NanoSpain2010 -Malaga, Spain

Dear Colleague,

Please find enclosed information about NanoSpain2010 (Malaga, Spain): March 23-26, 2010: http://www.nanospainconf.org/2010/index.php?conf=10
Next year, this conference will collaborate again with the 3 following networks to enhance collaborations in the South of Europe: Nanospain, PortugalNano and C’Nano GSO.

This year we have chosen Malaga for NanoSpain2010. This edition will be organised in Malaga to emphasise the importance at the Spanish and European level of the launch of the Multidisciplinary Research Centre in Biotechnology and Nanomedicine – Bionand. This center, to be inaugurated in 2010, came into existence at the instigation of “Consejerías de Salud e Innovación de la Junta, Universidad de Málaga and Fundación Imabis” and its ambition is to become one of Europe’s top centre for innovation and expertise in these areas.
This high-level scientific meeting series aims to present a broad range of current research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology as well as related local policies or other kind of initiatives.

- Accommodation

The official travel agency for Nanospain2010 will be “Viajes El Corte Ingles”. Available hotels are listed in the website (http://www.nanospainconf.org/2010/accommodation.php?conf=10).
Please book your hotel as soon as possible – nº of rooms available in each official hotel is also provided.

Participants booking their room in one of the official hotels (using the Hotel Registration Form provided in the conference WEB site – mandatory: http://www.nanospainconf.org/Files/Accommodation_Form_NANOSPAIN2010.doc) will be able to use the shuttle buses to and from the conference location (Trade Fair and Congress Center of Malaga).

- Registration

Registration form available at – http://www.nanospainconf.org/2010/registration_indexB.php?conf=10): Payment by bank transfer and credit card available.
For payment by bank transfer: please send a copy of your bank transfer by fax (+34 91 4973471).
Only fully registered participants (with payment processed) will appear in the list of participants.

Nanospain2010 Extended Deadlines:
Abstract Submission (Oral request): February 03, 2010 (CLOSED)
Student Grant (Travel bursary) Request: February 03, 2010 (Only Portuguese students)
Author Submission Acceptance Notification: February 11, 2010
Student Grant Notification: February 11, 2010
Early Bird Registration Fee: February 22, 2010
Abstract Submission (Poster-Flash): February 22, 2010
Limited number of “Poster-Flash” slots – on the basis “First come – First served”
Abstract Submission (Poster request): March 05, 2010

Confirmed Invited Speakers (9):
Lajos P. Balogh (University of Buffalo, USA) – NanoBiotechnology/Nanomedicine
Leonhard Grill (Freie Universität Berlin, Germany) – Molecular Electronics
Raoul Kopelman (The University of Michigan, USA) – NanoBiotechnology/Nanomedicine
Philippe Leclere (Université de Mons/Materia Nova, Belgium) – SPM & Modelling
Hans Peter Oepen (University Hamburg, Germany) – Nanomagnetism
Danny Porath (Hebrew University, Israel) – SPM
Stephan Roche (CEA-INAC, France) – Graphene/Carbon Nanotubes
Mihail Roco (NNI and NSF, USA) – Scientific Policy
Christof Woell (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Germany) – Nanochemistry

Please check regularly the Nanospain2010 Web Site for updates: http://www.nanospainconf.org/2010/index.php?conf=10

Please, if you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards

Jose Luis Roldán Hernandez
PHANTOMS Foundation
* Universidad Autonoma de Madrid – Parque Cientifico de Madrid
Pabellon C-1ª planta – 28049 Madrid, Spain
( 91 497 34 64 (Madrid)
( 979 74 11 67 (Palencia)
FAX: 91 497 34 71
e-mail: jlroldan@phantomsnet.net

http://www.nanospain.org

http://www.phantomsnet.net

Nanospain2010 – http://www.nanospainconf.org/2010/index.php?conf=10
CEN2010 – http://www.phantomsnet.net/cen2010/index.php?p=1
TNT2010 – http://www.tntconf.org/2010/index.php?conf=10

Start-up prints electroluminescent computer animations on flexible surfaces for advertising and Start-up prints electroluminescent computer animations on flexible surfaces for advertising and packaging market market

Start-up prints electroluminescent computer animations on flexible surfaces for advertising and packaging market

Hasselt, Belgium – November 17, 2009 – The nanoelectronics research center IMEC, Hasselt University and the Belgian screen printing company Artist Screen announce the start of their spin-off Lumoza NV. The new company develops and commercializes large area screen printed electronics for the advertising and packaging industry.

Lumoza’s technology for large area screen printed electronics combines electroluminescent ink with a driver that controls the sequence and timing of the animation. The result is an electroluminescent computer animation that can be printed, just like ink, on all kind of surfaces, for example on a thin plastic foil. And afterwards, folded, rolled up, bended or wrapped.

