A Review of the EU’s Regulatory Framework for the Production of Nano-Enhanced Cosmetics

Literature has suggested metallic nanomaterials (NMs) for a multitude of applications in cosmetic products, either as active ingredients or excipients. Alike most high-paced industrial sectors, cosmetology continues to capitalize on its unique properties/functions (e.g., as UV-filters, colorants, etc.), adding value to a wide range of products. However, as a result of their nano-scale, NMs do not always conform with the handling guidelines of their bulk counterparts, nor do conventional analytical methods account for their complex physicochemical and biological interactions. Among others, metallic nanoparticles have attracted the interest of many over the years due to their unique features, but possible precautions should be considered because of their bio-persistent nature. As a result, it is prevalent to consider a nano-specific framework, to regulate the use of NMs and the production of nano-enhanced cosmetics. To address this, we provide insight into the NMs that are currently used in the EU market, with a focus on metallic NMs, while analyzing the underlying legislation and relevant Opinions of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), from a scientific and commercial perspective. Even though the current Cosmetics Regulation (EU Regulation No 1223/2009) already entails specific provisions on NMs, cosmetic products incorporating unauthorized NMs have been repeatedly commercialized in the European Union. Considering the potential risks of NMs if they are mishandled, we provide an analysis of the risk assessment, as stated in Article 16 of the Cosmetics Regulation, to serve as a guideline for the future growth of nano-enhanced products. Based on the limited integration of metallic NMs along with multiple non-metallic NPs into cosmetic products, the attention of the community is directed towards coordinating efforts on the integration of metallic NMs into cosmetics.

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European Adhesive Bonder

U Porto Journal of Engineering ◽

10.24840/2183-6493_007.001_0006 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 37-47

Author(s):

Ana Barbosa ◽

Lucas Da Silva ◽

Ana Loureiro ◽

Eduardo Marques ◽

Ricardo Carbas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Adhesive Bonding ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

The European Union ◽

Approval Rate ◽

Industrial Sectors ◽

Wide Range ◽

Mechanical Fastening ◽

Level Of Training ◽

The University

Adhesive bonding is increasingly being used in industrial applications mainly due to its adaptability and ability to reliably join a wide range of materials. Numerous industrial sectors have now adopted adhesive bonding as a key manufacturing technology, with the automotive industry being the leader in adhesive usage. This is a key sector for the European Union (climate and energy policy, which has established a target of improving energy efficiency in the European Union by 20% by 2020. Consequently, this industry is constantly demanding lighter, stronger, more durable and more environmentally friendly materials. The increasing popularity of this technology is linked to the noteworthy benefits related with its application, compared to traditional joining process, such as welding or mechanical fastening process. With the increasing popularity of such joining techniques comes the necessity to train qualified professionals. The European Welding Federation developed a harmonized qualification system, which divides the training process into 3 levels: European Adhesive Bonder (EAB), Specialist (EAS) and Engineer (EAE). Currently, in Portugal, the first level of training, corresponding to European Adhesive Bonder is already in operation. The EAB level is accredited by the European Welding Federation (EWF) and therefore meets the requirements of EWF-515r1-10 and EWF-515r2-19 to which the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto is bound as a result of the accreditation as an ATB (Authorized Training Body). This training is targeted for professionals using adhesive bonding technology and professionals who do not currently use this technology but want to use it, and as such has a strong practical component. In Portugal, since 2016, three EWF certified editions have been held, with a high approval rate and met the expectations and objectives of the participants.

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New Psychoactive Substances: Evolution in the Exchange of Information and Innovative Legal Responses in the European Union

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228704 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8704

Author(s):

Maria Rosaria Varì ◽

Giulio Mannocchi ◽

Roberta Tittarelli ◽

Laura Leondina Campanozzi ◽

Giulio Nittari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Illicit Drugs ◽

National Level ◽

Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽

Warning System ◽

Legal Framework ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

The European Union ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Consumer Safety ◽

Wide Range

At the end of 2019, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction was monitoring around 790 new psychoactive substances, more than twice the total number of controlled substances under the United Nations Conventions. These substances, which are not subject to international drug controls, include a wide range of molecules, including the assortment of drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants, opiates, and benzodiazepines. Most of them are sold as “legal” substitutes for illicit drugs, while others are intended for small groups willing to experiment with them in order to know their possible new effects. At the national level, various measures have been taken to control new substances and many European countries have responded with specific legislation in favor of consumer safety and by extending or adapting existing drug laws to incorporate the new psychoactive substances. Moreover, since 1997, an early warning system has been created in Europe for identifying and responding quickly to the risks of new psychoactive substances. In order to establish a quicker and more effective system to address the criminal activities associated with new dangerous psychoactive substances, the European legal framework has considerably changed over the years.

