significantly higher percentage of people on their surface compared to bulk particles, which can better respond. These artificial materials can in a variety of consumer products including paints and sunscreens, and sewage treatment plant and systems of drug delivery to you.

For most of this decade, discussion of the nanoparticles tend to focus more on their size and properties. But after reviewing the scientific literature, Duke led the team that is not old enough precise definition. The definition focuses specifically on real estate, they say, will help scientists determine which nanoparticles in particular represent the most dangerous for the environment or human health.

In general, smaller particles (less than 30 nanometers) that should give more attention to investigating the impact on the environment and health of nanomaterials, said Mark Wiesner, professor at Duke Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of federal surrounded funded.

There are infinite possibilities of the new human nanoparticles, we must find a way, our efforts with what the greatest likelihood of finding unique properties with unique results in a large, Wiesner.

The results of the analysis Wiesner published online in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The study has been surrounded by support and jointly funded by the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Specifically, researchers found that nanoparticles are nearing the end of the spectrum size 100 nm tend to have fewer special features than their counterparts in bulk. Moreover, it was found that nanoparticles below 30 nm, the unique properties that enhance the investigation to see more,  said Wiesner.

Many of the nanoparticles made less than 30 nanometers in drastic changes to improve the crystalline structure, such as surface atoms interact with the environment,  said Wiesner.

For example, because of their greater surface volume ratio of nanoparticles are very reactive with other chemicals in the environment and may also interfere with certain activities in cells.

Although there are reports of increased toxicity of nanoparticles, such as size decreased, but remains doubtful whether the increase in response to the environment or the safety of people is harmful  Wiesner said.  To resolve this problem, although toxicological studies show that the particle size dependent properties of contrast again, in particular the reaction and surface particles have these properties.