Application opportunities for Lumoza’s printed electronics are infinite: luminous ceilings or furniture, innovative packaging, animated printed bill boards, clothing, or vehicle coating, etc. Wouter Moons, CEO of Lumoza: “In this first phase, we address the advertising and packaging industry. Both are continuously looking for innovative products. The dvd-packaging industry has already shown interest, as they are looking for new appealing packaging alternatives. On the longer term, more sustained applications are envisioned, for example in the construction industry.”

The creation of Lumoza perfectly suits the open innovation vision of its founding fathers: IMEC, Hasselt University and Artist Screen. The innovative R&D activities of Hasselt University and IMEC, combined with the production expertise of Artist Screen offer a perfect harmony between innovation and production. IMEC and Hasselt University have an elaborate track record on printable electronics. Prof. dr. Dirk Vanderzande and prof. dr. Jean Manca have been focusing their research and development on the printability of plastic electronics for several years.. The Belgian screen printing company Artist Screen is particularly experienced in printing on pvc. Artist Screen offers the start-up immediate production capacity and access to two important markets: packaging and advertising. These two markets are ideal for Lumoza since it is immediately able to apply reasonably simple and mature technology.

About IMEC

IMEC performs world-leading research in nanotechnology. IMEC leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its industrial partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. IMEC delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society.

IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1,650 people include over 550 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2008, IMEC’s revenue (P&L) was 270 million euro.

Further information on IMEC can be found at www.imec.be.

About Hasselt University

At Hasselt University fundamental and applied research are closely linked and focused on well-chosen spearhead fields. Thus, the top research activities in our research institutes contribute to essential innovation. In the (Eu)region, Hasselt University is one of the driving forces for the knowledge economy. The university coaches young people to become entrepreneurs and leaders for the future knowledge economy. More information about the unique Hasselt University approach on http://www1.uhasselt.be/techtransfer_en.

The Institute for Materials research (IMO) from the Hasselt University and IMOMEC, the associated laboratory from IMEC, work in close collaboration.. IMO-IMOMEC´s core competence is the development and characterization of new material systems with potential use in microelectronics, optoelectronics, bioelectronics and nanotechology. More information about IMO-IMOMEC on http://www.imo.uhasselt.be/.

About Artist Screen

Artist Screen from Dilsen-Lanklaar (Belgium) was established 30 years ago by Hans Zanders. It is a leading company on screen printing and refinement of printed matters. The company counts 17 employees and grows continuously every year.

Contact:
Lumoza: Wouter Moons, CEO Lumoza, M: +32 (0)478 54 28 48, wouter.moons@lumoza.be
IMEC : Hanne Degans, Press Officer, T: +32 16 28 17 69, Mobile : +32 486 065 175, hanne.degans@imec.be
UHasselt: Contact UHasselt: Prof. dr. Jean Manca, IMO-IMOMEC, UHasselt, T: + 32 (0)11 268879, jean.manca@uhasselt.be, Prof. dr. Dirk Vanderzande, T: + 32(0) 11 268321 en dr Ann-Pascale Bijnens, Tech Transfer UHasselt, M: + 32 (0) 494 180 414, annpascale.bijnens@uhasselt.be
Artist Screen: Hans Zander, CEO Artist screen, M: +32 (0)499 07 01 97, h.zander@artistscreen.be

IMEC is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a “stichting van openbaar nut”), IMEC in Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), stichting IMEC Nederland (IMEC-NL) and IMEC Taiwan Co. (IMEC-TW).

Report on 5th International NanoRegulation Conference Now Available

The 5th Int. NanoRegulation Conference took place in Rapperswil, Switzerland, and tackled the issue of “No Data, no Market?” – Challenges to Nano-Information and Nano-Communication along the Value Chain. During the two-days Conference, a number of leading nanotechnology stakeholders presented their views and expectations regarding information and data exchange along the value chain, and discussed possible approaches to the problem in workshops.
The debate during the NanoRegulation Conference revealed an clear and urgent need for a coordinated information transfer of relevant nanospecific data along the value chain. It became obvious that especially consumer-near goods containing manufactured nanomaterials will have to be labelled in some form sooner or later due to growing pressure from the European Parliament as well as from consumer organizations. However, there are concerns that such nano-labelling could be misunderstood as an indication of hazard, thereby raising new and potentially unnecessary fears among the consumers.

The Conference report which has been released now outlines the positions from the participating stakeholders from industry, authorities and various NGOs and international organisations. On the second day, a series of parallel workshops covered the issues of “nano labelling in consumer products”, “HSE relevant information flow to downstream users and authorities” and “adapting the MSDS to the requirements of the nanoscale”. The vivid discussions which took place in the workshops are summarised in the Conference report.

In its introductory part, Dr. Christoph Meili from the Innovation Society Ltd. (St.Gallen) proposes a model of a “Nanotechnology Information Pyramid” as an approach to frame and further deepen the discussion about the “No Data, no Market” problem which is presented by the gaps in the transfer of safety data along the nanotechnology value chain. The “Nano Information Pyramid” proposal is included in the NanoRegulation Conference report and also available as a separate document.

