Initial

Healing
Glass

After 103 days

The Wound Healing Power of Glass
Nanotechnology Innovation in Singapore
Nanofluids: Fascinating Alternative to
Conventional Heat Transfer Fluids
Nanotechnology-Enhanced Curcumin: Symbiosis
of Ancient Wisdom of East with Modern Medical
Science
Global Carbon Nanotubes Market Outlook:
Industry Beckons
Editor-in-chief:

Editorial
G. Sundararajan
Editors:
Y. R. Mahajan
S. V. Joshi It is again with a sense of excitement that we welcome our readers to yet another thought-
provoking issue of Nanotech Insights. The entire publication team at CKMNT is extremely
Publicity and Marketing: appreciative of your overwhelming response, unstinted support and encouragement to
H. Purushotham our endeavour to bring out a newsletter every quarter that is looked forward to by all. It is
this positive response from our readers that makes it such a wonderful experience for all
Editorial Assistance: of us. We have been continuously striving to ensure that this publication is unique and an
Technical: I. Sophia Rani, Vivek Patel, invaluable source of information in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology, and have
K. Madhuri, Ratnesh K. Gaur also attempted to highlight noteworthy Indian efforts in this rapidly expanding field. We
also take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the numerous Guest Authors,
Visualization & Design who have readily responded to our call to contribute.
Sk. Md. Rafi It is particularly satisfying to us that the technical content of Nanotech Insights is extremely
Editorial Office: well-received. In this context, we are happy to inform you that the article “Nanotechnology-
based Solutions for Oil Spills”, which featured in the January 2011 issue of Nanotech
Centre for Knowledge Management of Insights was reprinted by the Nano Digest magazine in its entirety, based on the value and
Nanoscience & Technology (CKMNT) relevance of its subject matter. Another article on “Patent Analysis and Product Survey of
12-5-32/8, Vijayapuri Colony, Tarnaka Nanomaterials in Lithium-ion Batteries” published in the same issue was also posted by
Secunderabad-500 017, A.P., India prestigious websites of Forbes and Times of India.
Telephone:+91 40 2700 7032, 2700 0251 Consistent with our unrelenting efforts to make Nanotech Insights a forum for showcasing
Telefax:+91 40 2700 7031 the latest technological advances in this rapidly expanding field, the present issue also
encompasses a wide range of topics. Currently, 285 million people suffer from diabetes
Disclaimer: All information contained in this newsletter
worldwide and it is fair to say that the disease has become a global epidemic. One of the
has been obtained from reliable sources deemed to
be accurate by CKMNT. While reasonable care has most significant complications arising from diabetes is the diabetic foot ulcer/wound, which
been taken in its preparation, CKMNT assumes no usually take years to heal. The Guest Article in the present issue features a revolutionary
representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the approach that involves using inexpensive, easy-to-use candy-like borate glass nanofiber
accuracy, timeliness or completeness of such information. that appears to speed up the healing process. Considering that both cutting-edge R&D
All information should be considered solely as statements in the field, as well as subsequent commercialization, are funding-intensive efforts, the
of opinion and no responsibility is owned by CKMNT for role of Governments in promoting nanoscience & nanotechnology also assumes great
any injury and/or damage caused to person(s) or property significance. Singapore’s extensive and well-developed R&D infrastructure has proved
as a matter of product liability, negligence or otherwise, or
from any use of methods, products, instructions or ideas
to be an ideal platform to springboard nanotechnology to greater heights. Another Guest
contained in the material herein. The authors are solely Article in this issue provides an overview of the latest nanotechnology policy, infrastructure,
responsible for the content of their manuscripts and the research and development highlights and business trends in Singapore. Cooling is one
opinions expressed. and do not necessarily represent of the most important technical challenges facing many diverse industries, including
opinions of the Editorial Board or publisher. Authors are microelectronics, transportation, solid-state lighting, and manufacturing. The concept
also responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce of “nanofluids” has been proposed as a route for surpassing the performance of heat
previously copyrighted material. transfer fluids currently available. This issue presents an overview of this novel approach,
Copyright: Single copies of articles in Nanotech Insights
especially emphasizing the research being carried out at IIT-Madras.
may be made for personal or educational use. Copies Curcumin (an active component of turmeric) has recently elicited great interest from the
in quantity or for commercial purposes, regardless scientific community across the globe due to its outstanding combination of chemo-
of media used or how reproduced or transmitted, is preventive/chemo-therapeutic attributes that can have a positive influence in combating
forbidden without prior written permission.
almost every known disease. The current issue presents an overview of this fascinating
Printed and Published by S. V. Joshi, Project Director material, including the role of nanotechnology in enhancing its bioavailability and efficacy.
(CKMNT) on behalf of CKMNT and printed at M/s. Kala
Jyothi Process Private Limited, 1-1-60/5, RTC Cross
In the Emerging Nanotechnology Products section, various aspects of a novel nano-
Roads, Musheerabad, Hyderabad-500 020, Andhra biotech product, which represents a fourth generation super-fertilizer and ultrafast nano
Pradesh, India. Published at CKMNT, cleaner for environmental remediation, have been featured.
No.12-5-32/8, Vijayapuri Colony Tarnaka, Demand for carbon nanotubes is increasing rapidly in electrical, mechanical and health &
Secunderabad-500017, Andhra Pradesh, India. medical applications due to their thermal, electrical conductive and other properties. The
www.ckmnt.com, Editors: G. Sundararajan,
Y. R. Mahajan, S. V. Joshi
global carbon nanotubes market is projected to grow to US$1.1 billion by 2016, at a CAGR
of 10.5% according to a survey carried out by CKMNT. The Technology Update segment of
the present issue covers a few excerpts from a forthcoming market research report on the
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Nanosensors are emerging as a key enabling technology, finding applications in a wide
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• Add bank charges of Rs. 90/- for About the Cover: Wound dressing made from bioactive borate glass nanofibers
outstation cheques within India speeds up the healing process of a diabetic foot ulcer with minimal scarring.
For further information, please visit: Courtesy: Steven Jung, Mo-Sci Corporation, Missouri, U.S.A
www.ckmnt.com
 EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

Contents
Guest Articles R & D Highlights
• The Wound Healing Power of Glass • Machinable Nanolayered Ceramic:
• Nanotechnology Innovation In Singapore Now for High Temperature Use
• Nanofluids: Fascinating Alternative to
Conventional Heat Transfer Fluids • Nanostructured Barium Oxide Overcomes Problem
of Choking in SOFCs
• Nanoporous
Silica-Liposome Nanoporous
silica core

Hybrid: An Poly ethylene glycol Supported

Innovative Design lipid bilayer

for Targeted Drug

Delivery
Fusogenic peptide

• Wonder Material: Drug cargos

Graphene Targeting peptide

Toughens
Hot Technologies
Structural
Nanotechnology-Enhanced Curcumin:
Ceramics
Symbiosis of Ancient Wisdom of East
with Modern Medical Science Green Nano Technologies
Silicon Quantum Dots: A Non-Toxic
Nanotechnology Alternative to other Toxic Quantum
Dots

Indian Scenario
Nano-Enabled Sensors in India
Eastern Traditional Western Medical Sciences
Wisdom
Dawn of
Future
Medicine

National Physical Laboratory

No. of Publications: 29

Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi

No. of Publications: 12

University of Lucknow
No. of Publications: 13

Emerging Nanotechnology Products

Nualgi for Environmental Remediation
and Nano Agriculture
Bhabha Atomic Research Center Jadavpur University
No. of Publications: 13 No. of Publication:14
Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur
National Chemical Laboratory No. of Publications:11
No. of Publications: 18
Shri Shivaji Science College
University of Pune No. of Publications :15
No. of Publications: 13

