Imprinted Polymer Inverse Opals for the Detection of Nanoparticles

Because of their small size, nanoparticles present specific properties and are extensively present in our everyday life. They are used in many industrial fields (paintings, cosmetics, food industry). Toxicity and especially eco-toxicity of these particles are not well-known yet and further data on their impact on human health and on the environment are absolutely needed. Nevertheless, effects such as airway inflammation or disruption of neuronal functions have been established by experiments on animals. Consequently, the development of sensitive devices for measuring exposure to nanoparticles with selective recognition and size measurement is absolutely needed.