Bionanodevices in Bionanotechnology
February 11th, 2007Bionanotechnology is basically aimed at fabricating a molecule element at the nanolevel and the development of such biomolecule structure having the desired activities. The basic goal of the bionanodevices includes the biosystem that will recognize the biomolecular assemblies and molecular motors, production of nanomaterials and auto nano materials, modeling and simulation and application developments.
The application developments of the nanotechnology, although at a very beginning stage includes a thorough study to verify the predicted parameters based on the data obtained through simulation and modeling has to be carried out under actual environment. The predicted properties especially for macroscale and nanoscale behavior in modeling and simulation if verified during the actual application will only boost the bionanotechnology applications in the coming years.
Nanoclusters are especially recommended as these have higher extinction coefficient than the organic or inorganic chromophores and are widely used in employing cluster resonance or cluster field enhancement devices. Some of the nanocluster devices having nanospecific properties such as high and selective optical absorption can be used for biochips, filters, solar absorbers or colors. Similarly if the nanospecific property of the nanoclusters device is large specific area, it can be used as a catalytic device or it can also be used in sensors. Further a nanomaterial having large surface area can be used in heat exchangers.
Some of the critical biotechnology areas will include the use of nanodevices or quantum devices for detection of very small sensitive structure, nanomaterial that can self assemble and process, nanomaterial that can be programmed with optical or thermal properties etc. Nanocluster devices are designed keeping in mind with the specific property is taken care of as it is only the nanospecific property of nanomaterials that gives it the usage.
Nanotechnology in the Automotive Industry
February 11th, 2007Nanoparticle technology is being used in the automotive industry to protect engines and enable them to perform better. Ford Motor company announced recently that it is using a device called the Local Electrode Atom Probe to conduct research into making metals and plastics lighter and stronger. The device works at the atomic scale and is useful for removing atoms from metallic surfaces as well as locating the position of the atoms on those surfaces. This use of Nanotechnology enables Ford to effectively analyze the surfaces of plastics and metals at the molecular level.
One way that Nanoparticles are being used are as “fillers” for metals and plastics, with the effect of increasing the strength of the produced materials while reducing their weight in the process. The end products can then be used to create aluminum castings for engine blocks. The engines perform better as a result. As well, researchers are looking into ways that Nanoparticles can be added to glass and paints to enable them to better withstand radiation and provide self-cleaning mechanisms.
Ford is using Nanoparticles to improve the operating efficiency of car liquids. These Nanoparticles have been reconstituted into liquids called Nanofluids. When poured into engine oil, lubricants, transmission fluids and coolants, the Nanofluids improve the overall properties of the liquids, leading to reduced friction and enabling them to function more effectively at various temperatures.
Given that Ford has had significant financial woes recently, this investment in Nanotechnology is certainly a good sign. Ford is predicting that by 2015, Nanomaterials will be used in 70% of its production materials. Ford may very well become a leader in the automotive industry again.
Use of bioconjugated silica nanoparticles in bioanalysis
February 5th, 2007In the recent past various scientists have initiated work on the use of bionanomaterials. There is a great potential for luminescent nanoparticles in bioanalysis as these particles have unique optical properties. In comparison to the traditional fluorescence labeling techniques these luminescent nanoparticles labeling methods are much more accurate and provides enhanced detectable signals. To make the effective use of these nanoparticles, conjugation of biomolecules to the luminescent probe is accurately done.
The silica based nanoparticles find its use in bioanalysis if these are conjugated to recognize biocomponents. In the conjugation process, special elements those interact with the analytes are carefully selected. Using various methods these elements can suitably attached to the silica nanoparticle surface. There are several biochemical binding approaches for modifying the silica nanoparticle surfaces to contain functional groups.
These functional groups are useful for further modification in surface and biomolecule immobilization. So far the research has been successfully completed on biochemical groups including amines, carboxyls, thiols, however various other molecules including oligonucleotides, enzymes and other proteins are being used for immobilizing onto the nanoparticles.
The common methods used for synthesis of nanoparticles are Stober and reverse microemulsion methods. The main disadvantage of Stober method of synthesis is that produces relatively large nonuniform nanoparticles, however it takes short time for synthesis. Reverse microemulsion method produces smaller size nanoparticles and therefore this method is widely used for producing nanoparticles. Reverse microemulsion or water in oil emulsion uses large volume of oil and small volume preferably below less than 20% water and surfactants or emulsifiers.
There are a lot of applications where these biconjugated silica nanoparticles can be used. Although the work is still at preliminary stage of research, however in future these can successfully be used in detecting leukemia cells, detection of pathogenic bacteria , DNA analysis and many other biological applications. In the coming decades, the bionanotechnology may take us to the new heights in identifying and monitoring various diseases.
FDA Task Force on Nanotechnology
January 30th, 2007Nanomaterials are widely being used in various products as these nanomaterials have distinct properties than the parent materials. The properties differ not only in physical and chemical activities but in biological activity also. There are various drug and food categories where nanomaterials can find a useful contribution. Sometimes due to their different characteristics, these nanometerials may have an adverse affect on human health.
To study the biological affect of nanomaterials on humans, FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) has recently announced formation of an internal task force group on nanotechnology. The task force will not only address the policy gaps but will also evaluate the possible side effects of various products that uses nanomaterials. The task force will also ensure to encourage the use of safe and effective nanomaterials used in various FDA regulated products. FDA will also continue to address various issues involved in the nanomaterial containing FDA regulated products on regular basis.
FDA will also assess the current scientific knowledge on nanomaterials and will also collaborate with other national agencies including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institute of Health (NIH) and Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA). FDA will also get feedback from consumers, international agencies and other professionals from health and food industries. FDA will also develop the culture of developing superior nanomaterials that can be used for developing safe drugs.
Biodegradable nanomaterials for reverting brain injuries
January 27th, 2007Scientists at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have created a synthetic biodegradable nanomaterials that is useful in many regeneration processes such as regenerating the broken neural related activities. There are a number of brain related problems such as hearing problem, speech problem or blindness where the problems are caused by broken neuronal paths. Scientists believe reconnecting these broken pathways will pave the neuronal paths and thus humans will recover from the diseases.
The synthetic biodegradable nanoparticle acts a s a catalyst in regeneration process and substance containing these nanoparticles is also known as SAPNS if applied to the brain injured species will automatically be eliminated. The research at MIT was carried out on hamsters and some tests to verify the claims have already been carried out. Young and adult hamsters were artificially injured on nerve tract or vision system and were thus made blind and immediately applied the substance containing biodegradable nanoparticles.
As per the claims made by scientists, the results were encouraging and the vision of the young and adult hamsters started improving within 24 hours. After six week period the vision returned to 40 to 80 percent of that of the normal hamster. The nanomaterials is expected to do the similar job in humans and it will help restore the sensory related problems in patients suffering from brain strokes or spinal cord injuries.
