Nanotechnology is combined with physico-chemical principles of biorecognition to develop concepts and prototypes for targeted enrichment of biomarkers (nucleic acids, proteins) from human samples and their enhanced detection. Various in vitro diagnostic developments can benefit from the multi-disciplinary expertise within VITO on nanomaterial characterization, biofunctionalization, molecular interaction studies, and preclinical models and assays.

Our risk assessment experience and competence is based on best scientific practices and performed with the aim to prevent and/or reduce potential risks associated with the occurance of chemical compunds in the environment and associated risks to human health. We use flexible modelling tools that allow us to simulate the fate of chemicals in the environment and the potentially resulting external and internal exposure to humans. Potential health problems are identified and remedial, innovative and tailor-made optimization measures are suggested.

VITO has an Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) platform with three ALI exposure modules: two commercial systems for bronchial studies and one in-house developed system for lower airway studies. The ALI technology can be used for screening of human health impact of e.g. airborne particulates/nanoparticles; consumer products; environmental/occupational chemicals; and pharmaceuticals.

VITO has the knowledge and the unique infrastructure that allows to generate precise and stable, dry or humid, test gas atmospheres.  All generated gas flows are controlled by means of Mass Flow Controllers (MFC) which are calibrated against primary standards. Different VOC’s  are  generated in clean air or nitrogen using a capillary dosage system. The generation of inorganic gases is executed by using certified gas bottles or pure liquids. The gas generation platform is the core technology of the Round Robin tests organized every year by VITO, under Belac Accreditation.

VITO analyses very volatile, volatile and semi – volatile  organic compounds with GC-MS and GC-FID. A state of the art  GC lab is equiped with different configurations: gas sampling valves, chemical and thermal desorption injectors, polar/apolar columns and MS/FID detectors. Passive or active air sampling can be executed by general or compound specific adsorbents or by inert canisters. Direct reading instruments for organic and anorganic compounds can be deployed for online monitoring.

Health promotion means empowering citizens. If people take up the responsibility for their own health, they should be assisted in making informed choices on their lifestyle and behaviour. VITO is building out a strategy for intensive participation of the people investigated in it’s longitudinal studies. We are building a healthy pioneer-community for our participants, giving them feedback on their health while respecting data-ownership, in line with GDPR. During this entire process, we have special attention on health literacy.

Our deep learning experts within the AI4HEALTH team have a strong background in medical image analysis. They are specialized in enhancing and quantifying model trustworthiness, as well as increasing model robustness and generalizability. 

Our aim is to gather big insights while focussing on the small things. Our expertise in molecular profiling by transcriptomics, epigenetics, and metabolomics is used to reveal the subtile differences between healthy people and people at risk to develop chronic diseases.

We have a complementary team with the necessary knowledge and expertise to all application areas relevant for population research to assure a high quality approach. We are experts in study design, data management, statistical analyses, legislation on pricacy, and have access to in-house tools to perform the research efficiently. During the years, we have developed in-house tools to efficiently and qualitively support this process from beginning to end.