Nanoparticles—tiny particles sized below 100 nanometers—are everywhere around us, though we cannot see them. They drift invisibly in the air we breathe, originate from natural and industrial processes, and quietly influence both our health and the performance of advanced technologies. For decades, these ultrafine particles (UFPs) remained overlooked, while larger pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 dominated discussions on air quality.

Today, science has made it clear: UFPs pose serious risks to human health and must be treated as a distinct category of pollutants. The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines recognize this, recommending the separate monitoring of respirable nanoparticles. At the same time, industries—from automotive to semiconductors—have realized that nanoparticle contamination can threaten both product quality and workplace safety.

At nanoDUST, our guiding principle—“Because the smallest things matter”—is not just a slogan but a mission. We provide the tools, expertise, and services to ensure that nanoparticles, once invisible and unmeasured, are now at the center of reliable monitoring, safe practices, and sustainable innovation.

The Hidden Health Risks of Nanoparticles

Breathing air polluted with ultrafine particles is far from harmless. Unlike larger particles, UFPs penetrate deep into the lungs, pass into the bloodstream, and can reach sensitive organs—including the brain. Research increasingly associates exposure to these nanoparticles with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular complications, neurodegenerative disorders, and even premature mortality.

For urban populations, common sources include traffic emissions, industrial processes, and domestic heating systems. Brake wear, tire abrasion, and combustion engines all release nanoparticles that linger in the air long after visible pollution has dissipated. For workers in industrial environments, exposure is often more concentrated. Welding, laser processing, and chemical production all generate UFPs that, without adequate monitoring, can compromise occupational health.

The challenge lies in their invisibility. Traditional air pollution monitoring systems are designed for larger particles and miss much of the nanoparticle spectrum. By failing to measure them, we underestimate both their presence and their potential harm. This gap is exactly what nanoDUST’s technologies aim to fill.

Nanoparticles in Medicine and Public Health

While nanoparticles pose risks, they also offer groundbreaking opportunities in healthcare. Medical researchers have harnessed nanoparticles for drug delivery, where treatments can be directed to diseased cells with unprecedented precision. This reduces harmful side effects and improves patient outcomes. Lipid nanoparticles famously became the carriers for mRNA in COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrating how nanoscale science can accelerate solutions in times of crisis.

At the diagnostic level, nanoparticle-enhanced imaging has improved the sensitivity of early disease detection, giving doctors better tools to intervene before conditions worsen. Antimicrobial nanoparticles are also used in coatings for hospital equipment, reducing the spread of infections.

For nanoDUST, the focus is not on therapeutic nanoparticles but on ensuring that airborne ultrafine particles do not compromise public health. By equipping policymakers, industries, and researchers with accurate monitoring data, we help build environments that are healthier and more resilient to the risks posed by UFPs.

Industrial Nanoparticles: Invisible Challenges in Production

Nanoparticles are not just a health issue—they are an industrial challenge. In many production processes, nanoparticles are both a byproduct and a quality concern.

In the automotive industry, for instance, nanoparticles are released from combustion engines, brake wear, and exhaust after-treatment systems. Measuring these emissions is vital for compliance with tightening environmental regulations and for protecting workers.

In the semiconductor and electronics industry, contamination by nanoparticles can ruin delicate microchips and components. Cleanrooms must therefore meet stringent air quality standards. Ensuring that these standards are met requires precision instruments capable of detecting particles at the very edge of visibility.

In the construction industry, nanoparticle-enhanced cement and coatings deliver stronger, more durable materials—but their production processes also release ultrafine dust that needs to be carefully managed.

By integrating nanoparticle measurement into production workflows, industries not only safeguard health but also improve product quality and reduce costly defects.

nanoDUST’s Technology: From Research to Real-World Monitoring

To meet these challenges, nanoDUST has developed a range of innovative solutions.

The AirPN10 is one of our flagship products. Compact and user-friendly, it measures real-time concentrations of nanoparticles down to 10 nanometers, providing data on both number and size distribution. This level of precision allows industries and researchers to trace the sources of emissions, monitor personal exposure, and comply with environmental guidelines. Its automation and long-term stability make it ideal for continuous monitoring, whether in urban air networks or industrial workplaces.

For calibration and testing, tools like the AerosolSwitch and the Sootgenerator ensure that instruments provide accurate, bias-free results. The AerosolSwitch automates sample comparisons, while the Sootgenerator creates controlled nanoparticle environments for laboratory calibration.

In cleanroom environments, nanoDUST offers particle counters that meet ISO 14644 and EU-GMP standards, providing assurance in industries where air purity is non-negotiable.

Together, these solutions transform nanoparticle monitoring from a research exercise into a practical, industrially robust process.

EngineeringHub: End-to-End Expertise

Technology is only part of the equation. Equally important is the expertise behind it. That is why nanoDUST created the EngineeringHub—a platform that combines consulting, test bench development, sensor integration, and data analysis.

Through the EngineeringHub, we work with clients to design solutions tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s calibrating sensors for industrial compliance, developing new test benches for automotive emissions, or integrating monitoring into smart building systems, the EngineeringHub brings together an interdisciplinary team to solve complex challenges quickly and effectively.

This approach ensures that nanoDUST is not just a provider of instruments, but a partner in building safe and sustainable nanoparticle management strategies.

Sustainability and Responsibility in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology must advance with responsibility. While nanoparticles offer powerful benefits in industry and healthcare, their environmental and health impacts must be understood and managed. Improper disposal, unregulated exposure, and lack of global standards can pose risks if not addressed proactively.

At nanoDUST, we are committed to sustainable nanotechnology. This means not only developing tools to measure nanoparticles but also contributing to the global dialogue on regulations, safety protocols, and best practices. By combining innovation with responsibility, we help ensure that nanotechnology contributes positively to society without creating hidden costs for future generations.

Conclusion: The Future of Nanoparticle Monitoring

Nanoparticles may be invisible, but their impact is undeniable. From the air we breathe to the products we manufacture, these tiny particles shape our health, our industries, and our environment. By measuring and understanding them, we take the first step toward controlling them.

At nanoDUST, we are proud to lead this transformation. Through advanced instruments like AirPN10, calibration tools such as AerosolSwitch and Sootgenerator, and the holistic services of our EngineeringHub, we are making the invisible visible—and turning knowledge into action.

The future belongs to those who not only harness the power of nanoparticles but also manage their risks responsibly. With science, innovation, and sustainability at the core of our work, nanoDUST stands ready to shape that future.