If you are interested in the outcomes of the conference and the detailed positions of the participating stakeholders, you may want to download the conference report which is now available at no charge under the following link:

http://www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch/index.php?page=115

Source: Innovation Society

Nanotechnology Holds Promise, but Scrutiny of the Health and Safety Issues is Required – Report Frost & Sullivan

Nanotechnology Holds Promise, but Scrutiny of the Health and Safety Issues is Required

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /PRNewswire/ – The advent of nanotechnology on the modern landscape has dramatically changed the shape, size, quality, cost, and efficiency of various applications. Nanotechnology is believed to be the most path-breaking technology, with this market expected to reach $1 trillion by 2015. The remarkable properties of the various nanomaterials have caught the attention of scientists, researchers, and manufacturers alike, and ongoing research activities are underway to harness their potential for the overall betterment of society.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.technicalinsights.frost.com), Nanotechnology–Assessment of Health Safety and Environmental Factors, finds that several research studies undertaken in the recent past have thrown up mixed results on the negative impacts of nanotechnology. The regulatory bodies in the world have started working toward the development of an extensive risk assessment model that could fit in the risk-related studies of all nanomaterials.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure for this study, send an e-mail to Sarah Saatzer, at sarah.saatzer@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

“As the technology is still in the nascent stages, it is vital to conduct comprehensive studies on human health, workers’ safety and environmental (HSE) aspects,” notes Technical Insights Research Analyst Rajaram Vijayan. “Several governmental, non-governmental, private, and non-profit organizations have been collaborating with various research entities and academia across the globe to assess the risks involved in nanotechnology.”

HSE studies would enable improved understanding of the true nature of this technology, and enhance living conditions.

The commercialization of any technology depends on a comprehensive study of the lifecycle assessment (LCA) of the manufactured products in order to examine its plausible negative effects on humans and the environment. LCA studies will pave way for the development of solutions to counter the negative aspects of these products. Although all materials have been tested and standardized by the various governing or regulatory bodies, the size ranges of engineered nanomaterials have made it difficult for the existing systems to test the physico-chemical characteristics of nanoparticles.

“The understanding of the behavior of particles in nano-scale range is not as coherent as that of the same particles in the micro- and macro- scale,” says Vijayan. “Experts are already confounded with the behavior characteristics of nano-materials and have found it difficult to furnish a reference material for the same.”

Reference material is usually categorized based on the unique physical as well as chemical properties, and the task is made more complex as all the testing and measurement instruments and systems’ work is based on reference material.

Going forward, the abundant investments intended for the nanotechnology development stimulus package are expected to strengthen the research emphasis on the HSE aspect of nanotechnology. The initiatives taken by the European and American regulatory councils in identifying the presumed toxic nature of the nanoparticles and their subsequent assessment has received a major boost since the announcement of various stimulus packages.

Rigorous and sustained research will now be possible in developing risk assessment strategies for various engineered nanoparticles due to the availability of funds. Ratcheted up interest levels in the technology will see the rollout of green and cost-effective solutions, ensuring that employment opportunities will proliferate in the realms of research, manufacturing, and distribution systems. Nanotechnology has carved a niche for itself in various applications with the different enterprises engaged in building a strong customer base. Diversification into new markets is a major goal for these enterprises, and sustained investment efforts will surely tilt the scales in favor of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology–Assessment of Health Safety and Environmental Factors, a part of the Technical Insights subscription, provides an overview of the efforts involved in understanding the potential risks of nanomaterials and nanotechnology. It examines the required guidelines in order to meet the future regulations. Further, this research service includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

A call for more transparency and research funding for nanotechnology in the food industry

The UK House of Lords Science and Technology Committee today released its first report of session 2009-10 “Nanotechnologies and Food” where they criticized the food industry for “failing to be transparent about its research into the uses of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials.” It calls on the UK Food Standards Agency to maintain a publicly available register of food and food packaging containing materials. The report further calls on the UK Research Councils to “establish more proactive forms of funding to encourage research bids which address the severe shortfalls in research required for the effective risk assessment of nanomaterials in food,” especially research on the behavior of nanomaterials within the body and gut.

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies submitted written evidence to the House of Lords inquiry, and met with members of the Sub-committee working on the report in June 2009. A number of recommendations from the Project on Emerging Technologies are reflected in the final report, including the need to establish a public database containing information on nanotechnology food products, and the need for greater research efforts to understand the behavior of engineered nanomaterials in the gut.

