This division targets the development of an array of nanoscale assays for quality control and for the recognition of potential biosafety risks connected to nanotechnology products. We strive to develop novel, standardized techniques for nanomaterial characterization, and to identify nanostructures that can be employed as reference materials in the area of nanotechnology. Interactions of nanomaterials with living cells are investigated at the level of cellular ultrastructure and function, as a first step towards biosafety assessment. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the immunogenicity of nanomaterials, i.e. their capacity to activate immune cells in the blood or in target organs, and to trigger potentially harmful immune responses.

Fig.1: High resolution image of the interface between the InAs wurzite part (left) and InSb zincblend part (right) of a nanowire	Fig.2: Bright field image of a mitochondria surrounded by ribosomes