Asia Nano Forum

Latest General News:
1.) Study reveals safety concerns of nanoproducts
07 September 2010
A recent study by researchers at National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in Thailand has provided the data on detecting silver released from antibacterial fabric products using artificial sweat as a model to represent the human skin environment. “The amount of silver released from fabrics into artificial sweat was dependent upon the initial amount of silver coating, the fabric quality, pH and artificial sweat formulations “said Dr Rawiwan Maniratanachote, head of Nano Safety and Risk Assessment Lab. “The study could be useful to evaluate potential human risk when exposed to silver nanoparticles from textile materials.” Application of silver nanoparticles in textile materials is one of the most interesting applications to improve the quality of the products, including wound dressings and anti-bacterial clothes. Meanwhile, there is also increasing concern on the safety of these nanoproducts. To address public concern, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a notice for public review and filed a petition, open to comment by concerned parties. That petition requested EPA to classify and regulate all products containing nanoscale silver as pesticides by taking regulatory actions under the Federal Insecticides, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as well as analyze the potential human health and environmental risks of nanoscale silver. These issues will certainly affect many stakeholders and, therefore, need public response and comment. The researchers reported their work in a paper published by Particle and Fibre Toxicology. Collaborators on this study included the faculty of Science at Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand. Dr. Rawiwan is currently working on research projects related to human health and environmental impact of air-borne nanoparticles.
2.) Rheological technique predicts stability of SLNs
25 August 2010
A rheological technique, used by researchers at National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in Thailand has revealed the instability of y-oryzanol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) over 60 days storage at three different temperatures of 4, 25, and 40ºC. “Upon storage, gelation was developed in all samples, especially at 40ºC” said Dr Uracha Ruktanonchai, Research Leader at Nano Delivery Lab, NANOTEC. “Rheological technique helps us in revealing this instability which is attributed by the increase in storage modulus, critical stress, and the characteristic relaxation time.” SLNs have gained interest as colloidal drug carriers due to their submicron size, potential for industrial production, and their physiological compositions. The carrier has been used for effective controlled-release and prolonged stability of both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. One of the lipophilic drugs found applications in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food areas is a natural antioxidant y-oryzanol, a main constituent in rice bran oil. Temperature and light exposure during storage have found to affect the stability of the nanoparticle. The researchers reported their work in a paper published by Micron, the international research and review journal for microscopy. Collaborators on this investigation included National Metal and Materials Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand. Dr Uracha is currently exploring the fabrication of lipid nanoparticles and nanodispersion together with the characteristics of the resulting nanostructures particularly for medical and agricultural applications.
3.) Inviting ANF member to Join IEEE/ANF EHS workshop during Korea Nano 2010
05 August 2010
We are happy to invite all ANF members to participate IEEE Nano2010-NanoKorea 2010 Symposium (Aug.17-20, KINTEX, Korea). For symposium and exhibition registration, please visit website www.nanokorea.or.kr/Eng/. We especially would like to invite you to join the session TS-14: Environment/Health/Safety (EHS), Ethical, Legal and Societal Implications (ELSI) to be held on Aug.19th-20th and Panel Discussion on Aug. 20th, 2010. Please program attached. Host organization in Korea will organize a round table/gathering for all ANF members who particpate Nano Korea 2010 to improve member relationships and understanding. Please kindly confirm participation with us before Aug.10,2010 in order for the host organization to arrange the gathering. Session TS-14 program: Aug. 19th(Thusday), 2010 AM session (10:00-12:00), chair: Chung-Shi Yang(NHRI) and SungIk Yang (Kyunghee U.) -[Invited] Il Je Yu (Hoseo U.) Development of international standards for nanotechnology and use of standards on risk assessment of nanomaterials. -[Invited] Chung-Shi Yang (NHRI) Title TBD - GuiNam Bae (KIST) Real-time monitoring of nanoparticles at a metal nanopowder manufacturing workplace. - DongWook Kwon (Hanyang U.) Current limitation and challenges of nanoparticle toxicity assessments - Tsing-Tang Song (ITRI) Taiwan position on nano EHS. - DaeYoung Park (Ghent U. Young & Global Partners) Nanomaterials in existing and emerging chemical regulation of China, Japan, Korea, US and EU. PM session (14:30-16:45), chair: masafumi Ata (AIST) and Jungil Lee (KIST) -[Invited] Yasuto Matsui (Kyoto U.) -[Invited] Mizuki Sekiya (AIST) Portal site on EHS issue of nanotechnology fo public engagement with nanotechnology. - Hanjo Lim (Ajou U.) Code of conduct for nanotechnology researchers. - Hanjo