The House of Lords report is available at http://www.parliament.uk/hlscience

http://www.nanotechproject.org/news/archive/8302/

Chemistry makes the natural ‘wonder fabric’ – wool – more wonderful

Scientists in China are reporting an advance that may improve the natural wonders of wool — already regarded as the “wonder fabric” for its lightness, softness, warmth even when wet, and other qualities. They say the discovery could give wool a “brain,” placing it among other “smart” fabrics that shake off wrinkles, shrinkage and “breathe” to release perspiration. The study is in ACS’ Langmuir.

Fangqiong Tang, Yi Li and colleagues note that wool is naturally water-repellant, or hydrophobic, a feature that acts as a barrier to enhanced features such as anti-wrinkle, anti-shrinkage finishing and dyeing.

Wool’s water-repellency also hinders its ability to absorb moisture and makes wool garments feel sweaty. Although scientists have developed treatments that make wool more hydrophilic, or water-absorbing, they may not last long, may damage the fabric, and are not environmentally-friendly.

The scientists describe development of new coating that appears to ease these problems. It is made from silica nanoparticles of 1/50,000th the width of a human hair. The particles absorb excess moisture, and make wool superhydrophilic. The new layer does not affect wool’s color or texture and can withstand dry cleaning, the scientists note.

More information: “Fabricating Superhydrophilic Wool Fabrics”, http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/la903562h

EU project develops smart materials for noise reduction

Reducing noise pollution was the goal of the recently-completed EU-funded InMar (‘Intelligent Materials for Active Noise Reduction’) project. It has successfully developed a series of smart materials and systems for use in automobiles and rail vehicles and infrastructures.

The four-year InMar project brought together 41 partners from 13 countries and was coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability in Darmstadt. It received close to €15 million under the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

One team in the project investigated vibration transmission in the car body and how it can actively be reduced with the help of a special gearbox mounting. Meanwhile, another team developed a compressor for the air conditioning system on a tram, whose oscillations are actively reduced by a vibration absorber.

Yet another team worked on sound-proof windows for low frequency sounds from aircraft, for example. ‘The window can reduce test signals in the frequency range between 50 and 1,000 hertz by an average six decibel, so that the noise is only half as loud,’ says Dr Joachim Bös of the Technical University of Darmstadt. ‘The volume of individual test signals can even be reduced by up to 15 decibel [dB].’

‘With most of the active solutions developed for cars, trains and infrastructure elements, the noise pollution can be reduced by up to 10 decibel’ adds Dr Thilo Bein of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability, the InMar project coordinator.

‘Sound waves must be decreased exactly in the frequency ranges, which are perceived as very stressful,’ Dr Bein explains. ‘Noise consists of many overlapping sound waves in different frequency ranges. Due to the adaptability of active structure systems, the vibration behaviour can be changed in those areas where they are most effective.’

More than 100,000 people all over Europe are affected by the harmful impact of constant noise exposure, which can cause sleep disturbance, cardiovascular problems or other physical reactions to noise. Various studies have found that the effect of noise exposure on the human body should not be underestimated: For instance, a man’s risk of suffering a heart attack increases by 30%, if he lives in an area where traffic noise regularly exceeds 65 dB for an extended period of time.

Following the European Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC), cities and towns are required ‘to avoid the harmful effects, including harassment by ambient noise, or prevent or decrease them.’ In the long run, experts say that it should be the aim to reduce noise from road and train traffic to meet the limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO): 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night.

The project results were recently presented at a conference in Darmstadt, Germany, to mark the International Noise Awareness Day on 16 April.

InMar project

Source: www.SmartMaterials.eu
Community R&D Information Service (CORDIS)

Conference – Advances in Smart Materials

Event Type: Conference/Seminar/Information Day
Start Date: 21-Jan-2009
End Date: 21-Jan-2009
City: London
Country: United Kingdom

Description:
The programme covers a wide spectrum of technology, Advanced Structural and Composite Materials, Materials Discovery and High Throughput Screening, Advances in Smart Coatings, Surfaces and nano-Materials, Kodak European Research amongst others.

Speakers from top companies such as McLaren Racing, Airbus, Nokia Reseach Centre, Sun Chemical and many more.

We can set up 1-2-1 partnering meetings between academic and industry delegates, with as many as time permits.

Furthermore there will be adequate opportunity for ad hoc meetings during the networking sessions

Industrial Sectors: Industrial manufacture
Materials technology
Heavy metals industry, smelting

Info: Name: Ohene
First Name: Sheila
Telephone: +44 0870 730 8656
Fax: +44 870 765 7606
Email: s.ohene@ltnetwork.org

www.SmartMaterials.eu

Smart Surfaces Enable Unique Applications – Nanoeurope

mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: XDSL) is a U.S. based microfluidic and nanotechnology specialist. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Always Ready Inc., mPhase is commercializing its first nanotechnology product, the Smart NanoBattery.