Technology Update Indian Institute of Technology-Madras

No. of Publications: 11

Global Carbon Nanotubes Market

Outlook: Industry Beckons

 Nanotech Patents Spotlight



&17V3URGXFWLRQ&DSDFLW\ LQ07


 Commercial / Business Focus

• Technologies Available for Licensing
 

• Business News


• Investment & Funding


     
<HDU
Forthcoming Events

1
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

The Wound Healing Power of Glass

Guest Article Steven Jung

If you asked someone randomly, “How would you treat develop a material that gives the desired wound
a cut on your finger?” you might expect a response similar healing properties in-vivo and then form that material
to: step 1 - disinfect the cut, step 2 - apply an antibacterial into a microstructure that is biologically beneficial. The
cream, and step 3 - cover with a tape bandage. In fact, glass composition was based on the idea of using a
these three steps serve the essential functions needed degradable glass that would react within a few days and
to initiate wound healing: reduce/eliminate bacteria, deliver as many beneficial wound healing properties
keep the wound bed moist, and cover the wound. Now, as possible. The glasses that are showing the most
if you asked someone how they would treat a large open success are: angiogenic, antibacterial, degradable,
wound like a pressure ulcer, the respondent would likely anti-inflammatory, and highly compatible with soft tissue.
admit that they did not know. The answer is basically The microstructure of DermaFuse (Fig. 1) is a highly
the same, the wound needs to be free of micro- porous dynamic structure that has several important
organisms, not wet or dry but moist, and be covered. physical properties useful in wound healing such as:
high liquid adsorption, the microstructure is similar to
In the case of large wounds, especially in unhealthy
a blood clot, and the material is flexible and formable.
people, additional steps may be needed to improve or
induce healing beyond the simplified example above. When connective tissue is damaged, the first thing
For instance, low blood flow may require growth of new that typically happens is your blood clots and stops
blood vessels, or a deep wound may need a scaffold to bleeding. This blood clot is actually an agglomeration
stimulate and guide tissue regeneration. These additional of nano-sized fibrin fibers that acts to cap the wound
steps require advanced wound dressings beyond the and stop blood flow while facilitating the recruitment of
norm. This is where nanotechnology comes into play. cells needed for healing. The ability to mimic the natural
The body is an intricate and dynamic system with the microstructures of the body is one property that sets
means to regenerate itself. Most tissues, hard or soft DermaFuse apart from other wound dressings. This
are classified as connective tissues. Therefore, tissues novel material is composed of nano-sized bioactive
like muscle, bone, and skin while dramatically different borate glass fibers which mimic the microstructure
in form and function actually heal in a similar manner. of the first major event after injury as shown in Fig. 2,
blood clot formation, and the microstructure additionally
DermaFuse (Fig. 1) is a multifunctional dressing in that
promotes blood clot formation (hemostasis).
the bioactive borate glass fibers release ions beneficial
to the wound healing process while having antibacterial, Clotted blood forms a natural barrier to stop blood
angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The concept loss, covers the damaged tissues, keeps out microbes,
of developing Dermafuse was a two pronged approach, and starts the healing process by releasing growth

Fig. 1: Image of a DermaFuse pad (left) and a high magnification SEM image of the fibers on the right

2
 GUEST ARTICLE

6WDJHVRI+HDOLQJ  promoting anti-inflammatory

and anti-bacterial effects. In
%OHHGLQJ &OHDQVZRXQGWULJJHUVSODWHOHWV a traumatic wound, the pad
9DVFXODU can act as a hemostatic
6WRSVEOHHGLQJUHOHDVHVJURZWK device that uses the micro and
&ORWIRUPDWLRQ IDFWRUVUHFUXLWVPDFURSKDJHV
QHHGHGIRULQIODPPDWLRQ nano porosity as a sieve to
separate the solid and liquid
5HOHDVHVJURZWKIDFWRUVQHHGHGIRU
,QIODPPDWLRQ FHOOSUROLIHUDWLRQ portions of the blood. The
solids such as red blood cells
&HOO3UROLIHUDWLRQ &HOOVPXOWLSO\GLIIHUHQWLDWH and platelets collect at the
&HOOXODU wound interface which quickly
7LVVXH5HSDLU &HOOVIRUPWLVVXHV forms a blood clot while the
liquids are pulled throughout
7LVVXH5HPRGHOLQJ
the pad by capillary action.
+RXUV'D\V:HHNV0RQWKV
DermaFuse is currently
7LPH being studied in an IRB (Internal
Fig. 2: The stages of healing for a connective tissue wound Review Board) approved
human clinical trial at a hospital
factors. As one can imagine, this is an important event in central Missouri (Phelps County Regional Medical
in the process of healing. For a normal healthy person, Center, Rolla, MO, USA) in non-healing wounds. Many
these events occur naturally and in a timely order in of the patients in the study are diabetic and have had
which the wound heals with no problems (Fig. 2). wounds for several months to years. The method
of treatment prior to the application of DermaFuse
People with diabetes or other health issues, specifically
pads has been a combination of good wound care
vascular deficiencies, wound healing can be problematic.
management with the available wound treatments
Skipping or delaying any of the steps shown in Fig. 2 can
and dressings currently on the market. Currently the
drastically change the overall healing path for a wound,
study is on-going, but thus far 17 people have fully
i.e. delayed or stagnant wounds. As the population of
healed and been released from hospital care, while the
the world ages, the number of people with delayed or
remainder continue making progress towards healing.
non-healing wounds is increasing at an astonishing
The wound sites that have been successfully treated
rate. In the United States alone, there are an estimated
include: lower leg venous stasis wounds, an amputee
four million people that suffer from such delayed or non-
stump revision, a pressure ulcer located on the heel
healing wounds. Therefore there is a significant need
of the foot, and a sacral pressure wound (bed sore,
for advanced wound healing systems that can correct
lower back). Examples of some of these wound types
the wound healing path and promote wound closure.
that have been successfully treated are shown below.
DermaFuse has several possible applications from
Figure 3 shows an example of a pressure ulcer that
treatment of chronic ulcers, to use by a first responder
occurred in the outer portion of the heel in a person
for individuals injured in accidents/natural disasters, or
that is bed ridden. The wound was initially 3.75 cm
as a battlefield dressing. The unique properties of the
in length, 2.25 cm in width, and 0.75 cm deep. After
highly porous pads will pull liquid exudates away from
33 days the wound had healed, and two months after
the wound bed which is imperative in the case of a
hospital discharge the wound has stayed resolved.
highly exudating non-healing ulcer while degrading and

Initial 10 Days 33 Days

Fig. 3: Pressure wound located on outer heel treated with DermaFuse pad

3
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Initial Resolved (32 Days) turned from red to pink

in color and the size of
the wound continually
decreased until full
closure. An important
and suprising outcome
from this wound was
the lack of scarring
that occurred during
the healing process.
Throughout the
hospital trial, minimal
scarring has become
an expected outcome
as the wounds that
Fig. 4: Stump wound treated with DermaFuse pad
have resolved are often
DermaFuse has been used to make surgical difficult to find without knowing where they once were
revisions as shown on a lower leg stump wound in located.
Fig. 4. After the initial stitching (post surgery), the upper
and lower tissue flaps had not fully joined and there In conclusion, DermaFuse is a novel multifunctional
were spaces across the joint. The holes and spaces wound dressing that will hopefully one day soon
between the upper and lower flaps were filled with become another tool available in the wound care
DermaFuse, and within a month (32 days) the holes had world to treat soft tissue wounds of all types. The
resolved, and the flaps were more tightly joined. The DermaFuse technology is a platform material that
Dermafuse treatments significantly improved the overall can be applied to various dressings and bandages
appearance of the wound while filling the holes and gaps that may one day span from the pad on a simple
in the skin, reducing the chances of a future infection. tape bandage to the most intricate of wound dressing
systems. As noted previously, 17 patients that had
The final example is of a venous stasis ulcer located difficulty healing have fully healed with the assistance of
on the lower leg (Fig. 5). This particular wound had DermaFuse pads and been released from hospital care.

