News: 14 July 08
Nanotechnology research – thinking tiny for potentially huge rewards
Wellington researchers are embarking on some complex, exciting work developing nanotechnology with $6.7 million of investments from the Foundation? for Research, Science and Technology.
Victoria University has been awarded contracts for research into the use of magnetic nanoparticles for bio-nanotechnology and for new materials for radiation imaging, while GNS Science will work on magnetic nanocluster bands with novel potential uses in magnetic sensors, miniature motors and data storage devices.
The first Victoria University contract is worth $1.8 million over four years and the second $3.8 million over four years. The GNS Science contract is worth $1 million over three years.
They are three of the 96 contestable research projects announced today in the Foundation’s main 2008 Investment Round.
Nanotechnology is applied science and technology directed at the control of matter on the atomic and molecular scale, generally 100 nanometres or smaller, and the fabrication of devices or materials that lie within that tiny size range
Foundation chief executive Murray Bain says nanotechnology is a fast-moving area of research and development.
“Nano-science and nanotechnologies are providing us with new understanding of atomic and molecular properties and processes. This understanding is predicted to lead to transformational developments across a wide range of sectors and industries,” he said.
The convergence of nanotechnologies with other fields, such as biotechnology and information and communication technology (ICT?), is expected to lead to significant economic, environmental and social opportunities and challenges.
Victoria University’s Magnetic Nanoparticles project will see medical researchers and physical scientists form a team unique to New Zealand to establish a strong, bio-nanotechnology platform firmly placing us as a world leader. This work aims to exploit a world market expected to be worth $12 billion by 2009.
Research in magnetic nanoparticles has blossomed due to a wide variety of uses including many in bio-nanotechnology. Applications in this area include DNA purification and purification of tagged proteins and cell types. These are fast-expanding markets due to the heavy reliance upon these techniques in basic and applied research. The technology developed by Victoria University researchers is superior to others because its iron carbide nanoparticles are five times more strongly magnetic than currently used iron oxide nanoparticles.
Victoria University’s other nanotechnology project, Nanostructures and Composites for Radiation Detection and Imaging, will develop new materials and proof-of-concept prototypes for radiation imaging and detection that could lead to new high technology industries in New Zealand, as well as generating new knowledge and stimulating the professional development of young New Zealand scientists and engineers.
The applications include medical and dental radiography (X-rays and CAT scans), nuclear medicine (such as fluoroscopy), cancer treatment, non-destructive testing of airframes and pipeline welds, and scientific instrumentation.
The GNS Science project, Devices from Magnetic Nanocluster Bands, will maintain and build research capability and move New Zealand’s existing world-class magnetic device industry forward to nanoscale devices
Magnetic nanocluster bands consist of nanometre-size clusters of magnetic atoms embedded within a non-magnetic substrate. Due in part to quantum effects occurring at this scale, magnetic nanocluster bands have recognised novel applications as magnetic sensors, catalysts and biomedical devices as well as applications in more traditional materials such as high-density magnetic storage media and high performance permanent magnets. The global market for magnetic nanomaterials is large but its expansion is currently hampered by the extreme difficulty of controllable fabrication.
Director of GNS Science's National Isotope Centre, Frank Bruhn, said the research programme would help make New Zealand a niche leader in the global magnetic nanomaterials sector, presently valued at $4 billion.
"The programme is an excellent example of of the National Isotope Centre's shift from a service-dominated mode to a quality science-based culture," Dr Bruhn said.
He added that the NIC's vision was to be nationally and internationally recognised for providing leadership and excellence in isotope sciences and technologies that address New Zealand's economic and environmental needs.
Victoria University has been awarded contracts for research into the use of magnetic nanoparticles for bio-nanotechnology and for new materials for radiation imaging, while GNS Science will work on magnetic nanocluster bands with novel potential uses in magnetic sensors, miniature motors and data storage devices.
The first Victoria University contract is worth $1.8 million over four years and the second $3.8 million over four years. The GNS Science contract is worth $1 million over three years.
They are three of the 96 contestable research projects announced today in the Foundation’s main 2008 Investment Round.
Nanotechnology is applied science and technology directed at the control of matter on the atomic and molecular scale, generally 100 nanometres or smaller, and the fabrication of devices or materials that lie within that tiny size range
Foundation chief executive Murray Bain says nanotechnology is a fast-moving area of research and development.
“Nano-science and nanotechnologies are providing us with new understanding of atomic and molecular properties and processes. This understanding is predicted to lead to transformational developments across a wide range of sectors and industries,” he said.
The convergence of nanotechnologies with other fields, such as biotechnology and information and communication technology (ICT?), is expected to lead to significant economic, environmental and social opportunities and challenges.
Victoria University’s Magnetic Nanoparticles project will see medical researchers and physical scientists form a team unique to New Zealand to establish a strong, bio-nanotechnology platform firmly placing us as a world leader. This work aims to exploit a world market expected to be worth $12 billion by 2009.
Research in magnetic nanoparticles has blossomed due to a wide variety of uses including many in bio-nanotechnology. Applications in this area include DNA purification and purification of tagged proteins and cell types. These are fast-expanding markets due to the heavy reliance upon these techniques in basic and applied research. The technology developed by Victoria University researchers is superior to others because its iron carbide nanoparticles are five times more strongly magnetic than currently used iron oxide nanoparticles.
Victoria University’s other nanotechnology project, Nanostructures and Composites for Radiation Detection and Imaging, will develop new materials and proof-of-concept prototypes for radiation imaging and detection that could lead to new high technology industries in New Zealand, as well as generating new knowledge and stimulating the professional development of young New Zealand scientists and engineers.
The applications include medical and dental radiography (X-rays and CAT scans), nuclear medicine (such as fluoroscopy), cancer treatment, non-destructive testing of airframes and pipeline welds, and scientific instrumentation.
The GNS Science project, Devices from Magnetic Nanocluster Bands, will maintain and build research capability and move New Zealand’s existing world-class magnetic device industry forward to nanoscale devices
Magnetic nanocluster bands consist of nanometre-size clusters of magnetic atoms embedded within a non-magnetic substrate. Due in part to quantum effects occurring at this scale, magnetic nanocluster bands have recognised novel applications as magnetic sensors, catalysts and biomedical devices as well as applications in more traditional materials such as high-density magnetic storage media and high performance permanent magnets. The global market for magnetic nanomaterials is large but its expansion is currently hampered by the extreme difficulty of controllable fabrication.
Director of GNS Science's National Isotope Centre, Frank Bruhn, said the research programme would help make New Zealand a niche leader in the global magnetic nanomaterials sector, presently valued at $4 billion.
"The programme is an excellent example of of the National Isotope Centre's shift from a service-dominated mode to a quality science-based culture," Dr Bruhn said.
He added that the NIC's vision was to be nationally and internationally recognised for providing leadership and excellence in isotope sciences and technologies that address New Zealand's economic and environmental needs.