The Smart NanoBattery offers novel functionality not usually seen in a battery, namely a shelf life of years, the ability to manage power in new ways, and a more environmentally friendly disposal option. This solution and other innovations from the field of nanotechnology will be presented to the interested specialist public at the sixth NanoEurope, which will be held in St. Gallen (Switzerland) on September 1 -17, 2008.
One of the most important components restricting the performance and maintenance of wireless sensor systems is the battery required for powering the sensors. mPhase/AlwaysReady, a company headquartered in New Jersey, is commercializing scientific findings from the field of microfluidics and nanotechnology. mPhase/AlwaysReady has developed a novel battery geared for sensor systems which will boost innovation initially in defense applications and later on also in commercial uses.

A smart battery based on a unique architecture

The nanobattery developed by mPhase/AlwaysReady utilizes knowledge from nanotechnology and microfluidics. It makes use of a unique membrane whose nanostructured surface is extremely water-repellent. This enables a liquid electrolyte to be kept separate from the battery’s electrode until energy is required. This allows the battery to be stored for an unlimited period of time before being used.

In addition, the battery is equipped with cells which can be individually activated for only those moments in which energy is needed. This is not possible in conventional batteries, where the chemical reaction cannot be interrupted until the battery has been entirely depleted. This energy on demand property gives the nanobattery a long, useful life and makes it the ideal choice for wireless light-current sensor systems.

Broad range of battery applications is conceivable

The Smart NanoBattery opens up new possibilities in the areas of energy storage and management. Initial concrete applications satisfy defense requirements. In the future, this technology may also be integrated in portable electronic devices.

Smart surfaces enable other applications

The unique nanostructured membrane can also be designed to function as a smart surface that can filter liquids. This ability opens up the potential to use the membrane design for applications such as water purification and desalination, as well as self-cleaning glass.

About mPhase/AlwaysReady, Inc.

mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: XDSL), is a U.S. based microfluidic and nanotechnology specialist. Through its wholly owned subsidiary AlwaysReady, Inc., mPhase is focused on developing and commercializing its first nanotechnology based product. This new battery technology is based on a well-patented phenomenon known as electrowetting, which provides a unique way to store energy and manage power that will revolutionize the battery industry. For more information please visit our website at www.mPhaseTech.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements related to future growth and earnings opportunities. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by management of companies mentioned in this press release in light of current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which the company has no control.

NanoEurope: Platform for innovations in nanotechnology

At the Nano-based Electronic and Sensor Systems conference to be held in St. Gallen on September 17, 2008, Fred Allen, President and CEO of AlwaysReady, will present the nanobattery to the interested specialist public. This specialist conference is part of the sixth NanoEurope, the European specialist congress with exhibition for technology and know-how transfer in nanotechnology.
Broad range of battery applications is conceivable

The Smart NanoBattery opens up new possibilities in the areas of energy storage and management. Initial concrete applications satisfy defense requirements. In the future, this technology may also be integrated in portable electronic devices.

Smart surfaces enable other applications

The unique nanostructured membrane can also be designed to function as a smart surface that can filter liquids. This ability opens up the potential to use the membrane design for applications such as water purification and desalination, as well as self-cleaning glass.

About mPhase/AlwaysReady, Inc.

mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: XDSL), is a U.S. based microfluidic and nanotechnology specialist. Through its wholly owned subsidiary AlwaysReady, Inc., mPhase is focused on developing and commercializing its first nanotechnology based product. This new battery technology is based on a well-patented phenomenon known as electrowetting, which provides a unique way to store energy and manage power that will revolutionize the battery industry. For more information please visit our website at www.mPhaseTech.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements related to future growth and earnings opportunities. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by management of companies mentioned in this press release in light of current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which the company has no control.

NanoEurope: Platform for innovations in nanotechnology

At the Nano-based Electronic and Sensor Systems conference to be held in St. Gallen on September 17, 2008, Fred Allen, President and CEO of AlwaysReady, will present the nanobattery to the interested specialist public. This specialist conference is part of the sixth NanoEurope, the European specialist congress with exhibition for technology and know-how transfer in nanotechnology. www.nanoeurope.com

source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pwwi/is_200808/ai_n28019637/?tag=rel.res1

Gold nanocages covered by smart polymers for controlled release with near-infrared light

Photosensitive caged compounds have enhanced our ability to address the complexity of biological systems by generating effectors with remarkable spatial/temporal resolutions1, 2, 3. The caging effect is typically removed by photolysis with ultraviolet light to liberate the bioactive species. Although this technique has been successfully applied to many biological problems, it suffers from a number of intrinsic drawbacks. For example, it requires dedicated efforts to design and synthesize a precursor compound for each effector. The ultraviolet light may cause damage to biological samples and is suitable only for in vitro studies because of its quick attenuation in tissue4. Here we address these issues by developing a platform based on the photothermal effect of gold nanocages. Gold nanocages represent a class of nanostructures with hollow interiors and porous walls5. They can have strong absorption (for the photothermal effect) in the near-infrared while maintaining a compact size. When the surface of a gold nanocage is covered with a smart polymer, the pre-loaded effector can be released in a controllable fashion using a near-infrared laser. This system works well with various effectors without involving sophisticated syntheses, and is well suited for in vivo studies owing to the high transparency of soft tissue in the near-infrared region6.