Initial Day 12
Day 103

Fig. 5: Lower leg venous stasis ulcer treated with DermaFuse pads. After the wound had resolved (Day 103), minimal scarring was
noted
existed for several months without forward progress
with normal debridement (cleaning) and coverage with Steven Jung, Ph.D.
several types of wound dressings (silver and non-silver). Senior Research Engineer
After the first treatment with the DermaFuse pad, the Mo-Sci Corporation
wound started to reduce in size. Initially, the wound was Rolla, MO, U.S.A.
red and inflammed as shown, but the wound quickly Phone: 573-364-2338
Email:[email protected]

4
 GUEST ARTICLE

Nanotechnology Innovation in Singapore

Guest Article Hiran Vedam

Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Partnership Programme (CIPP) to help private enterprises
Due to its small size and lack of natural resources, collaborate with the public sector to develop innovative
it has relied on building its manufacturing base and solutions for specific needs in the public sector, where
increasingly its knowledge based economy to each project can receive up to $1.75 million, will be set
sustain its high standard of living and provide future up as part of the budget. About 19% of the budget is
growth. In fact, Singapore’s allocation for R&D in set aside to strengthen Singapore’s knowledge base
2006-2010 was double the previous five-year plan at with enhanced flexibility to capture new opportunities
$13.5 billion and these efforts are starting to bear fruit. that may arise during the course of the next five years.

Business expenditure in R&D has been increasing The above mentioned steps would help in creating
with the private sector currently spending two dollars for a very innovative environment to perform high quality
every dollar of public R&D expenditure. The proportion research and commercialize it. In this article, I will discuss
of number of research scientists and engineers in the the innovative environment in Singapore specifically with
total labor force was 87.8 per 10,000 workers in 2009. respect to nanotechnology and some of the success stories.
The number of patent applications increased from 142
Research Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Framework
in 1993 to 1569 in 2009, with a corresponding increase
in the number of patents awarded from 52 in 1993 to of Singapore
827 in 2009. Singapore also had over 4785 granted US As part of the S&T Plan 20104, a holistic R&D
patents1 between 2000 and 2010. The recent Global framework to manage Singapore’s research and ensure
Innovation Index (GII) published by INSEAD2 ranks long-term relevance for Singapore’s R&D investments was
Singapore as number 3 for innovation among the high developed, as shown in Fig. 1. The National Research
income countries. Its human capital and research, and Foundation (NRF) established in 2006 sets the national
business sophistication are ranked number 1 by the report. direction for R&D, funds strategic initiatives, builds up
R&D capabilities and coordinates the overall national
Singapore is building on these strengths and has research agenda in Singapore5. The Agency for Science,
increased its R&D spending to SGD $16.1 billion in the Technology and Research (A*Star) under the Ministry of
current five-year period, which represents an increase
Trade and Industry (MTI) is the lead agency for fostering
of 20% over the previous five-year period3. Nearly 70%
world-class scientific research and talent in Singapore.
of this budget will be spent on economic outcomes i.e.,
A*Star oversees 14 biomedical and physical sciences
working in closer collaboration with industry, creating more
and engineering research institutes, apart from providing
Intellectual Properties (IPs), leading to innovative products
funding for other research organizations in Singapore6.
and services that can be commercialized. A significant
Together with the Economic Development Board (EDB),
portion of the budget nearly 6% is set aside to support
A*Star helps anchor various flagship R&D projects and
the work of technology transfer offices, translational
and innovation centers, enterprise incubators and attract more MNCs to locate the corporate R&D activities in
accelerators. One of the key objectives of the current plan Singapore. A*Star works with The Standards, Productivity
is to increase private sector participation in R&D so that and Innovation Board (SPRING) Singapore to assist small
the overall gross expenditure in R&D will reach 3.5% of the and medium enterprises of Singapore in upgrading their
Gross Domestic Product by 2015. To encourage private technology capabilities. The Ministry of Education (MOE)
sector R&D, $2.5 billion will be set aside via the Economic and its Academic Research Fund (AcRF) mainly fund the
Development Board’s (EDB) Research Incentive Scheme academic institutions such as universities and polytechnics.
to co-fund the establishment of corporate centers of R&D Over the last S&T Plan, a number of incentives
excellence in Singapore. A new $1.35 billion ‘Industry and funding schemes were announced to foster
Alignment Fund’ (IAF) for projects that bring together research, innovation and enterprise in Singapore.
Singapore’s public sector R&D performers with industry A summary of these schemes is outlined in Fig. 2.
players, to work on projects with industry relevance, will
also be introduced. Greater funding priority will be given to Nanotechnology in Singapore
multi-disciplinary and collaborative efforts not only within Nanotechnology is recognized as a key enabler to
public sector R&D organizations but also in corporate R&D sustain the future development of the Singapore economy
laboratories so that the commercial value of Singapore’s and the agencies in Singapore have been emphasizing
public sector IP is increased. A $450 million Co-Innovation on it since the late 1990s. While there are no concrete

5
NANOTECH INSIGHTS GUEST ARTICLE

Devices Laboratory (SNDL) and Surface

Research, Innovation Science Laboratory (SSL). NUS launched
& Enterprise Council Cabinet NanoCore9, an embedded entity within
(RIEC)
NUSNNI, in 2008 to build a focused group
of interdisciplinary labs of excellence in
selected areas where NUS can build world
National Research Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Eductation class teams and make global impact.
Foundation (NRF) Industry (MTI) (MTI)
These areas include oxide electronics,
graphene electronics, active plasmonics,
A* Star EDB SPRING AcRF spintronic materials, optoelectronics,
ion-beam imaging and fabrication and
bionanotechnology. NanoCore has state-
Funding of-the-art infrastructure like the Orion
He-Ion sub-nm microscope and e-beam
writer. The Solar Energy Research
Other Public
Universities RIs Polytechnics and Private
Institute of Singapore (SERIS) located
Organizations in NUS conducts industry-oriented
research and technology development
Fig. 1: Singapore National R&D Framework (Adapted from Singapore Science and use-inspired basic research in
&Technology 2010 plan)4 the field of solar energy conversion,

figures on Singapore’s spending on nanotechnology, in close collaboration with industrial partners.

