Nanoparticle characterization and analysis in a laboratory
Whether you are involved in cosmetics, medical devices, electronics, textiles, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food or fine chemicals, you are looking to improve or replace your products by using nanomaterials (nanosensors, nanovectors, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanocatalysis, etc.).
The support of a laboratory specialising in nanoparticle analysis, with precise, metrologically monitored tools, will enable you to assess performance, optimise and understand the effects on your applications, whether in your raw materials or in your finished products.
Your needs: to analyze the properties and effects of nanoparticles used in your field
Nanoparticle analysis in the laboratory
Analysing nanoparticles enables us to understand their physical and chemical properties and their effects. Our laboratory specialising in the characterization of nanomaterials and nanoparticle analysis provides you with cutting-edge techniques for :
- Identify and quantify nanoparticles,
- Study their morphology, size and distribution,
- Understand their interactions in your application environment.
The different types of nanoparticles
There are several types of nanoparticles, depending on their composition, size and specific properties.
Inorganic nanoparticles
Composed of metals or metal oxides, they are stable and versatile. Used in sunscreens, pollution control and medical devices. Examples: silver, gold, titanium dioxide (TiO₂).
Organic nanoparticles
Carbon-based, they are biocompatible and biodegradable. They are used in drug delivery, food preservation and biotechnology. Examples: lipid nanoparticles, chitin.
Carbon nanoparticles
Graphene, nanotubes and fullerenes offer conductivity and resistance. They are used in electronics, aeronautics and for renewable energy batteries.
Hybrid nanoparticles
Combining organic and inorganic materials, they combine versatility and performance for medical imaging, intelligent materials and pollutant detection.
Why identify and quantify nanoparticles?
Identifying and quantifying nanoparticles is essential for controlling their properties, guaranteeing their safety and optimising their effects in a material or sample.
This type of analysis meets a number of challenges:
- Health safety : ensuring that the nanoparticles used do not present a risk to human health, particularly in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.
- Regulatory compliance: complying with current standards on the use of nanoparticles, such as those established by the European Pharmacopoeia
- Performance optimisation: adapting the properties of nanoparticles to improve product efficacy, for example by adjusting particle size to influence bioavailability in drugs
- Quality control: detecting and identifying undesirable particles or contamination in products to guarantee their purity and quality
- Technological innovation: developing new materials and applications by understanding and manipulating the unique properties of nanoparticles
Our solution: to assist you as part of your manufacturing processes or R&D projects that involve nanoparticles
With an analytical fleet spread over 5200m² and a team dedicated to particle analysis, our laboratory provides you with support in studying and developing your nanoparticle-based products. FILAB is capable of using the following techniques:
Our services
Analysis of nanoparticles includes:
- Morphological characterisation: measuring the size, shape and distribution of particles using techniques such as electron microscopy (SEM).
- Chemical analysis: identification of the elemental and molecular composition to determine their properties.
- Surface study: assessment of charge and functionalisation to anticipate interactions with other substances.
- Granulometric analysis: measurement of particle size distribution in a sample.
- Individual particle tracking analysis: makes it possible to observe and quantify moving particles in a given medium. This analysis helps to understand their dispersion, stability and interactions.
Our nanoparticle characterization techniques
Our techniques
ICP-AES and ICP-MS: trace element analysis and analysis of a nanomaterial-based product’s chemical composition.
XRD: structural analysis
BET specific surface measurements
SP-ICP-MS: nanoparticle detection
SEM-FEG-EDX: determination of the size and shape of the nanoparticles.
Laser granulometry: to measure the number of nanoparticles resent and their granulometric distribution
Helium pycnometry: density measurements
DLS: measurement of nano-emulsion and stability analysis of a suspension using Zeta Potential titration
Our accreditations for nanoparticle characterization
FILAB is the first laboratory to be COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited for the Characterization of nanomaterials and nanoparticles, specifically the size and shape distribution of nanoparticles by SEM-EDX, and the determination of nanoparticle size by SP-ICPMS.
This accreditation guarantees reliable analysis that comply with regulatory requirements. This commitment to quality means we can support our industrial customers under optimum conditions. FILAB actively contributes to your innovation projects by offering services that are eligible for research funding. In addition, FILAB is a member of the AFNOR/X457 ‘Nanotechnologies’ commission, participating in the development of standards and best practices relating to nanomaterials.