Lim (Ajou U.) Nanotechnology commercialization: world and Korean trends and their perspectives. - Jungwon Lee (U. Seoul) Societal and ethical issues in nanotechnology. - Subhasis Sahoo (TERI) Socio-ethical issues and nanotechnology development: perspectives from India. - Alexei Grinbaum (CEA) New methodology for governance of emerging nanotechnology. Aug. 20th(Friday), 2010 AM session (10:00-11:00), chair: Jungwon Lee (U. Seoul) - [Invited] Alexei Grinbaum (CEA) Toolkit for ethica; reflection and communication on nanotechnology. - [Invited] Yves Sicard (UJF-CEA) Nanosmile website on nanotechnology training, education and public dialogue issues. Panel Session (11:00-13:30): Ethical system for safe nanomaterials (possibly deliberation of 'NanoSmile') and International Cooperation - jointly organized with ANF and CNMT Panelists : - Dr. CSYang , Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan Taowan's perspectives - Dr. Lerwen LIU, NanoGlobe Ltd., Singapore ANF activity or strategy on Nanomaterials safety - Dr. Jungwon LEE Korean system under development - Dr. Masafumi ATA, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan Japanese perspectives - Dr. Alexei Grinbaum , Ethical questions beyond safety
4.) THAI FOUNDATION HONORS OUTSTANDING SCIENTISTS
05 August 2010
Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King today recognize and honor 8 Thai scientists with outstanding achievements in scientific research for 2010. The scientists will receive their awards from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on August 9 at a Royal Presentation Ceremony to be held at BITEC International Trade and Exhibition Center. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King annually presented Outstanding Scientist Award and Young Scientist Award to recognize Thai researchers with outstanding scientific achievements and to encourage active younger researchers to perform high quality research work of significant impact to society and economy. The selection for the awardees is based solely on nomination from respected scientists, science administrators in academia and research institutes, executives of private companies operating research and development departments, and previous awardees. Recipients of the Outstanding Scientist Award will each receive a certificate of merit, an honor shield and a cash award of Baht 400,000 (USD 12,400). Recipient of the Young Scientist Award will each receive a cash award of Baht 100,000 (USD 3,000) and a certificate. “It is the Foundation hope that the award presented today will stimulate Thai scientists to produce high quality research work, inspire the will to transfer their knowledge, and to act as good strong role models to the scientific community” said Dr. Kopr Kritayakirana, President of the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King. For 2010, the Foundation will present 2 Outstanding Scientist Award and 6 Young Scientist Award to the following individual: Outstanding Scientist Award •Prof. Dr. Prasert Auewarakul, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University •Dr. Visith Thongboonkerd, Head of Medical Proteomics Unit, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University Young Scientist Award •Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) •Dr. Kruawun Jankaew, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University •Dr. Chanakan Prom-u-thai, Faculty of Agriculture, Chaing Mai University •Dr. Banjong Boonchom, KMITL, Chumphon Campus •Dr. Verawat Champreda, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) •Dr. Sa-Ad Riyajan, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
5.) Insights into the development of superior UVB blocking molecules
19 July 2010
Insights into the development of superior UVB blocking molecules A research team in Thailand has investigated the absorption and emission spectra of ultraviolet (UV) B blocking methoxy substituted cinnamates using the symmetry-adapted cluster configuration interaction method. The finding, reported in The Journal of Chemical Physics, provides new insights toward the use of five different substituted positions using the symmetry-adapted cluster which included cis- and trans-isomers of ortho-, meta-, and para-monomethoxy substituted compounds and 2,4,5- ortho-, meta-, para- and 2,4,6- ortho-, para- trimethoxy substituted compounds. The calculated oscillator strengths of the trans-isomers were larger than the respective cis-isomers, which is in accordance with the experimental data. Dr Supawadee Namuangruk, a researcher at Thailand's National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) Nanoscale Simulation Lab, said, “The calculations provide reliable results and a useful insight into the optical properties of these molecules, and therefore, provide a useful tool for developing UVB blocking compounds with regard to the tuning of the photoabsorption” “High absorbance, broad absorption peak with small fluorescence quantum yield, and low radiative rate are expected for superior UVB sunscreen. Non-radiative decay back to the initial ground state is also relevant. Therefore, the theoretical study of the relaxation process is important to design the superior UVB blocking molecules” said Dr Supawadee. Collaborators on this investigation included Kasetsart University and the Institute for Molecular Science, Japan. Dr Supawadee is currently working on a collaborative research with Ubon Rachathani University in Thailand on the development of efficient Dye Solar Cells (DSC) based on D-D-pi-A Organic Dyes.