there is no doubt that funding for nanotechnology-related NanoCluster10 is an NTU-wide network of research
R&D and manpower development has been going up centers with shared facilities for nanofabrication,
over the years due to increased emphasis on research nanocharacterization, and exploitation of nanotechnology
in energy, water and biomedical sciences. It is estimated applications in nanodevices, energy & catalysis,
that the number of researchers and engineers working nanobiotechnology, nanomaterial synthesis, organic,
in nanotechnology-related fields in the Republic, in both molecular electronics and nanomagnetics & photonics. It
the public and private sectors, totals more than 1,000. consists of a loose network of 90 academic staff across
Singapore is an active member of the Asia Nano Forum five research centers. Major facilities include three
(ANF)7 as well as a participating member of the International cleanrooms (net area of 1,000 sq.m) for semiconductor
Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International processing, MEMs, Bio/ Organic/ Glass/ Metal fabrication
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Singapore presently / processing, advanced characterization (TEMs/FIB
chairs the standardization working group in the ANF. surface analysis) and advanced materials synthesis. NTU
also houses the Computational Nanoelectronics Initiative
Research Infrastructure which coordinates nanoelectronics modeling work
Research in nanotechnology mainly takes place in the two among the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and RIs.
technological universities in Singapore namely, National
University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological Among the 14 A*Star RIs, nanotechnology
University (NTU), and A*Star Research Institutes (RIs). related research is concentrated in the Institute of
Microelectronics (IME), Institute of Materials Research &
At NUS, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative Engineering (IMRE), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing
(NUSNNI) provides the focal point for nanotechnology Technology (SIMTech) and Institute of Bioengineering &
related activities in six strategic areas, namely: Nanotechnology (IBN). IME has an 8” wafer fab and state-
nanobiotechnology, nanomagnetics and spintronics, of-the-art laboratories in optoelectronics and microfluidics.
nano/microfabrication, nanophotonics, sustainable energy A*Star has set up the Science and Engineering Research
and health & environmental impacts of nanomaterials8. It Council's (SERC) Nanofabrication and Characterization
consists of a loose network of more than 120 academic Facility (SNFC) to provide access to all the fabrication and
staff spanning 14 research labs and 5 research centers characterization facilities available under its SERC to the
across the science and engineering faculties. One of Singapore's nanotech community. This facility, managed
these research centers is the Singapore Synchrotron Light by IMRE, consists of fabrication facilities such as inkjet
Source (SSLS) which provides synchrotron radiation based printing system, metalorganic CVD systems and e-beam
fabrication and characterization services to academia lithography equipment. It also has characterization
and industry around the world. NUS is also home to the equipment such as microRaman system, UHV TEM, TOF-
Center for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA) housing a proton SIMS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. IMRE also
beam radiation source which can be used to fabricate manages a wafer scale nanoimprint lithography facility that
high aspect ratio 3D nanostructures and to image deep provides commercial prototyping and foundry services.
tissues. Some state-of-the art labs at NUS include the SIMTech has setup a Microfluidics Research Foundry (IMF)
Organic Nano Devices Laboratory (ONDL), Silicon Nano

6
 GUEST ARTICLE

Commercialization Infrastructure
IDEATION PROTOTYPE SEED EARLY STAGE GROWTH
Technology transfer is well
developed at IHLs and A*Star RIs
in Singapore. At NUS, technology
Proof-Of-Concept (NRF) SEEDS (SPRING) transfer and collaborations are
Technology Incubation Scheme (NRF) managed by the Industry Liaison
Polytechnic Translation Garants MOE Early Stage Venture Funds (NRF) Office (ILO) which is part of the
Technology Enterprise Commercialization Scheme (SPRING) NUS Enterprise. NUS Enterprise11
Sector Specific Incubators (SPRING) also has a division called the NUS
ETPL Gape funding COT/ Flagship (A* Star)
Entrepreneurship Center (NEC)
which administers the proof-of-
GET-UP(SPRING-A*-MOE) concept grants, assists in the
Exploit Technologies(A*Star)
formation of spin-offs and selectively
provides seed stage funding
University Technologies Transfer Officers (MOE)
for them. NEC also manages a
Center for Innovations in Polytecnics (SPRING-MOE) cleantech incubator to mentor
University Innovation Fund (NRF)
cleantech startups under EDB’s
Fast-tech program. NanoCore
Innovation and Enterprise Institute (NRF)
supports the commercialization
University&
Beneficiary - - - - Polytechnics
Enterprizes A*Star RI and entrepreneurship activities
specifically in nanotechnology
Fig. 2: Singapore Innovation and Enterprise Landscape (Adapted from Research, through NanoSpark.
Innovation and Enterprise 20153)
The Innovation & Technology
to accelerate prototyping and pilot run base for microfluidic Transfer Office (ITTO) at NTU is the key point of contact for
development. A*Star also has a Center for Nanometrology technology transfer and collaborations at NTU12. In 2005,
Excellence, a 200 mm Si-based wafer processing and NTU, with the support of EDB, set up a nanotechnology
MEMS prototyping facility that are available for use by the incubator named NanoFrontier Pte. Ltd., to provide a
wider nanotech community in Singapore. In 2010, A*Star platform for companies of various industries to expand
along with EDB, SPRING and IE Singapore initiated an their research and development efforts in nanotechnology-
Industrial Consortium for Nanoimprinting (ICON) to foster related areas13. NanoFrontier also provides start-ups and
the sharing and transfer of nanoimprint technology with technopreneurs a safe and strategic place to develop their
industry and to enhance the commercial readiness and nanotech inventions both technically and commercially.
adoption of the technology in a number of areas such All IPs generated by the A*Star institutions are
as optical components, biomedical devices, consumer commercialized by Exploit Technologies Pte. Ltd (ETPL).
products and even construction materials. In 2010, A*Star ETPL actively licenses the technologies developed
along with EDB also launched the Singapore MEMS by A*Star institutions and provides technology and
Consortium to promote collaboration among companies commercialization intelligence to researchers in the form
for an integrated solution for MEMS manufacturing. of specific industry trends and market needs prior to
In addition to world-class research infrastructure, the start of the research projects. Exploit Technologies
Singapore also has a wide variety of programs to train (ETPL) also manages collaborations with A*Star RIs and
manpower required for nanotech companies at different provides seed funding for their spin-offs companies14.
levels of expertise. The Institute of Bioengineering and In order to bridge the gap between the research
Nanotechnology (IBN), an A*Star RI, launched Nano- developed by its RIs and commercialization,
Bio kits to educate school children and these kits have A*Star has two types of in-house funding, namely
been incorporated into the secondary school curriculum Commercialization of Technology (COT) and
in Singapore. The Nanyang Polytechnic and Republic Flagship funds, in addition to in-depth technology
Polytechnic offer diploma level courses in nanotechnology. and business intelligence and business planning.
The National University of Singapore offers a dual degree
B.S. in Physics and Material Science which emphasizes In addition to the grants schemes discussed in the
nanotechnology, and an Engineering Science program previous section and the commercialization infrastructure
in Nanotechnology. Both NUS and NTU offer a variety of summarized here, Singapore also has a number of private
research programs in nanotechnology at masters and sector venture capital firms actively investing in nanotech
Ph.D level through their traditional departments. In a first companies. These companies are shown in Fig. 3.
for Singapore, NUS’ NUSNNI started offering NUSNNI-
Application-Specific Strengths
NanoCore scholarships for a research based PhD
Singapore’s investment in nanotechnology has
program in nanoscience and nanotechnology in 2010.
already resulted in a growth of nanotechnology related

7
NANOTECH INSIGHTS GUEST ARTICLE

products and services at a rate of about 8-21%

and the number of nanotechnology companies in
Singapore has also grown from 10 in 2004 to the
present 58. Multi-national companies such as BASF,
Bayer, ST Microelectronics and Zyvex have decided
to set up substantial R&D facilities in Singapore to
take advantage of and contribute to the growing
nanotechnology ecosystem in Singapore. Here,
we highlight a few application-specific strengths of
Singapore and the ecosystem to capitalize on them.

