Europe

Can cosmetic products be harmful? The path of nanoparticles through mucous membranes and skin membranes by Microscopy Services

Nanoparticles have a bad reputation among the general public. There is great uncertainty as to whether the small particles penetrate the skin and/or mucous membranes, are absorbed by the blood, spread throughout the body and cause illness. Legal requirements regulate the definition of nanoparticles. Cosmetic ingredients in this area must fulfil special safety requirements and proof must be provided that they are ‘nanoparticle-free’.

In our presentation you will receive the following information

– A general introduction to the topic of nanoparticles
– Detection methods of nanoparticles in the electron microscope
– Size-class determination of nanoparticles using scanning and transmission electron microscopy
– Methodological approaches for analysing the uptake of nanoparticles via the mucous membranes: Presentation of the results of a BMBF project
– Penetration studies of nanoparticles into the skin and the possibilities of electron microscopy to analyse them