6.) Promoting visibility and research cooperation while still on maternity leave
16 July 2010
When it comes to promoting international research cooperation, nothing will come in the way for Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Leader of NANOTEC NanoDelivery Lab at Thailand Science Park. Despite the fact that she will be on maternity leave during August and September she has accepted to speak in an online (teleconference) workshop on Nanotechnology for Medical Applications, organised by the ICPC-NanoNet project www.icpc-nanonet.org. The title of her talk is "Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery". At the moment, the tentative date for the online (teleconference) workshop is September 2, 2010 from 11:00 – 13:00 GMT. The workshop will be conducted in English. The aim of the workshop is to stimulate research cooperation between European researchers and researchers in International Cooperation Partner Countries to the European Union (emerging economies and developing countries) in the area of nanotechnology and medical applications. This workshop is a follow up to the highly successful Nanotechnology for Water Purification and Nanotechnology for Energy workshops held in December 2009. To participate, register now for FREE at http://www.icpc-nanonet.org/
7.) Thai labs build capabilities in nano-agri technology
12 July 2010
Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives have signed a research collaborative MoU to identify and initiate agricultural research activities. The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on nanotechnology particularly in the area of food packaging and encapsulation technology for control release of fertilizers. Commenting on the development, Prof Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director of NANOTEC, Thailand, said, “The application of nanotechnology is diverse. It is predicted that nanotechnology will have major impacts on the entire food industry, changing the way food is produced, processed, packaged, transported, and consumed. Therefore, as an agriculture-based economy, it is important that relevant ministries and research agencies work together to build knowledge in the area of nanotechnology in agriculture.” “The research collaboration initiative will be a positive experience for our researchers especially since the use of nanotechnology in agriculture in Thailand is still considered ground breaking discovery, but it will come in a dramatic way,” said Mr Somchai Charnnarongkul. Director General, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives The research collaboration will focus on research and development of agricultural technology, sharing of human resources and infrastructure, knowledge exchange, and human resource training. In addition, the collaboration will also look at areas related to intellectual property of research output. Dr Chamorn Chawengkijwanich from the NanoHybrid Laboratory will lead the research team from NANOTEC for nano food packaging technology. The duration of the collaboration will be for five years starting from July 12, 2010 to July 11, 2015.
8.) Thai lab studies triacetin methanolysis to develop biodiesel
09 July 2010
Researchers at Thailand’s National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), Nanoscale Simulation Laboratory are investigating the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the methanolysis and hydrolysis reactions of glycerol triacetate or triacetin, using Density Functional Theory (DFT). In a recent study, which was published in May 2010 by Journal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM, the authors demonstrated that twelve elementary steps of triacetin methanolysis were studied under acid-catalyzed and base-catalyzed conditions. The mechanism of acid-catalyzed methanolysis reaction which has not been reported yet for any esters was proposed. The effects of substitution, methanolysis/hydrolysis position, solvent and face of nucleophilic attack on the free energy of reaction and activation energy were examined. Dr Yuthana Tantirungrotechai, Head of NANOTEC Nanoscale Simulation Lab, said, “The study confirmed the facile position at the middle position of glycerol observed by NMR techniques. The calculated activation energy and the trends of those factors agree with existing experimental observations in biodiesel production.” “We believe the basic understanding on the methanolysis and its competing hydrolysis reaction of triacylglycerol compounds at the molecular level is essential for the development of biodiesel production” said Dr Yuthana. Collaborators on this investigation included Mahidol University and Naresuan University. Dr Yuthana is currently exploring the development of quantum chemical methodology for nanoscale modeling.
9.) Iran Manufactures New Nanophotocatalyst Coating for Air Pollution Removal
05 July 2010
EHRAN (INIC)- The researchers at Materials and Energy Research Center, Iran managed to manufacture a nanophotocatalyst coating with high performance in air pollution removal.
10.) Publication of Asia Nano Forum Newsletter Issue 10
25 June 2010
ANF Newsletter Issue 10 supplies you a good platform to learn the latest news, research break through, renowned publications as well as upcoming events on the impressive nanotech R&D and achievement in 15 Asia regions.