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
These three authors contributed equally to this project
Correspondence to: Younan Xia1 e-mail: xia@biomed.wustl.edu

source: Nature Materials 8, 935 – 939 (2009)

http://www.nature.com/nmat/journal/v8/n12/abs/nmat2564.html

Luna Strengthens its Position in Nanomedicine

Tego Biosciences is acquired by Luna Innovations

ROANOKE, Va., Dec 29, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Luna Innovations Incorporated (NASDAQ: LUNA) has acquired certain intellectual property assets of Tego Biosciences, its main competitor in developing medicines based on carbon nanomaterials. Tego Biosciences, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR). This acquisition integrates the patent assets of the two leading companies and provides Luna a dominant intellectual property portfolio in carbon nanomaterial-based pharmaceuticals.

“We are pleased to add Tego’s portfolio of intellectual property to enhance our exciting program in nanomedicines,” stated Dr. Kent Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Luna Innovations. “The acquisition of Tego’s fullerene assets for use in pharmaceuticals demonstrates Luna’s continued commitment to novel therapeutics using carbon nanomaterials to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases that address significant markets such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. In addition, Luna’s technology is being used to improve diagnostic imaging by developing agents targeted to reveal brain cancer and plaque on arterial walls.”

With this acquisition, Luna’s intellectual property portfolio for carbon nanomaterials now includes seven owned patents, 10 licensed patents and 44 U.S. and foreign applications. In addition, Luna acquired the research programs Tego has sponsored in radiation protection, anti-viral therapies and macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Luna also acquired Tego’s license to The Bronx Project (TBP), a program for developing new medicines based on carbon nanomaterials for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. As a result of this transaction, Luna and Tego will equally share in the net proceeds from activities related to the TBP license.

Luna has had an ongoing program to identify novel therapeutic candidates based on the unique properties of carbon nanospheres since 2003. These nanospheres, called buckminister fullerenes, must be chemically modified to make them compatible with living tissues. During this work, Luna has made a number of discoveries, funded in part by government contracts and awards. Luna’s business strategy for developing pharmaceutical products is to form partnerships with established companies to underwrite the expensive development programs.

“Tego accrued the combined fruits of most of the pioneering research on fullerene therapeutics that have been discovered over the last decade. Combining these assets with our own discoveries provides Luna with extensive intellectual property covering therapeutics based on carbon nanomaterials,” said Dr. Robert Lenk, President of Luna’s nanoWorks Division based in Danville, VA. “Our combined patent portfolio consists of 61 patents and pending applications covering classes of fullerene derivatives, methods for synthesizing these compounds and treatments for specific diseases. This acquisition strengthens our position in carbon nanomaterial-based nanomedicines and opens additional markets to attract potential partners as we move forward.”

About Luna Innovations & Luna nanoWorks:

Luna Innovations Incorporated (www.lunainnovations.com) develops and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare, telecommunications, energy and defense markets. Our products are used to measure, monitor, protect and improve critical processes in the markets we serve. nanoWorks (www.lunananoworks.com) is a division of Luna Innovations housed in a world-class nanomaterial manufacturing facility in Danville, VA, where scientists are developing pharmaceutical products empowered by nanomaterials with applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Forward Looking Statements:

This release includes information that constitutes “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding, but not limited to (i) Luna’s intellectual property portfolio in carbon nanomaterial-based pharmaceuticals, (ii) the use of carbon nanomaterials to treat inflammatory diseases and to improve diagnostic imaging, (iii) scientific discoveries, (iv) strategy for developing pharmaceutical products, and (v) potential commercial markets for Luna’s products. Statements that describe the Company’s business strategy, goals, prospects, opportunities, outlook, plans or intentions are also forward looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, the enforceability of certain patent rights, the failure of certain patent application claims to issue, problems with the use of certain nanomaterials to treat diseases or improve imaging, other scientific issues, and the failure to find partners to commercialize certain technologies, and risks and uncertainties set forth in the company’s periodic reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filings are available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov/ and at the company’s website at http://www.lunainnovations.com. The statements made in this release are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and Luna Innovations undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

SOURCE: Luna Innovations Incorporated

http://www.lunainnovations.com

Scientists Use Nanosensors for First Time to Measure Cancer Biomarkers in Blood

A team led by Yale University researchers has used nanosensors to measure cancer biomarkers in whole blood for the first time.

Story Courtesy of Yale University, Office of Public Affairs

The team—led by Mark Reed, Yale’s Harold Hodgkinson Professor of Engineering & Applied Science, and Tarek Fahmy, an associate professor of biomedical and chemical engineering—used nanowire sensors to detect and measure concentrations of two specific biomarkers: one for prostate cancer and the other for breast cancer.