Biomedical Applications
Singapore hosts world class research in drug Fig.2: Venture Capital Firms Investing in Nanotech Companies
delivery systems, tissue engineering and bio-imaging in Singapore
applications of nanotechnology. NUS is ranked number Bioimaging
1 in drug targeting and drug delivery systems (based
on citations from 2003-2009) and number 2 (after Bioimaging is an area of intense research by various
MIT) in tissue engineering and bio-imaging applications. groups in Singapore. Most notable among them is IBN
NUS also contributed 6 of the top 10 researchers in which developed water soluble silica-coated magnetic
this area in Singapore, while NTU and A*Star’s IBN quantum dot nanocomposites. At NUS, researchers are
contributed 2 researchers each to round up the top 10 list. developing water-dispersible magnetic nanoparticles
for MRI applications and thermotherapy. Other groups
Drug Delivery Systems at NUS are developing water soluble upconversion
Researchers at NUS have developed novel nanoparticles for bio-imaging, as they reduce photo-
biodegradable copolymers for sustained and controlled damage, and for phototherapy, as they can be excited
release of anti-cancer and AIDS drugs increasing the oral using infrared light to generate heat at targeted sites.
bioavailability to 91% while decreasing side effects. They
are also using these polymers for developing vaccines
Energy Applications
Energy was recognized as one of the 12 priority
and gene therapies with minimal side effects. Another
research areas by A*Star as part of a tech scan exercise
group at NUS is studying the role of nano-biomechanics
it carried out prior to the launch of Singapore’s Science
to understand the patho-physiology of malaria and cancer
& Technology 2010 plan. A significant portion of
to develop highly sensitive and accurate high-throughput
energy related nanotechnology research in Singapore
assays that can help detect diseases in early stages.
is focused on third generation solar cells – specifically
Researchers at NTU are developing biodegradable stents
in organic and dye sensitized solar cells. Another
with the capacity to deliver multiple drugs and to reduce
significant area of research related to energy is the
restenosis and thrombosis. IMRE is developing thermal
development of Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)
and pH - responsive degradable polymers via graft of
NIPAAm (N-isopropylacrylamide) that can be used in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
hydrogels and micelles for drug delivery applications.
Researchers at NUS are investigating the use of
Tissue Engineering diameter controlled anatase TiO2 nanofibers in dye-
sensitized solar cells. They are also researching the
Researchers at NUS are developing a novel intra-
impact of electrospinning and hot pressing 1D metal
guidance channel using electrospun biodegradable
oxide nanorods on to substrates as guides for electron
poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) that can be used
transport. Initial results indicate that they can produce
with commercially available nerve conduit. Other tissue
dye-sensitized solar cells with conversion efficiencies of
engineering applications of nanofibers being investigated
~6%. Another group at NUS is investigating mesoscopic
include biomineralized scaffolds for bone and cartilage
metal oxide electrodes (TiO2, Al2O3, etc.) and their
repair, skin grafts for wound dressing and nanofiber
assemblies with functional molecules to produce high-
covered stents to reduce restenosis. Another group at
efficiency, low cost dye sensitized and 3D solar cells.
NUS is developing methods to combat bio-material
Other groups are investigating the use of conjugate
- centered infection using surface functionalization
polymers and nanocrystalline inorganic materials for
techniques especially in Ti implants. Researchers at
solid state dye-sensitized solar cells. At NTU, researchers
IBN have developed novel fibrous scaffolds where the
have developed dye-sensitized solar cells based on
porosity can be manipulated by hydroentanglement and
ZnO nanoflowers with a conversion efficiency of 1.9%.
use of microparticles. These scaffolds can deliver growth
factors customized to the cells and mimic the extracellular Organic Solar Cells
matrix to promote effective tissue regeneration.
A*Star’s IMRE has developed translucent organic

8
 GUEST ARTICLE

solar cells that can be easily printed on flexible substrates. investigating the use of TiO2 nanofiber membranes for
These solar cells not only can be produced cheaply but concurrent photocatalytic oxidation and filtration to reduce
also have a wide variety of applications from window membrane fouling problems in large-scale water treatment
panes to portable electronics. At NTU, researchers are applications. They are also developing bimetallic zerovalent
incorporating silver nanoprisms as the median layer metal particles for catalytic reduction of contaminants in
between the electron and the hole to increase the amount water and nanostructured materials such as layered double
of light absorbed and enhance charge transport. At NUS, hydroxides to adsorb trace inorganic contaminants and
platform technologies such as advanced nanometal inks, biomaterials. NTU has set up the Singapore Membrane
Deep Ultra-Violet (DUV) and i-line crosslinkable formulations Technology Center (SMTC), a world class research
for producing organic transistors and novel columnar center for developing advanced membrane technology.
hetrostructures for highly efficiency photovoltaics are being
Environmental Sensors
developed. Researchers at NUS are also investigating the
production of low-cost, high quality graphene by chemical Researchers at NUS have developed an instrumentation-
exfoliation and its use in transistors and solar cells. free sensor system to detect the presence of mercury at
room temperature using DNA-modified gold nanoparticles.
OLED
Another group there has developed a liquid crystal-
IMRE and NUS researchers have developed a based detection system for environmental applications.
technology to fabricate all-in-one white LEDs by growing At IBN, researchers have developed an ultrasensitive
multiple quantum wells using InGaN/GaN on a sapphire electrochemical detection system for biomolecules using
substrate. This is an important milestone in obtaining nanoparticle tagging. NTU’s researchers, meanwhile,
white light LEDs that are cheaper, stable and less complex have synthesized semiconductor and ferroelectric nano-
without using phosphors. Another research group at IMRE structured metal oxide and composite materials for use in
is developing top emitting OLEDs on flexible substrates and gas sensors. Another group there has developed sensors
has developed robust plastic substrates with an effective based on modified gold electrodes using ZnO nanocombs.
barrier against oxygen and moisture to increase their life
time. They have also achieved significant improvement Electronic Applications
in electroluminescent efficiency in top emitting OLEDs by Electronics is one of the main industry clusters in the
overlaying an optical coupling layer on a semitransparent Singapore manufacturing sector and data storage and
cathode. Researchers at IMRE have also developed blue semiconductors are the two most important sectors
emitters with increased lifetime and efficiency that is solution- within it. Hence there is a critical mass of research in this
processible, which makes the production cost cheaper. area and the infrastructure to support it in Singapore.

Environment and Water Related Applications Nanodevices

Environment and water sector was recognized as one NUS is the first in the world to demonstrate the use
of two new strategic sectors for growth in Singapore in the of a new material comprising silicon and carbon in
Singapore Science & Technology 2010 plan. A significant transistors to enhance the speed of electronics. NUS
part of environment and water-related applications of broke the world’s sub-threshold record for semiconductor
nanotechnology is in the area of membranes with NUS devices by developing a CMOS-compatible L-shaped
being recognized as a world leader. Environmental sensors impact-ionization MOS (IMOS) technology based on
is another area witnessing a growth in research activity. silicon-germanium (SiGe) to enable the next generation of
Membranes ultra-low power devices. It is also the first in the world to
demonstrate HfN/SiO2 and HfN/HfO2 gate stack technology
NUS is the first to publish a study of forward osmosis and to develop a proton beam writing technology with the
by fabricating nanofiltration (NF) hollow fiber membranes unique ability to direct-write 3-dimensional structures down
for osmotically driven membrane processes. Researchers to the 30nm level in both polymer and semi-conductor
there are studying novel membrane materials for natural materials. NTU developed the world’s first metamorphic
gas applications and have synthesized several novel and indium phosphide double-heterojunction bipolar transistor
promising flourinated polyimides with high gas permeability technology to manufacture high performance III-V
and selectivity. They have enhanced the anti-plasticization monolithic microwave-integrated circuits cheaply. It has
properties of the membranes using innovative chemical also developed a novel Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc
cross-linking technologies and have achieved a significant (FCVA) coating technology which overcomes many of the
breakthrough in membrane distillation using dual-layer disadvantages in existing FCVA technologies. Potential
microporous hollow fibers. Another group at NUS is applications of FCVA technology being explored include
exploring the use of surface modification techniques such the deposition and characterization of ZrO2 to replace
as plasma-induced graft copolymerization on electrospun SiO2 as a gate dielectric and the deposition of ZnO on
nanofibrous membranes to achieve smaller pores silicon substrates for optoelectronic applications. IMRE
while retaining their high flux performance with potential successfully fabricated high-k oxides of high quality on
applications in water filtration. At NTU, researchers are semiconductors and achieved improved performance of

