Regulatory and technical challenges in the size characterization of nanoparticulate systems

The last decades' progress in particle separation techniques has contributed—and is expected to still contribute—to tackling challenges in nanoparticle sizing and improve the reliability of size characterization methods by allowing the analysis of size fractions as well as by the separation of nanoparticles from complex matrices. These advancements in nanoparticle sizing have been crucial in supporting the needs of regulatory bodies and giving the chemical industry the tools necessary for product development, quality control, and also for compliance with legal requirements. Similarly, the emerging challenge of the identification and quantification of submicron plastic particles detected in the environment and in consumer products is still expected to trigger further developments both in the particle separation and sizing fields.