Use of nanoparticles in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
Improved sun protection
Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide are used in sun creams to provide effective UV protection while remaining invisible on the skin. Their small size ensures even application and optimum aesthetic effect.
Targeted drug delivery
In the pharmaceutical sector, lipid nanoparticles are used to transport active ingredients to target cells. In cancer treatments, for example, they optimise bioavailability and reduce side effects on healthy tissue.
Improving medical implants
Silver nanoparticles, used for their antibacterial properties, are incorporated into medical implants and devices. They reduce the risk of post-operative infection while maintaining biocompatibility.
Anti-ageing properties in cosmetics
Colloidal gold nanoparticles are incorporated into anti-ageing creams for their antioxidant and regenerating effects. They penetrate the superficial layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production for targeted action.
Use of nanoparticles in metallurgy
In metallurgy, the addition of alumina nanoparticles (Al₂O₃) to alloys increases their mechanical and thermal resistance. This improves the performance of metal parts for industrial applications such as aerospace or automotive.
In addition, carbon nanotubes integrated into composite materials considerably improve their mechanical strength and lightness. In the aerospace industry, for example, these nanoparticles are used to reinforce polymer fibre structures, making aircraft more resistant while reducing their weight.
Every industrial sector confronted with complex samples such as powders, suspensions or finished materials requires rigorous analysis of the nanoparticles they contain.
Our other services
FILAB is also involved in broader services related to nanoparticles:
Development and validation of analytical procedures specific to nanoparticles
Literature and regulatory reviews
In order to provide you with the best possible support, the FILAB laboratory is approved for the Research Tax Credit (CIR). FILAB is also a member of the AFNOR/X457 ‘Nanotechnologies’ commission.
Through our three levels of services – analysis, expertise and R&D support – FILAB assists companies in all sectors and of all sizes in solving their industrial problems, providing its customers with the know-how and experience of its team.
*Our scope of accreditation includes :
Size and shape distribution of nanoparticles by SEM-EDX
Determination of nanoparticle size by SP-ICPMS
(More information at www.cofrac.fr – accreditation no. 1-1793)
For reliable and comprehensive analyses, the laboratory offers you cutting-edge analytical techniques such as :
- ICP-AES and ICP-MS: trace analysis of a product containing nanomaterials
- SEM-FEG-EDX: identification of the size and shape of nanoparticles
- Laser granulometry: counting and particle size distribution
- XRD: structural analysis
- DLS: measurement of nano-emulsions and study of suspension stability by Zeta Potential titration
- BET: measurement of specific surface area
- SP-ICP-MS: nanoparticle detection
A nanomaterial is defined by European cosmetics regulation EC 1223/2009 as ‘an insoluble or biopersistent material, intentionally manufactured and characterised by one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure, on a scale of 1 to 100 nanometres’ (according to ISO 80004).
European cosmetics regulation EC 1223/2009 therefore stipulates that:
- Nanomaterials must be specifically labelled (mention [nano] in the list of ingredients preceded by the INCI ingredient).
- Cosmetic products containing nanomaterials must be notified to the Commission via the European CPNP portal (articles 13 & 16) 6 months before being placed on the market.
At national level, the R-Nano declaration requires the use of nanomaterials to be traced. Whether voluntary or involuntary, the use of nanomaterials must be declared and traced, using state-of-the-art physico-chemical characterisation. As far as the unintentional use of nanoparticles is concerned, the main sources of suspicion are raw materials such as metal oxides and minerals (TiO2, ZnO, SiO2, Fe2O3, CaCO3, etc.).
The characterization of inorganic nanoparticles involves analysing their properties such as size, shape, chemical composition and distribution. These nanoparticles, like those based on metals or oxides, are essential in sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industry to guarantee performance and compliance.
The characterization of nanoparticles aims to identify their morphological properties (size, shape), chemical properties (composition), and their distribution in a sample. These analyses guarantee the quality, safety and optimisation of products in various industrial sectors.
The FILAB laboratory, which specialises in chemical analysis and characterisation of materials, offers in-depth analysis of nanoparticles, including electron microscopy, granulometric, chemical and surface analysis. These studies help to control quality, optimise product performance and meet regulatory requirements.
Tracking analysis of nanoparticles is used to assess their dynamic behaviour, such as dispersion and agglomeration. This helps to control their use in sectors such as medicine, the environment or advanced materials to ensure safety and efficiency.