9
NANOTECH INSIGHTS GUEST ARTICLE

Ge-based MOSFETS by using Germanides such as NiGe Organic and Molecular electronics
as a Schottky source/drain. Researchers there have also
NTU researchers have developed a tunable computer-
been successful in using silicide materials such as NiSi
generated hologram stored in polymer-dispersed liquid
and ErSi2 in sub-90nm nanodevices. IME successfully
crystals bringing them one step closer to rewritable
demonstrated the integration of Gate-All-Around (GAA)
holographic disks. Another group there is developing
Si-nanowire transistors into CMOS inverters using a top-
superior semiconductor single-wall carbon nanotubes
down approach. They also fabricated P-channel omega-
networks to build Field Effect Transistors (FETs) with high
gated SiGe nanowire FETs with high-k/metal gate using
mobility, on/off ratio and yield for printed electronics. As
a top-down approach, thus enabling the integration of
mentioned in previous sections, NUS researchers are
nearly pure Ge nanowire transistors into CMOS logic
setting up a technology platform to develop organic
circuits. Another key result achieved by researchers at IME
electronic systems. Another group at NUS is developing
is the development of Wafer Transfer Technology to effect
new methods to make graphene-related materials using
wafer level transfer of circuit patterns from Si onto plastic,
chemical and physical means and integrating these
glass or rubber. Researchers at SIMTech have developed
materials into a specially created device structure for
lead-free nanocomposite solders by strengthening
investigating electron transport. NUS is also studying
the solder with fine second phase particles to provide
charge and spin transport in lithographically patterned
good mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.
graphene nanostructures and the manipulation of the
Photonics and Magnetics magnetization of nanoscale ferromagnets by means of
spin currents. As mentioned earlier, IMRE researchers have
NUS researchers are developing novel spintronic
developed top-emitting OLEDs on flexible substrates. They
materials such as oxide-based ferromagnets created by
are also experimenting with developing nanocomposite
doping wide bandgap oxides such as TiO2, HfO2, Cu2O,
dendrimers consisting of a rigid core with active
SnO2, ZnO and using them to build multifunctional spintronic
organic peripheries for use in solar cells and transistors.
devices for information storage and processing. Another
group at NUS is exploring heterostructure, superlattices, Characterization
or/and quantum wells between various epitaxial films with NUS is home to the invention of the portable scanning
particular emphasis on materials with unconventional electron microscope(SEM) concept and researchers there
electronic, optical, magnetic and thermal properties. Other have developed several attachments to SEM to significantly
groups at NUS are examining nonlinear optical effects of enhance the performance of a standard SEM. Another
intense laser pulses on novel materials with large higher- group has developed an image collection and processing
order nonlinear optical susceptibility to identify materials system to control, capture, store and process images from
for applications in optical switching, optical limiting, and SEMs. This group developed a cathodoluminescence
optical imaging. Researchers at NTU are developing detection system capable of performing monochromatic
mesoscopic structures for routing and processing light that imaging and extended the capabilities of the SEM for
can be integrated with active devices such as lasers and deep and sub-surface analysis, presently not detectable
detectors in a very compact form factor. They are exploring in the SEM, using the detection of thermo-acoustically
the integration of photonic devices based on III-V quantum generated signals. There is also ongoing research at NUS
dots grown using the molecular beam epitaxy process to build Photoelectron Emission Microscope (PEEM) to
into a silicon-based substrate platform. Another group at enable imaging of plasmonic devices with high spatial
the NTU has fabricated ZnO waveguides which achieve and temporal resolution. IMRE researchers are using
amplified spontaneous emission, pointing the way to photoemission spectroscopy to determine hetero-junction
directional ZnO lasers. That work is part of a larger program band offsets to optimize and tune devices to specific
to fabricate ZnO optoelectronics based on a silicon applications. Another group there has developed Ballistic
substrate and to integrate them with silicon electronics Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM), which is a modified
using the FCVA deposition technique. IMRE researchers version of Scanning Tunnel Microscope (STM) that allows
have developed perfluorinated materials for use as barrier local charge injection barrier measurements for a buried
films and lubricants for hard disk drives. At IME, researchers interface such as in electronic devices. Researchers there
have established a full suite of passive components library- have also developed a high-sensitivity oxygen and water
based SOI nanowires and SiN waveguides with an ultimate vapor permeation measurement system for studying the
goal of achieving monolithic integration of all electronic lifetime and degradation properties of flexible OLED devices.
and photonic devices on a single chip. They have also
monolithically integrated a Ge-Photodetector onto a Sia Si- Success Stories
CMOS compatible photonics platform. Another group at One of the early success stories in nanotechnology space
IME has reported electron luminescence in an electrically based on research and development in Singapore is
pumped silicon light-emitting device with a thin multi- SingularID15. SingularID was a spin-off from A*Star’s IMRE
layer stacked amorphous silicon/silicon nitride structure. that uses inherent disorder in magnetic composites resulting
in a unique pattern or “fingerprint” which can be used for anti-

10
 GUEST ARTICLE

Nanotechnology-Based Solutions for Oil Spills

counterfeiting. SingularID was formed in May 2005 after it
secured initial funding from BioVenture Center of Beckton
Dickson and was bought over by BilCare to form its BilCare
nanotech companies in Singapore. Singapore’s companies
are tackling the other issues by starting out with a global
outlook, hiring foreign talent and forming strong networks
Technologies,15 winning numerous awards along the way. outside Singapore, and more needs to be done to boost
Hot Technologies16 the entrepreneurial eco-system to address these gaps.
Curiox Biosystems is a spin-off from A*Star’s
IBN to commercialize innovative assay platforms by References
offering DropArray™ systems based on its expertise
1. http://www.uspto.gov/go/oeip/taf/cst_all.htm
in surface chemistry and engineering. It started out as
a flagship project funded by ETPL that was spun-off 2. http://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii/
in 2008, as the number of the initiatives described in
3. Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2015, http://app.
Fig. 2 started to be implemented after receiving its first
mti.gov.sg/default.asp?id=885
funding from NanoStart Asia, the Asian subsidiary of
NanoStart AG. Recently, NanoStart sold its share in 4. Singapore Science & Technology 2010, http://app.
the company to a strategic investor Zicom Group that mti.gov.sg/default.asp?id=885
increased its stake in Curiox to 41%. NanoStart Asia 5. NRF National Framework for Innovation
is one of the VC firms under the Early Stage Venture and Enterprise, http://www.nrf.gov.sg/nrf/
Funding scheme of NRF. Curiox also took advantage otherProgrammes.aspx?id=1206
of SPRING’s TECS grants to develop its products.
6. A*Star: http://www.a-star.edu.sg/
Tera-barrier17 is a spin-off from A*Star’s IMRE to
commercialize barrier films for flexible electronics. The 7. Asia Nano Forum, http://www.asia-anf.org/index.php
fundamental research for this project started in 1999 8. NUS Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Initative, http://
with the first patents filed in 2000. It was incubated by www.nusnni.nus.edu.sg/
Exploit Technologies as a flagship project and was
spunoff in 2009 after it received funding from Applied 9. NUS NanoCore, http://www.nanocore.nus.edu.sg/
Ventures. Tera-barrier signed an exclusive distribution 10. NTU NanoCluster, http://www.ntu.edu.sg/nanocluster
agreement in Asia Pacific and received strategic
investment from KISCO Ltd in 2010 and is now in the 11. NUS Enterprise, http://www.nus.edu.sg/enterprise/
process of building a production facility to increase the 12. NTU Innovation & Technology Transfer Office, http://
production of the barrier film for photovoltaic applications. www.ntu.edu.sg/itto/Pages/default.aspx
A more complete overview of Singapore’s 13. NanoFrontier , http://www.nanofrontier.com.sg/
nanotechnology research and commercialization
infrastructure and the companies working in this area can 14. A*Star Technology Commercialization, http://www.
be obtained from [18] and [19]. exploit-tech.com/For-Industry/A-STAR-Technology-
Commercialisation.aspx
Conclusions 15. BilCare Technologies: http://www.bilcaretech.com/
Singapore has focused its R&D funding on developing
index.htm
building capabilities and innovations that are most
relevant to its socio-economic development and building 16. Curiox BioSystems, http://www.curiox.com/
the ecosystem to successfully use them. The government 17. Tera-Barrier, http://www.tera-barrier.com/
views Singapore as a “living lab” to experiment with
cutting edge innovations and de-risk them via various 18. Singapore Nanotechnology Ecosystem Report:
grant schemes. These efforts are starting to show some http://www.nanoconsulting.com.sg/doc/
early successes and RIE 2015 provides the impetus SingNanoReport2009Feb.pdf
to push these efforts even further. Some challenges in 19. Singapore Nanotech Capability Report, http://nano-
commercializing the technologies still remain even in this globe.biz/intro_report.html
vibrant environment. These include lack of experienced
entrepreneurs and engineering skills to steer the young 20. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sci/2011-
companies to success, gaps in availability of finance for 06/16/c_13934009.htm
later-stage companies (series B stage), small domestic
market and gaps in supply chains in taking the company Hiran Vedam
from technology to market. These gaps become even
Managing Director
more apparent for companies that are not based on
technologies coming out of Singapore’s academic and NanoConsulting Pte. Ltd.,
research institutions. However, the recent launch of the 20 Maxwell Road, #09-17 Maxwell House
Asia Nanotechology Fund by Rusnano, EDB and 360ip20 Singapore 069113
will give a boost to the availability of growth funds for Phone: +65 81005837