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The Combination of Liposomes and Metallic Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Nanostructures in the Therapy and Medical Imaging—A Review

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22126229 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (12) ◽

pp. 6229

Author(s):

Marika Musielak ◽

Jakub Potoczny ◽

Agnieszka Boś-Liedke ◽

Maciej Kozak

Keyword(s):

Medical Imaging ◽

Metallic Nanoparticles ◽

Hybrid Nanostructures ◽

Biological Interactions ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Simultaneous Imaging ◽

Wide Range ◽

Multifunctional Nanostructures

Nanotechnology has introduced a new quality and has definitely developed the possibilities of treating and diagnosing various diseases. One of the scientists’ interests is liposomes and metallic nanoparticles (LipoMNPs)—the combination of which has introduced new properties and applications. However, the field of creating hybrid nanostructures consisting of liposomes and metallic nanoparticles is relatively little understood. The purpose of this review was to compile the latest reports in the field of treatment and medical imaging using of LipoMNPs. The authors focused on presenting this issue in the direction of improving the used conventional treatment and imaging methods. Most of all, the nature of bio-interactions between nanostructures and cells is not sufficiently taken into account. As a result, overcoming the existing limitations in the implementation of such solutions in the clinic is difficult. We concluded that hybrid nanostructures are used in a very wide range, especially in the treatment of cancer and magnetic resonance imaging. There were also solutions that combine treatments with simultaneous imaging, creating a theragnostic approach. In the future, researchers should focus on the description of the biological interactions and the long-term effects of the nanostructures to use LipoMNPs in the treatment of patients.

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Phyto-Facilitated Bimetallic ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles via Boswellia carteri: Synthesis, Characterization and Anti-Cancer Activity.

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871520621666201218114040 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Amer Imraish ◽

Afnan Al-Hunaiti ◽

Tuqa Abu-Thiab ◽

Abed Al-Qader Ibrahim ◽

Eman Hwaitat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anticancer Activity ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Metallic Nanoparticles ◽

Bimetallic Nanoparticles ◽

Iron Chloride ◽

Nano Particles ◽

Adverse Side Effect ◽

Wide Range ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Znfe2o4 Nanoparticles

Background: The growing unsatisfaction toward the available traditional chemotherapeutic agents enhanced the need to develop new methods for obtaining materials with more effective and safe anti-cancer properties. Over the past few years, usage of metallic nanoparticles has been a target for researchers of different scientific and commercial fields due to their tiny sizes, environment friendly properties and wide range applications. To overcome the obstacles of traditional physical and chemical methods for synthesis of such nanoparticles, a new less expensive and eco-friendly method has been adopted using natural existing organisms as a reducing agent to mediate synthesis of the desired metallic nanoparticles from their precursors, a process called green biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Objective: Here in the present study, zinc iron bimetallic nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4) were synthesized via an aqueous extract of Boswellia Carteri resin mixed with zinc acetate and iron chloride precursors, and they were tested for their anticancer activity. Methods: Various analytic methods were applied for the characterization of the Phyto synthesized ZnFe2O4 and they were tested for their anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231, K562, MCF-7 cancer cell lines and normal fibroblasts. Results: Our results demonstrate the synthesis of cubic structured bimetallic nanoparticles ZnFe2O4 with an average diameter 10.54 nm. MTT cytotoxicity assay demonstrate that our phyto-synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited a selective and potent anticancer activity against K562 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC50 values 4.53 µM and 4.19 µM, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, our bio synthesized ZnFe2O4 nano particles show a promising environmentally friendly of low coast chemotherapeutic approach against selective cancers with a predicted low adverse side effect toward normal cells. Further in vivo advanced animal research should be done to execute their applicability in living organisms.

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Recent Advances in Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensing

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21144672 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (14) ◽

pp. 4672

Author(s):

Mohamed H. Hassan ◽

Cian Vyas ◽

Bruce Grieve ◽

Paulo Bartolo

Keyword(s):

Noble Metals ◽

Direct Electrochemistry ◽

Glucose Sensing ◽

Glucose Sensors ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Past Century ◽

