Nanoparticle characterization and analysis in a laboratory
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
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).
Carbon-based, they are biocompatible and biodegradable. They are used in drug delivery, food preservation and biotechnology. Examples: lipid nanoparticles, chitin.
Combining organic and inorganic materials, they combine versatility and performance for medical imaging, intelligent materials and pollutant detection.
Nanoparticle analysis and testing services
At FILAB, we provide advanced nanoparticle analysis and nanoparticle testing services to help industries better understand the composition, structure, and behavior of their nanomaterials. Whether you’re working on regulatory compliance, R&D, product development, or quality control, our laboratory offers a full suite of analytical techniques tailored to your specific needs.
Thanks to our ISO 17025-accredited facilities and a multidisciplinary team of experts, we deliver high-precision testing that supports informed decision-making and ensures the safety and performance of your products at the nanoscale.
The importance of nanoparticle characterization
As the use of nanomaterials grows across various sectors—including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, and advanced materials—so does the need for in-depth nanoparticle testing. Accurate characterization allows manufacturers to validate particle size, morphology, surface properties, and chemical composition. These parameters are critical for predicting how a material will behave in real-world applications, how it interacts with biological systems, or how it complies with international regulations.
For example, in pharmaceuticals and biotech, analyzing nanoparticles helps ensure drug delivery efficiency and bioavailability. In cosmetics, it ensures product safety and consumer transparency. And in materials science, precise testing supports innovation and performance optimization.
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.
Performance optimisation: adapting the properties of nanoparticles to improve product efficacy, for example by adjusting particle size to influence bioavailability in drugs
Technological innovation: developing new materials and applications by understanding and manipulating the unique properties of nanoparticles
Regulatory compliance: complying with current standards on the use of nanoparticles, such as those established by the European Pharmacopoeia
Quality control: detecting and identifying undesirable particles or contamination in products to guarantee their purity and quality
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:
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.
Analytical techniques we use
To meet the challenges of nanoparticle analysis, FILAB uses a broad range of high-performance techniques. Among the most common is Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), which helps determine particle size distribution in a liquid medium. We also use Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to visualize the shape, structure, and agglomeration state of nanoparticles with nanometric resolution.
For surface and chemical analysis, techniques such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) allow us to identify and quantify surface composition and functional groups. When understanding porosity and surface area is key, we apply BET analysis, while Zeta potential measurements give insight into surface charge and colloidal stability.
Each test is selected based on your objectives: regulatory, technical, or scientific. Our team works closely with clients to build testing strategies that align with product development cycles and compliance requirements.
Compliance and regulatory testing
FILAB supports your regulatory submissions with robust nanoparticle testing data. Whether you’re preparing a dossier under REACH, responding to FDA guidelines, or aligning with international standards like ISO/TR 13014 or ISO/TS 80004, we ensure that your analysis is documented, traceable, and audit-ready.
We help you determine whether your material qualifies as a nanomaterial under EU or US definitions and provide the testing necessary to prove compliance with size thresholds, specific surface area, and nanoform characterization. Our laboratory can also assist in the preparation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Nanoform identification for ECHA submissions.
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.
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.
*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)
Industries we serve
Our nanoparticle characterization services are used by companies across a wide range of sectors. From pharmaceutical firms seeking reliable data on drug carriers, to cosmetics brands looking to comply with strict ingredient transparency rules, our lab adapts to your challenges. We also work with clients in advanced materials, energy storage, coatings, aerospace, and 3D printing, providing not only analytical services but also technical consulting when needed.
Use of nanoparticles in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
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.
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.
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.
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
Development and validation of analytical procedures specific to nanoparticles
Literature and regulatory reviews
FAQ
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.
Nanoparticle analysis refers to a set of laboratory techniques used to determine the physical, chemical, and structural properties of particles at the nanoscale (typically below 100 nm). These analyses are essential to evaluate particle size, shape, composition, surface area, dispersion stability, and more. They help ensure that nanomaterials are safe, effective, and compliant with applicable regulations.
Nanoparticle testing is crucial for verifying that materials meet specific performance, safety, and regulatory standards. For example, regulatory bodies such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) or the FDA require detailed nanoparticle characterization for product approval. Testing also helps in understanding the behavior of nanoparticles in different environments, supporting both product development and risk assessment.
At FILAB, we use a wide range of techniques for nanoparticle testing, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM), BET surface area analysis, XPS, FTIR, and Zeta potential measurements. Each technique provides unique insights into particle size distribution, morphology, surface charge, chemical composition, and more.
Yes, if your substance contains particles in the nano range, you may be required to demonstrate that it qualifies—or not—as a nanomaterial under REACH Annex VI. Specific testing such as size distribution, specific surface area (BET), and nanoform identification is often necessary for regulatory compliance in the EU.
Absolutely. FILAB provides analytical support for regulatory submissions including REACH, CLP, and FDA requirements. We offer nanoparticle testing services aligned with ISO/TR 13014, ISO/TS 80004, and OECD guidelines, and help prepare documentation required for nanoform registration and SDS.
Turnaround times depend on the complexity and number of analyses required, but most nanoparticle testing projects at FILAB are completed within 5 to 15 working days. Urgent projects can often be expedited upon request.