11
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Nanofluids:
Nanofluids
Fascinating Alternative to
Conventional Heat Transfer Fluids
Guest Article Tessy Theres Baby, S. S. Jyothirmayee Aravind and S. Ramaprabhu

The energy conservation strategy developed to fluids to synthesize macrofluids and microfluids, but due to
make power available to all by 2012 focuses on two sedimentation and clogging in the pipe lines, these fluids
important aspects: avoiding the unwanted usage of are not efficient for heat transfer applications. In 1995
energy systems and power, and utilizing the available Choi and coworkers1 from Argonne National Laboratory
energy effectively. Since the overproduction of thermal introduced a new type of interesting fluid, called
energy is the cause of unusual climate change, it may ‘Nanofluid’. Nanofluid, a suspension of nanoparticles in
be controllable, to some extent, by energy conservation. a base liquid, has been found to provide a considerable
heat-transfer enhancement compared to the base fluids
The miniaturization of electronic circuits leads to
since the suspended crystalline nanoparticles have
overheating of the system which damages and reduces
thermal conductivities which are several orders higher
the performance of electronic devices. The continuous
than those of the base fluids. Besides, with proper
growth in technology and upcoming miniaturized powerful
synthesis techniques, there is no settling, sedimentation
devices in various sectors such as communication and
and clogging in nanofluids. Moreover, the high specific
electronics demand improved cooling performance,
surface area of the nanomaterials provides more surfaces
which is an important aspect of thermal management.
for enhancing heat transfer between nanoparticles and
Though the electronics industry uses conventional
fluids. The dispersion stability is good for nanofluids with
cooling systems like air coolant and liquid coolants to
predominant Brownian motion of nanoparticles. Thus,
remove the excess heat, they are not very effective due
nanofluids have several advantages such as better
to their poor thermal properties. The conventional liquid
stability and higher enhancement of thermal conductivity
coolants are deionised (DI) water, ethylene glycol (EG)
over microfluids. The property of a nanofluid can be tuned
and a combination of water and ethylene glycol. One way
by varying the property of the additive nanomaterial.
of improving the thermal property of these fluids is the
Thus, nanofluid technology offers great potential for
addition of solid materials to these fluids, considering the
further developments of advanced, highly efficient,
fact that solids have higher thermal conductivities than
compact and cost-effective liquid cooling systems.
liquids. The scientific community has investigated the
thermal property of macro and micro materials-dispersed Nanofluids can be used in a wide variety of industries,
ranging from transportation to energy production and
in electronics systems like microprocessors, Micro-
a) b) Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and in the fleld of
biotechnology. Recently, a number of companies have
acknowledged the potential of nanofluids technology
and focusing their efforts on utilizing this technology. In
the transportation industry, Tata Motors, GM and Ford,
among others, are focusing on nanofluids research
projects2. Nanofluids can be used to cool automobile
engines, welding equipment, and heat flux devices
such as high-power microwave tubes and high-
power laser diode arrays. A nanofluid coolant could
flow through tiny passages in MEMS to improve its
efficiency. The measurement of the Critical Heat Flux
(CHF) of a nanofluid in a forced convection loop is
useful for nuclear applications2. If nanofluids improve
chiller efficiency by 1%, a saving of 320 billion kWh
of electricity per annum could be realized. Further,
nanofluids find potential use in deep drilling applications.
Thermal conductivity is one of the attractive
characteristics of a nanofluid. Nanofluids dispersed
Fig. 1: (a) Al2O3 nanoparticles and (b)TiO2 nanoparticles with metal nanoparticles such as copper, silver and
dispersed deionized water-based nanofluids gold show increased effective thermal conductivity

12
 G UU EE SS TT AA RR TT II CC LL EE
G

candidates for use in nanofluids10. The synthesis of

a) b) carbon- based nanofluids is a very tricky issue, and none
of the carbon-related materials can be dispersed in polar
solvents without surface modification or surfactants.
Of late, Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with high thermal
conductivity have been considered as an ideal choice for
nanofluid applications. The efficient utilization of CNTs in
nanofluids would require modification of their surface with
oxygen containing functional groups. These functional
groups are essential as they can impart hydrophilicity
and provide anchoring sites for further decorating them
with metal nanoparticles. Efficient functionalization has
been carried out by treating CNTs with acid (Fig. 2).
Further, silver nanoparticle-decorated CNT has been
dispersed in base fluids for nanofluid applications.
Gharagozloo et al.11 have reported an increase of 11.6%
in the convection coefficient for DI water-based nanofluid
with 0.2% volume fraction of CNTs. Jha et al.12 have
reported higher thermal conductivity for different metal
nanoparticle-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes
(MWNTs). A 27% enhancement in thermal conductivity
Fig. 2: Photographs of CNT nanofluids (a) functionalized CNTs has been reported by adding 0.5 wt% of carbon-coated
and (b) non-functionalized CNTs in deionized water Cu nanoparticles in polyethylene glycol, and 49%, 40%,
and 30% enhancement in thermal conductivity for carbon-
compared with the base fluids. Cu nanoparticles coated coated Cu, Al, and Fe nanoparticles with a loading of 1.5
with thioglycolic acid gave a 40 % increase in the thermal wt%, respectively13. With a volume fraction of 5% CuO
conductivity of ethylene glycol at a particle loading of in ethylene glycol, 1% MWNTs in ethylene glycol, 1.5%
only 0.3% volume fraction.3 Enhancement in thermal MWNT in DI water and 2% MWNTs in synthetic engine
conductivity has been reported for kerosene-based oil, thermal conductivity has found to be enhanced
nanofluids prepared using silver nanoparticles4. Recent by 22.4%, 12.4%, 17% and 30%, respectively14.
work on Ag nanoparticles-dispersed oil-based nanofluids
Temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity
describes the physicochemical properties of Ag
of nanofluids has been studied for different concentrations
nanofluids5. Saterlie et al.6 have reported that nanofluids
of constituent nanoparticles. An enhancement in
with 0.55% volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles exhibit a
thermal conductivity of 7.5% has been obtained with
thermal conductivity enhancement of approximately 22%.
0.02 volume % CNT in DI water at room temperature.
The most widely studied metal oxides for nanofluids are
At higher temperatures, the enhancement is nearly 22%
aluminium oxide (Al2O3), copper oxide (CuO) and titanium
(Fig 3a). Ethylene glycol-based CNT systems show an
dioxide (TiO2). Heris et al.7 reported a heat transfer
enhancement in thermal conductivity of 7.7% and 17%
enhancement as high as 40% with Al2O3 particles.
at 25ºC and 50ºC, respectively. An enhancement in
Karthikeyan et al.8 have reported an enhancement of
thermal conductivity of 9.9% has been obtained with 20
~ 31% for a 1 volume percent of CuO nanoparticles in
wt% loading of Ag over CNT in DI water at 25ºC at 0.02
deionized (DI) water based
nanofluid. With 3% volume a)

b)
fraction of TiO2 nanoparticles, the   

reported value of enhancement 

7KHUPDOFRQGXFWLYLW\:P.