11.) Thai researchers investigate prospects of nanoparticles as drug delivery system
25 June 2010
Researchers at Thailand’s National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), Nano-delivery System Laboratory are investigating the chemical and structural of gamma-oryzanol, a model drug, loaded inside a model lipid nanoparticles drug-delivery system. The delivery system composed of cetyl palmitate as solid lipid, and Miglyol 812 as liquid lipid. In a recent raman mapping study, which was published in February 2010 by Nanotechnology, the authors demonstrated a bottom-up approach for the fabrication of lipid nanoparticles utilizing a high pressure homogenization at varying liquid lipid contents. Lipid nanoparticles have been selected as a model system due to its promising alternative to existing carriers in drug delivery systems. “A key challenge in this study was to determine precisely how chemicals are incorporated and distributed inside nanoparticles, which assists in controlling chemical retention and release characteristics” said Dr Uracha Raktanonchai, Head of NANOTEC Nano-delivery System Lab. Raman mapping technique has been proven as an efficient method to investigate drug and lipid molecular distribution at nanoscale level. This investigation elaborates that liquid lipid loading in lipid nanoparticles plays a major role in improving the drug distribution and solubility in lipid nanoparticles. “These findings provide useful implications for future designs of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems” said Dr Uracha. Collaborators on this investigation included the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, and College of KMITL Nanotechnology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand. Dr Uracha is currently exploring the fabrication of lipid nanoparticles and nanodispersion together with the characteristics of the resulting nanostructures particularly for medical and agricultural applications.
12.) NANOTEC and NIMT announced nanometrology initiative collaboration
21 June 2010
National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC, Thailand) and National Institute of Metrology, Thailand (NIMT), Ministry of Science and Technology has announced it will form the country’s first research collaborative alliance to build Thailand’s capabilities in areas related to nano-scale measurement, calibration, and nanometrology. “It is without doubt that nanotechnology is the current frontier that is giving every sector a buzz. Nanotechnology has become a part of everyday life and as nanotechnogy-based products start to emerge in commercial settings, the area of nanometrology will play an important role in areas such as verification of legal standards, certification, routine process control and quality cross-checks between business partners” said Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director of NANOTE, Thailand. “The collaboration with NANOTEC, Thailand is necessary for national metrology development and a win-win approach since it is an undeniable truth that advancement in nanotechnology cannot progress independently of progress in nanometrology. The measurement techniques developed for conventional materials in many cases cannot be simply applied to nanostructures. It is necessary to develop protocols for nanostructures and nanomaterials” said Dr. Pian Totarong, Director of National Institute of Metrology (Thailand). The joint research collaboration activity is facilitated by the signing of a Research Collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be sign in July 2010 at the Ministry of Science and Technology in Bangkok. Leading the research team for NANOTEC, Thailand will be Dr. Nuttapun Supaka, Leader of Testing and Services Laboratory. Leading the NIMT team will be Dr. Pian Totarong and Dr. Jariya Buajarern.
13.) Iran Publishes 2nd National Nanotechnology Standard
12 June 2010
EHRAN (INIC)- The second National Nanotechnology Standard entitled 'Nanotechnology - Health and Safety in Nano Occupational Settings - Code of Practices' was published in Iran.
14.) New Method Developed for Quick Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes
08 June 2010
TEHRAN (INIC)- A group of Iranian researchers at University of Tehran succeeded in finding a new method to functionalize carbon nanotubes in a short period.
15.) Iranian Students Present 320 Papers in National Nanotechnology Congress
06 June 2010
TEHRAN (INIC)- Iranian PHD and MSc students presented 320 papers in the 7th National Students Nanotechnology Congress on May 26-28 held in association with Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council in Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran.
16.) New Edition of IranNano Quarterly Published
01 June 2010
TEHRAN (INIC)- The second edition of the third volume of IranNano quarterly magazine was published on the official website of Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council (INIC).
