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The regulatory approval of Onpattro, a lipid nanoparticle-based short interfering RNA drug for the treatment of polyneuropathies induced by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, paves the way for clinical development of many nucleic acid-based therapies enabled by nanoparticle delivery.
As new nanomaterials, manufacturing methods and applications advance, the nanotechnology-related environmental, health and safety community is well positioned to build upon the scientific foundation and strong collaborations they have developed to further expand understanding and ensure responsible development into the future.
The experiences gained from the past 15 years of nanomaterial risk analysis may be useful for the risk analysis efforts of other emerging technologies.
Discussions on agricultural nanotechnology are pervaded with conflicting accounts of public opinion. A pragmatist concept may help to explain why this is so difficult to identify.
Genetically modified organisms as foods are a globally contested topic. What dictates the regulatory oversight of genetically modified crops could be redefined by advances in nanotechnology and genome editing.
The successful use of nanotechnology in agriculture will only be possible with a concerted effort to overcome the challenges posed by policies and regulations that are not yet fit for purpose.
Fragments of plastic smaller than 1 μm have raised concerns about the potential risks they pose to the environment. Research will have to answer a number of questions to establish what the realistic risks are.
To assess potential risks posed by plastic nanoparticles, we must study the way in which they transfer and transform in the environment. Using 13C-labelled nanoplastics could provide a safe and effective way to establish whether the plastic is mineralized or whether it persists in the environment.