Industrial Sectors ◽

Recent Advances ◽

Wide Range ◽

Sensitivity And Selectivity

The detection of glucose is crucial in the management of diabetes and other medical conditions but also crucial in a wide range of industries such as food and beverages. The development of glucose sensors in the past century has allowed diabetic patients to effectively manage their disease and has saved lives. First-generation glucose sensors have considerable limitations in sensitivity and selectivity which has spurred the development of more advanced approaches for both the medical and industrial sectors. The wide range of application areas has resulted in a range of materials and fabrication techniques to produce novel glucose sensors that have higher sensitivity and selectivity, lower cost, and are simpler to use. A major focus has been on the development of enzymatic electrochemical sensors, typically using glucose oxidase. However, non-enzymatic approaches using direct electrochemistry of glucose on noble metals are now a viable approach in glucose biosensor design. This review discusses the mechanisms of electrochemical glucose sensing with a focus on the different generations of enzymatic-based sensors, their recent advances, and provides an overview of the next generation of non-enzymatic sensors. Advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials are key in propelling the field of glucose sensing, however, significant limitations remain which are highlighted in this review and requires addressing to obtain a more stable, sensitive, selective, cost efficient, and real-time glucose sensor.

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Development of a Rapid Risk and Impact Assessment Tool to Enhance Response to Environmental Emergencies in the Early Stages of a Disaster: A Tool Developed by the European Multiple Environmental Threats Emergency NETwork (EMETNET) Project

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science ◽

10.1007/s13753-021-00352-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emma-Jane Goode ◽

Eirian Thomas ◽

Owen Landeg ◽

Raquel Duarte-Davidson ◽

Lisbeth Hall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Impact Assessment ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

The European Union ◽

Protection Mechanism ◽

Environmental Threats ◽

Environmental Disasters ◽

Early Stages ◽

Potential Risks ◽

The Impact

AbstractEvery year, numerous environmental disasters and emergencies occur across the globe with far-reaching impacts on human health and the environment. The ability to rapidly assess an environmental emergency to mitigate potential risks and impacts is paramount. However, collating the necessary evidence in the early stages of an emergency to conduct a robust risk assessment is a major challenge. This article presents a methodology developed to help assess the risks and impacts during the early stages of such incidents, primarily to support the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism but also the wider global community in the response to environmental emergencies. An online rapid risk and impact assessment tool has also been developed to promote enhanced collaboration between experts who are working remotely, considering the impact of a disaster on the environment and public health in the short, medium, and long terms. The methodology developed can support the appropriate selection of experts and assets to be deployed to affected regions to ensure that potential public health and environmental risks and impacts are mitigated whenever possible. This methodology will aid defensible decision making, communication, planning, and risk management, and presents a harmonized understanding of the associated impacts of an environmental emergency.

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Bioinsecticides based on plant essential oils: a short overview

Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C ◽

10.1515/znc-2020-0038 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (7-8) ◽

pp. 179-182

Author(s):

Murray B. Isman

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Crop Protection ◽

Large Body ◽

Regulatory Agencies ◽

The European Union ◽

Plant Essential Oils ◽

The Past ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Usa ◽

Regulatory Challenges

AbstractInterest in the discovery and development of plant essential oils for use as bioinsecticides has grown enormously in the past 20 years. However, successful commercialization and utilization of crop protection products based on essential oils has thus far lagged far behind their promise based on this large body of research, most notably because with the exceptions of the USA and Australia, such products receive no special status from regulatory agencies that approve new pesticides for use. Essential oil-based insecticides have now been used in the USA for well over a decade, and more recently have seen use in the European Union (EU), Korea, and about a dozen other countries, with demonstrated efficacy against a wide range of pests and in numerous crop systems. For the most part these products are based on commodity essential oils developed as flavor and fragrance agents for the food and cosmetic industries, as there are formidable logistic, economic, and regulatory challenges to the use of many other essential oils that otherwise possess potentially useful bioactivity against pests. In spite of these limitations, the overall prospects for biopesticides, including those based on essential oils, are encouraging as the demand for sustainably-produced and/or organic food continues to increase worldwide.

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The MycoGlobe project: a European Union funded successful experiment in enhancing cooperation and coordination amongst mycotoxin researchers worldwide

World Mycotoxin Journal ◽

10.3920/wmj2008.x045 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 493-500

Author(s):

D. Bhatnagar ◽

G. Perrone ◽

A. Visconti

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Food Safety ◽

Food Quality ◽

Research Policy ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Quality And Safety ◽

