The biomaterials and inhaled particles platform of the Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering at Mines Saint-Étienne is dedicated to the study of aerosols and inhaled particles, focusing on their physicochemical characterization and their interactions with biological systems. This platform offers state-of-the-art facilities to analyze aerosol deposits, evaluate the biological activity of nanoparticles, and test the effectiveness of medical devices related to aerosol therapy.
Platform Objectives
- Characterize the physicochemical properties of particles and nanoparticles (size, morphology, charge, reactivity).
- Study the deposition and fate of aerosols in the respiratory tract using anatomical (chimeric) and numerical models.
- Assess the toxicity and biological activity of inhaled particles on cellular models (oxidative stress and inflammation tests).
- Optimize aerosol therapy by testing the effectiveness of medical devices (nebulizers, inhalers).
- Certify bacterial and viral filtration efficiency of protective devices (FFP2 masks, surgical masks).
Equipment and Techniques
The platform has a variety of specialized equipment to carry out its missions.
- Laboratoire en dépression pour la manipulation sécurisée de nanoparticules ou de bioaérosols (ZRR)
- Nano fume hoods
- Glove box
- Bacteriology laboratory (ZRR)
- Microbiological safety cabinets (MSC)
- Incubators
- Automatic colony counter
- Viable cascade impactors
- Cell culture laboratory
- MSC
- CO₂ incubators
- Microscopes
- General techniques laboratory
- Fume hoods
- Microwave oven
- Nanozetasizer
- Centrifuges and ultracentrifuge
- Spectrophotometer and fluorimeter
- Tools for biological assays
- Aerosol metrology laboratory (ZRR)
- Fume hoods and extraction arms
- Respiratory pumps
- Vaping robot
- Instrumented syringe
- Cascade impactors (ELPI, DLPI, ACI, NGI, GTI)
Software Tools
- BIOPAC
Platform for biological data acquisition and analysis.
Services and Expertise
- Evaluation of the biological activity of nanoparticles
Analysis of the toxicity and biological effects of nanoparticles in various environments. - Detection and characterization of nanoparticles in biological media
Identification and analysis of nanoparticles present in biological samples. - Characterization of medical devices for aerosol therapy
Performance evaluation of inhalers and other aerosol delivery devices. - Characterization of the bacterial filtration efficiency of masks
Tests to determine the ability of masks to filter bacteria and viruses. - Aerosol deposition mapping on chimeric models
Study of particle distribution in anatomical models to optimize inhalation therapies.
Project Examples
- Characterization and evaluation of the biological activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles before and after UV irradiation
Study of changes in nanoparticle properties under the effect of irradiation and their biological impact. - Evaluation of bacterial and viral filtration efficiency of medical masks against COVID-19
Tests conducted to verify the protection offered by masks against pathogens.
Partnerships and Impact
The biomaterials and inhaled particles platform collaborates closely with academic, hospital, and industrial partners, including:
- CHU de Saint-Étienne (Saint-Étienne University Hospital)
- Université Jean Monnet
- Michelin
- CEA
- Dassault
- INRS
- LNE
- Mines ParisTech
- Mines Alès
- Bolton University (UK)
- University of Turin (Italy)
- Anses
These collaborations strengthen the platform’s impact in the fields of public health, occupational safety, and the development of innovative medical devices.
Contact
Head of the biomaterials and inhaled particles platform.
The Biomaterials and Inhaled Particles Platform plays an essential role in understanding the interactions between inhaled particles and biological systems. Thanks to its state-of-the-art equipment and interdisciplinary expertise, it contributes to the development of innovative solutions for aerosol therapy, the assessment of risks related to nanoparticles, and the improvement of personal protective equipment.