“Nanosensors have been around for the past decade, but they only worked in controlled, laboratory settings,” Reed said. “This is the first time we’ve been able to use them with whole blood, which is a complicated solution containing proteins and ions and other things that affect detection.”

To overcome the challenge of whole blood detection, the researchers developed a novel device that acts as a filter, catching the biomarkers on a chip while washing away the rest of the blood. Creating a buildup of the antigens on the chip allows for detection down to extremely small concentrations, on the order of picograms per milliliter, to within an accuracy of plus or minus 10 percent. This is the equivalent of being able to detect the concentration of a single grain of salt dissolved in a large swimming pool.

“This new method is much more precise in reading out concentrations, and is much less dependent on the individual operator’s interpretation,” Fahmy said. “Doctors could have these small, portable devices in their offices and get nearly instant readings.”

NWN Note: Professor Mark Reed will be the course instructor for Nano-and Molecular-Scale Electronics at NSTI Nanotech 2010 on Monday, June 21, 2010. To learn more about the course, please visit: http://www.techconnectworld.com/World2010/workshops/501.html.

source:http://www.nsti.org/

Nanoparticle Shown to Lengthen Shelf Life of Food

Scientist from Purdue University successfully modifies the phytoglycogen nanoparticle

Yuan Yao, an assistant professor of food science at Purdue, used a nanoparticle from corn to find an innovative way to protect food products from spoilage. The modification achieved by Professor Yao allows the nanoparticle to attach to oils and emulsify them, and at the same time act as a barrier to oxidation, which causes food to go bad. Possible market applications include extending the shelf life of food items, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements. Mr. Yao has filed a provisional patent for the technology.

source:http://www.nsti.org/news/item.html?id=393

Nanoceuticals: Tiny Size, Big Potential

The new frontier in technology may well be at the invisible depths of about 1000th the thickness of a human hair. Called nanotechnology, this hot research and development area is already making an impact on nutrition and food despite the infancy of supporting science. These days, technology moves quickly, and it is hard for the average businessperson, formulator, regulator and consumer to keep up with the mechanisms of action, safety, science and scope of breakthroughs such as the nanoworld.

Ask three experts to define nanotechnology, and you’ll get three slightly different answers. However, the average answer is that nanotechnology is the manipulation of particles at a size between 1 and 100 nanometers for the purposes of novel applications and benefits. A nanometer (nm) is on the level of the size of many molecules. For perspective, a molecule of gold is 0.33 nm; the head of a pin is about 1 to 2 millimeters (mm), which is 1 million times larger than a 1 to 2 nm particle.

One of the advantages of materials of this size, called nanomaterials, is when gathered in bulk, they offer more surface area¾a million 1 nm spheres have more surface area exposed than does one 1 mm sphere of the same nutrient. This theoretically increases the availability of this nutrient to the medium. The other primary advantage of nanomaterials is their small size can afford them increased access to places in the body, as membranes designed to block out naturally larger-sized particles a human typically takes in are unable to reject the nanosize nutrients.

However, these potential advantages are also potential dangers, as scientists are not yet certain just how various nanomaterials will behave when they cross membranes such as the blood-brain barrier, or when they are inhaled during production. Likewise, many nanoparticles could end up in the environment, where their impact is a similar unknown.

In life, unknown often drives fear. The mystery of nanotech may be non-threatening when used in the areas of energy, machinery and structural materials; people look at technology differently when it comes to their own well-being. While it is too early to tell whether consumers are mostly fearful of nanotechnology in food, beverages, medicines and dietary supplements, recent surveys show consumers are alarmed to ask for more information.

A late-2009 report from the Woodrow Wilson Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) highlighted results of a national survey on adults conducted by Hart Research Associates. Public awareness of nanotechnology increased during the past year to 2006 levels, which still equates to about 7 out of 10 U.S. adults having not heard or learned a single thing about nanotechnology. They also largely feel the well-known federal agencies FDA, EPA and USDA should regulate such technologies when it comes to ingestible products. In fact, the report found the public trusts these agencies to manage risk more than the companies engaging in such technological manufacturing.

As the primary regulator of dietary supplements and food products, FDA is the agency that matters most to the natural products industry. FDA has not created its own definition of nanotechnology, but it defers to the definition (similar to the above) developed by the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), a cooperative effort by FDA and 22 other federal agencies on research and development in nanoscale science, engineering and technology.

In the little guidance it has provided, FDA has noted products will be regulated according to their normal statutory category (food, drug, supplement, etc.), not according to any technology used. Despite advice from a PEN report that FDA require premarket notification for any nanotech dietary supplement ingredient¾a suggestion rebutted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)¾the agency, at this point, has not required such notification, nor does it consider nanosized ingredients as new dietary ingredients (NDIs) requiring notification. FDA experts have indicated nanotech products under its regulation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. FDA’s Vasilios Frankos, Ph.D., CFSAN, told an audience at SupplySide West 2008, Las Vegas, FDA believes more data may be needed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of a material that is reduced to nano size, and the agency would determine whether a product’s regulatory status would change due to the use or presence of nanomaterials in a dietary supplement.