The European Union ◽

Toxigenic Fungi ◽

Wide Range ◽

Food Quality And Safety

In 2004, the European Commission approved the specific support action 'Integration of Mycotoxin and Toxigenic Fungi Research for Food Safety in the Global System' (MycoGlobe, contract FOOD-CT-2004-007174) within the Sixth Framework Programme, Food Quality and Safety. The aim of the MycoGlobe project (http://mycoglobe.ispa.cnr.it) was to implement the outcomes of a wide range of European research projects in the area of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi by supporting, stimulating and facilitating cooperation between countries in the European Union and other countries that have bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreement with the European Union (such as USA, Australia and South America). Through a series of conferences and interactions between scientists worldwide, MycoGlobe was a very successful project. The scientific significance of the MycoGlobe project consisted in the spread of knowledge of advanced research tools in genomics and sophisticated and rapid detection systems for mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi; and evaluation of research policy and procedures to achieve best practice for enhancement of food quality and safety by elimination of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi from commodities. The socio-economic significance of the project was the setting up of a global collaborative network for research and technology transfer in the field of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi, particularly for the benefit of the developing countries. A relevant outcome of the project was also the launching of the International Society for Mycotoxicology (http://www.mycotoxsociety. org) to promote research on mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi, thereby leading to prevention and reduction in exposure to mycotoxins, enhanced food safety and a greater public awareness of this area.

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The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Screening for Migrants in the EU/EEA: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15092013 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 2013 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Christina Greenaway ◽

Iuliia Makarenko ◽

Claire Abou Chakra ◽

Balqis Alabdulkarim ◽

Robin Christensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Linkage To Care ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Screening Tests ◽

European Economic Area ◽

The European Union ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Eu

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a public health priority in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Migrants account for a disproportionate number of HCV cases in the EU/EEA (mean 14% of cases and >50% of cases in some countries). We conducted two systematic reviews (SR) to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HCV screening for migrants living in the EU/EEA. We found that screening tests for HCV are highly sensitive and specific. Clinical trials report direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are well-tolerated in a wide range of populations and cure almost all cases (>95%) and lead to an 85% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and an 80% lower risk of all-cause mortality. At 2015 costs, DAA based regimens were only moderately cost-effective and as a result less than 30% of people with HCV had been screened and less 5% of all HCV cases had been treated in the EU/EEA in 2015. Migrants face additional barriers in linkage to care and treatment due to several patient, practitioner, and health system barriers. Although decreasing HCV costs have made treatment more accessible in the EU/EEA, HCV elimination will only be possible in the region if health systems include and treat migrants for HCV.

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Aerial Campaigns for Cal/Val purposes in the Context of Copernicus - Survey Results of the Project “Copernicus Cal/Val Solution (CCVS)”

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-12091 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stefanie Holzwarth ◽

Martin Bachmann ◽

Bringfried Pflug ◽

Aimé Meygret ◽

Caroline Bès ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gap Analysis ◽

Model Development ◽

Metrological Traceability ◽

The European Union ◽

Horizon 2020 ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Wide Range ◽

Data Policy ◽

Survey Results ◽

Essential Contribution

The objective of the H2020 project &#8220;Copernicus Cal/Val Solution (CCVS)&#8221; is to define a holistic Cal/Val strategy for all ongoing and upcoming Copernicus Sentinel missions. This includes an improved calibration of currently operational or planned Copernicus Sentinel sensors and the validation of Copernicus core products generated by the payload ground segments. CCVS will identify gaps and propose long-term solutions to address currently existing constraints in the Cal/Val domain and exploit existing synergies between the missions. An overview of existing calibration and validation sources and means is needed before starting the gap analysis. In this context, this survey is concerned with measurement capabilities for aerial campaigns.Since decades airborne observations are an essential contribution to support Earth-System model development and space-based observing programs, both in the domains of Earth Observation (radar and optical) as well as for atmospheric research. The collection of airborne reference data can be directly related to satellite observations, since they are collected in ideal validation conditions using well calibrated reference sensors. Many of these sensors are also used to validate and characterize postlaunch instrument performance. The variety of available aircraft equipped with different instrumentations ranges from motorized gliders to jets acquiring data from different heights to the upper troposphere. In addition, balloons are also used as platforms, either small weather balloons with light payload (around 3 kg), or open stratospheric balloons with big payload (more than a ton). For some time now, UAVs/drones are also used in order to acquire data for Cal/Val purposes. They offer a higher flexibility compared to airplanes, plus covering a bigger area compared to in-situ measurements on ground. On the other hand, they also have limitations when it comes to the weight of instrumentation and maximum altitude level above ground. This reflects the wide range of possible aerial measurements supporting the Cal/Val activities.The survey will identify the different airborne campaigns. The report will include the description of campaigns, their spatial distribution and extent, ownership and funding, data policy and availability and measurement frequency. Also, a list of common instrumentation, metrological traceability, availability of uncertainty evaluation and quality management will be discussed. The report additionally deals with future possibilities e.g., planned developments and emerging technologies in instrumentation for airborne and balloon based campaigns.This presentation gives an overview of the preliminary survey results and puts them in context with the Cal/Val requirements of the different Copernicus Sentinel missions.This project has received funding from the European Union&#8217;s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No 101004242.

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