The mission of the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) of the European Commission Joint Research Centre is to provide scientific and technical support to the EU policies for the protection of the interests and health of European citizens in the areas of food, consumer products, chemicals and public health. The Systems Toxicology Unit as part of IHCP is launching a call for tender for the purchase of a High Throughput Multiprobe Sonicator for nanomaterial dispersion and compound solubilisation in liquid media. The sonicator will be integrated into the existing robotic platform Hamilton of the High Throughput Screening facility, and will also have the possibility to serve as a standalone device. The sonicator shall allow the parallel direct sonication in all wells of standard 96 and 384 (or custom formatted) well-plates.

Framework contract for the provision of the maintenance service on Hamilton analytical instrument in scientific laboratories

The IHCP/NBS unit is working in the framework of the institutional project Nanobiosciences (Action 15024). The objectives of this project include work on the toxicity and biokinetics of nanoparticles, in addition to a range of other fields such as biosensors and medical isotope production. In this framework, the institute plans to purchase a multipurpose cellular imaging system to expand the actual image analysis capabilities towards automatization and high-content screening. The purchase instrument shall be capable to simultaneously analyze morphological parameters, as well as multiple markers, within the same cell. It shall be capable to analyze interactions as they happen and gain insights into complex mechanisms.

The IRMM requires the procurement of an instrument for rapid quantification of viruses in liquid samples. The virus counter shall be a specialized flow cytometer that uses high-sensitivity fluorescence detection to give a direct measurement of the concentration of virus particles.

The Institute for Transuranium Elements plans the purchase an extension of the existing Surface Science Lab Station. The extension consists of a High Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectrometer (HREELS), a double Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), a Bremsstrahlung Isochromat Detector (BIS), a XPS Micro-focus option, and a UHV Kelvin probe. The tender is divided into 4 lots: Lot 1. HREELS Lot 2. AFM Lot 3. Extensions to SPECS FOCUS 600 Lot 4. Kelvin Probe

Photographic Equipment for ELSA's experimental activities, field missions and optical metrology

Supply of a peptide synthesizer, including installation, validation, training and maintenance.

Pseudolite-based Indoor Navigation Test-bed

The IHCP/ Nanobioscience (NBS) unit is working in the framework of the institutional project Nanobiosciences. The objectives of this project include work on the toxicity and biokinetics of nanoparticles detection of nanomaterials in complex matrices (e.g. food, cosmetics…), in addition to a range of other fields such as biosensors and medical isotope production. In this framework, the institute has purchased in 2001 a surface science analysis station purchased in 2001 (Kratos Contract n. 18073-01-12 F1FM ISP GB) inclusive of a Kratos Axis Ultra XPS Spectrometer, a load-lock and a radial UHV transfer chamber connected to a TOFIV mass spectrometer. The system is operating at UHV (p<10-9Torr) and allows analysis in situ of surfaces with high sensitivity. It is used mainly within the Nanobiosciences action and in several share cost action projects. The TOFIV module includes a Bi cluster source that allows analysis of surface chemistry with high sensitivity and lateral resolution. However, the system is lacking in the detection and analysis of nanomaterials in complex matrices such as organic polymers, food and food contact materials. For this, the institute plans to upgrade the TOFIV module with a Gas Cluster Sources that will allow dual beam depth profiling and 3D analysis.

The Institute for Transuranium Elements plans the purchase of a SQUID magnetometer for magnetic studies of actinide materials. The device shall include a SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) with the Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) technology, for precise dc-magnetic measurements, an ac-susceptibility system, an integrated cryo-cooling system allowing to work at very low temperatures (2K) with minimal helium losses, a superconducting coil allowing to apply stable magnetic fields up to 7T, a personal computer with hard- and soft- wares for instrument control, as well as all ancillary equipment necessary for operating the instrument. The purchase comprises the manufacture and installation at the ITU premises. The purchase shall cover the delivery and installation of the complete equipment, including training.

Regarding the development and production of certified reference materials for (nano)particle characterisation methods, the Standards for Innovation and Sustainable Development Unit of JRC-IRMM requires the supply, maintenance and installation of a particle tracking analysis instrument. Such instrument analyses suspensions and provide results for different metrics such as particle size, zeta potential and particle concentration.

JRC-Ispra intends to place a contract for the treatment of its bituminised drums waste stream and associated radioactive waste aimed at the overall minimization of the final waste package volume and the minimization of total organic content.