17.) PhD scholarship available(Australia): PhD Projects in Nanomaterials and Biological Systems
15 April 2010
There is an opportunity for high quality graduates to undertake research towards a higher degree in Australia, within a multi-institutional program investigating the interaction between biological systems and nanoparticles. With the accelerating use of nanomaterials in the community, there is an increasing need to assess their inherent safety and to re-engineer them wherever necessary to reduce any potential hazards. In particular, there are research opportunities to modify the lattice and surface structure of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as ZnO, CeO2 and related systems, to alter their potential toxicity and immune system responses. The proposed research projects will be mainly chemistry-based, involving lattice engineering of dopant and defect sites within nanoparticles as well as functionalising the surface with organic and biologically significant coatings. In order to understand quantitative structure-property correlations, these projects will employ a wide range of novel chemical and structural characterisation methods. One key target is the design of molecular tags to track the intracellular fate of nanoparticles. Candidates will interact across a range of scientific fields, including cell biology, toxicology, immunology, chemistry and materials science and use state-of-the-art equipment, such as the facilities of the Australian Synchrotron. These projects are well supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and would be taken up at Monash University’s Centre for Green Chemistry (http://www.chem.monash.edu.au/green-chem/). Successful candidates will have ample opportunities to interact with collaborators including several R&D institutions and various manufacturers of nanomaterials and therapeutic products. For any additional information please contact: Prof. Terry Turney(terry.turney@sci.monash.edu.au) Closing date for expressions of interest – 7th May, 2010
18.) Invite the ANF members to co-organizer the POP NANO-Global Nano Innovation Contest
24 March 2010
The 2011 Global Nano Innovation Contest-Prototype on Prototype(POP NANO), is organized by National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Program Office (NNP), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), and Taiwan Nanotechnology Industry Development Association (TANIDA), and held in collaboration with institutions from several other countries. In recent years, the application of Nanotechnology has been ubiquitous and is now embedded in all disciplines and industries. Armed with newly discovered phenomena and revolutionary theories, it has enabled products with previously unseen features, and the fast pace of progress has in turn stimulated more resources and dimensions of originality, creating an ever broader array of new prototypes. It is expected that this competition will further facilitate this virtuous cycle, and help trigger the genesis of a full-blown nanotechnology application. Participants can submit their own ideas based on concepts from the video to create and design their own products. The selected winners will be honored and invited to join the research program. On behalf on organizer, we'd like to invite the ANF members to be one of the co-organizers of the POP NANO. If the members are interested, we'd probably ask them for some inputs. The rights and obligations of co-organizers are listed below: 1. The organizers should be responsible for the promotion and related activities of this event in their respective countries. 2. Each co-organizer should assign a judge to be part of the competition jury which selects the winners of the event. 3. Each co-organizer should provide at least a prototype video for the reference of the contestants. It should be mailed to the initiating organizers by June 1st 2010. The specs of the video are as follows: - Video Format: MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 - Ratio: the original ratio before the treatment for wide-screen display (4:3, 16:9) - Resolution : 640x360(16:9) or 480X360(4:3) - Audio format: MP3 or AAC - Frame speed: 30 fps - Video Length limit: 3 minutes - File Bandwidth limit: 1GB - Video Content: Introduction of basic theory, prototype manufacturing, product characteristics, potential applications, and contact window for the technology 4. The co-organizers can invite the winners to be part of their research program. More details please find in the attached file. If you are interested, please kindly contact Dr.Song Tsing Tang (TTSONG@itri.org.tw).
19.) Inviting ANF members to join FinNano 2010, May 4-5th, Helsinki (admission free)
18 March 2010
The main funding agency in Finland for nanotechnology Tekes would like to invite ANF members to join the annual Finland Nanotechnology conference to be held in its capital Helsinki during May 4-5th, free of charge. Conference program can be download from here. In order to promote International collaboration between Asia and Finland scientists and industries, Tekes welcomes ANF members to have one-one meetings or event separate seminars on either on May 4th 0900-1200 or May 6th if there is enough interest. Suggested areas of interest for collaboration: a) Coating (e.g. wood, glass, electronic devices, EMI shielding, marine) b) Nanocomposites (e.g. construction materials) c) Food packaging d) Solar Cells Contact lerwen@nano-globe.biz or laura.juvonen@spinverse.com Event Website: www.tekes.fi/u/finnanoseminar Organizer: FinNano - Nanotechnology Programme (2005-2010) Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation Organizer website: www.tekes.fi/finnano Register: https://www.registerforevent.net/Register/Pages/Intro.aspx
20.) Inviting for an international survey of environmental halth and safety practices in the nanomaterials industry conducted by UCSB
18 March 2010
The UCSB Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEIN) invites your participation in an international survey of environmental health and safety practices in the nanomaterials industry. Researchers are currently inviting private firms that use and/or produce nanomaterials to contribute their anonymous views on safe handling practices and risks of nanomaterials to the study. Their research goal is to update results from the 2006 ICON-sponsored industry survey and expand knowledge of industry's views on relative risks posed by different nanomaterials. The study has been endorsed by the International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON), Japan’s working group on strategic area of nanotechnology, public research institute, AIST, and Singapore’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR. Participants can complete surveys online: • In English: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QZM7MP7 • Japanese: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JSZQQT3 • Or Chinese: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XLHMVGL Participation is kept strictly confidential under university research regulations. Responses to the survey will be reported in aggregate and made publically available. For more information, please: • Visit the project’s website: http://fiesta.bren.ucsb.edu/~nano/index.html • Or contact the research team at: nanoresearch@cns.ucsb.edu • Or see a report of their 2006 study at: http://icon.rice.edu/projects.cfm?doc_id=12201
Next >>