On foods, CFSAN’s Annette McCarthy, Ph.D., has reported the safety of a given compound in a food will not automatically apply to a nano version of the compound, due to possible novel properties and characteristics. She further noted insufficient scientific data prevents FDA from extending GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status of an ingredient to its nano-sized version. Also, any change to the chemical attributes, intended use, GMP production or quality of a nano-sized food ingredient will affect its compliance with regulations.

Nonetheless, the regulatory environment surrounding all the different types of nanomaterials in the natural products industry is in a state of flux, with nano-sized bits of info (nanoinfo?) on current and likely future considerations continuously released from the mouths of various regulators. Each month or season there is often a different outlook, so the best anyone can say is that regulation of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in foods and dietary supplements is being developed behind closed doors at FDA, EPA and other agencies. FDA has indicated a guidance document from the agency on nanotechnology will be made public in 2010. Until then, the nutshell is that nanotech food additives and colors must be tested for safety and toxicity.

However, companies need to realize the EU, Canada and the State of California have all requested information from manufacturers of nanoscale products.

author: Steve Myers
source: http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2009/11/nanoceuticals-tiny-size-big-potential.aspx

Nanostart invests in Singapore medical technology company BioMers

Nanotechnology-based solutions for biomedical applications
Revolutionary product for USD 2.4-billion orthodontic device market
Regulatory approval already obtained for U.S., EU and Japan

Frankfurt / Singapore – December 18, 2009 – Nanostart AG has taken a significant ownership position in BioMers Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based medical technology company with a branch office in the U.S. The company is developing innovative new solutions for various biomedical applications with its technology.

BioMers has developed the world’s only completely translucent braces system for orthodontic treatment. The product is set to fundamentally transform the multi-billion-dollar global market for orthodontic devices. The company also has an exciting pipeline of future products for other medical and dental applications.

BioMers is a spin-off from the renowned National University of Singapore (NUS), where the technology was invented. The technology makes use of advanced nanomaterials and fibre-reinforced polymer composite techniques to create translucent arch wires that are just as competent as metal wires.

An initial and extraordinarily promising application for this innovative product is the rapidly growing market for orthodontic braces. BioMers is the world’s only provider of orthodontic solutions that can produce aesthetic-looking arch wires.

Aesthetic brackets have been available for more than 10 years. However, until now, only metal has had the mechanical properties needed for the arch wires which run along the middle of the brackets. Using nanotechnology, BioMers is able for the first time to produce translucent and thus cosmetically acceptable braces and retainers (worn by patients following treatment with braces), a competitive advantage which offers BioMers the potential to be the number-one choice in the orthodontics market.

The global market for orthodontic braces (arch wires and brackets) and retainers is currently estimated at some USD 2.4 billion annually. Over the past nine years, the U.S. market for orthodontics has grown at an annual rate of approx. 7.5 percent per year, while various regions in Asia have seen orthodontics grow at double-digit rates.

The company has already received regulatory approval for its orthodontic products in the United States, the European Union and Japan. The capital invested by Nanostart will be primarily used to strengthen sales and marketing resources and to further expand the already existing network of some 40 international distribution partners.

Andreas Kröll, managing director of Nanostart Asia, remarked that ”BioMers has developed, with the help of its leading-edge nanotechnology, a superb product with uniquely innovative characteristics. With the growth in demand for more aesthetically pleasing solutions, the company stands to revolutionize the global market for orthodontic devices, a market which has seen relatively little innovation in recent decades. This promises to deliver high returns.“

Dr. Mervyn Fathianathan, Managing Director of BioMers, added: ”We are extremely pleased about bringing on board an investor like Nanostart with its uniquely successful track record in nanotechnology investments. Its international network and business experience will be of enormous help in the further development and growth of our company.“

Nanostart has taken the position of Lead Investor in this new addition to its investment portfolio by way of its Nanostart Singapore Early Stage Venture Fund I. The fund now owns about 16 percent of Biomers.

About Nanostart:

Nanostart AG is the world’s leading nanotechnology investment company. The Frankfurt-based company provides venture capital financing for nanotechnology companies in various growth phases. It also provides the benefits of its experience and expertise to developers of financial instruments and to investors in the nanotechnology sector. For further information about the company, please visit www.nanostart.de.

Disclaimer:

This notice constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe to securities. There will be no public offering of securities of Nanostart AG in conjunction with the existing listing of its shares in the ”Entry Standard“ segment of the regulated unofficial market (Freiverkehr) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This notice does not constitute a securities prospectus. Neither this notice nor the information contained within is intended for direct or indirect distribution within the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.