 
7KHUPDOFRQGXFWLYLW\:P.


for DI water-based nanofluid is  

~ 7.4% at 13 ºC . Figures 1a
9


and 1b show the photograph

of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticle-

dispersed deionized water 
-based nanofluids, respectively.
The large intrinsic thermal  

conductivity of carbon-based            
nanostructures, combined with
7HPSHUDWXUH &

7HPSHUDWXUH & 

their low densities compared

with metals and metal oxides, Fig. 3: Thermal conductivity enhancements of (a) CNT and (b) Ag/CNT in DI water at different
makes them attractive temperatures

13
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

water with non-functionalized

a) b) graphene and functionalized
graphene respectively. The
thermal conductivity and
heat transfer measurements
of functionalized graphene-
dispersed DI water-based
nanofluid is given in Fig. 7a
and 7b, respectively. For
0.05% volume fraction, the
enhancement in thermal
conductivity is about 16%
500nm 200nm
at 25°C and about 75% at
50°C. The flow of heat can
be calculated based on Q =
Fig. 4: Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of (a) CNT and (b) CNT- graphene h.A.∆T, where Q is the heat
composite flux, h is the heat transfer
% volume fraction (Fig 3b). With ethylene glycol as a coefficient, A is the heat transfer area and ∆T is the
base fluid, an enhancement of 9.5% and 24% at low and temperature difference which causes the heat flow. For
high temperatures, respectively could be obtained. Field a Reynolds number (Re) of 15500, the enhancement
emission scanning electron microscope images of CNT in heat transfer coefficient at the entrance of the pipe
and CNT-graphene are shown in Fig. 4. Hybrid composites is about 108% for 0.005% and 171% for 0.01% volume
of CNT and graphene exhibit superior thermal properties as fractions of functionalized graphene respectively16. Heat
compared with the individual nanomaterials. The thermal transfer of a nanofluid can be improved by increasing the
conductivity enhancement is nearly 15% and 6.9% in DI heat transfer coefficient of the nanofluid, or by improving
water and EG based nanofluids respectively, at 25ºC for the transport properties of the heat transfer materials.
0.04% volume fraction of CNT-graphene hybrid composite.
Various mechanisms such as Brownian motion of
The recent experimental investigation of the thermal nanoparticles, the interfacial ordering of liquid molecules
conductivity of single layer graphene (~5300 W/mK) on the surface of nanoparticles, the ballistic transport
by Balandin et al.15 suggests that this material can give of energy carriers within individual nanoparticles and
greater thermal enhancement for nanofluids compared to between nanoparticles that are in contact, as well as the
any other carbon nanostructures. Our research group has nanoparticle structuring/networking are being proposed
developed graphene/graphene composites-dispersed for the enhancement in the thermal conductivity of
nanofluids by modifying the surface of graphene with nanofluids. The Brownian motion of nanoparticles could
functional groups. Figures 5a and 5b show the field contribute to the thermal conduction enhancement
emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission through two ways, either by a direct contribution due
electron microscopy images of hydrogen exfoliated to the motion of nanoparticles that transport heat, or
graphene. Figures 6a and 6b show the photograph of DI by an indirect contribution due to micro-convection
of fluid surrounding
individual nanoparticles.
a) b)
A theoretical study
suggests that contribution
to thermal conductivity
from Brownian motion is
negligible. At the solid-
liquid interface, liquid
molecules could be
significantly more ordered
than those in the bulk
liquid. In analogy with
the thermal behavior
500nm 100 nm
of crystalline solids,
the ordered structure
could be responsible
Fig 5: (a) Field emission scanning electron microscopy and (b) transmission electron microscopy
for thermal conductivity
images of hydrogen-exfoliated graphene e n h a n c e m e n t .

14
 GUEST ARTICLE

data. This discrepancy between theoretical prediction

a) b) and experimental calculation is due to the unexpected
settling and sedimentation of additive particles.
The efficient cooling of electronic (electrical) circuits can
be achieved using insulating (dielectric) nanofluids. The
properties of insulating nanofluids are best characterized
by their good thermal conductivity with negligible
increment in electrical conductivity to avoid any short-
circuiting. Most of the carbon-based highly conducting
nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes and graphene) can be
used to make nanofluids, which
will result in enhancement of
both the thermal conductivity and
electrical conductivity. Therefore,
it is essential to consider use of
semiconducting metal oxides as
Fig. 6: (a) Photograph of DI water with (a) non- functionalized a solute to make the nanofluids for
graphene and (b) functionalized graphene coolant applications in electrical
circuits. One dimensional metal
There are different theoretical models available
oxide nanotubes, because of
which calculate the effective thermal conductivity of a
their good aspect ratio, will be
nanofluid by considering it as a matrix (fluid) component
more suitable compared to
and particle component. Maxwell and Lord Rayleigh
three dimensional metal oxide
calculated the effective thermal conductivity by classical
nanoparticles as a solute material
theory. Hasselman and Johnson17 have extended the
in DI water and EG base fluids.
classical work to consider simple spherical particulate
TiO2 nanotubes were prepared
and cylindrical fiber-reinforced matrix composites and
by hydrothermal method and
derived a Maxwell–Garnett type effective medium
dispersed in DI water and
approximation (MG-EMA) for calculating the effective
ethylene glycol for the preparation Fig. 8: Photograph of
thermal conductivity (k*) in which the interface effect stable TiO nanotubes/
of nanofluids (Fig. 8). The thermal EG based 2nanofluid
and particle size are included. Maxwell–Garnett
conductivity of the nanofluids has
and Hamilton–Crosser have not considered particle
been systematically studied by considering the effect of
Brownian motion in their effective medium theory. Xuan
temperature and concentration of the nanoparticles in
et al.18 have developed a dynamic model that takes into
it. The concentration of nanoparticles was varied from
account the effects of Brownian motion of nanoparticles
0.005-0.02 % volume fractions in the temperature range
and fractals. But all the static and dynamic models
of 25-50ºC. An enhancement in thermal conductivity of
developed with conduction-based mechanisms still fail
5% has been achieved with 0.01% TiO2 nanotubes in DI
to predict the magnitude and trends of the experimental
water at 25ºC, whereas TiO2 nanotubes in EG nanofluid
 exhibit 4.8% improvement.
a)   b)


 We are also working
 
  on insulating nanofluids by
dispersing some metal oxide
1XVVHOWVQXPEHU1X


 

nanoparticles and nanotubes

in transformer oil. A nanofluid
NQNI



can also be used for increasing
 
the dielectric strength and life of


the transformer oil by dispersing

nano diamond particles2.
     
      
Recently our group has
['
7HPSHUDWXUH &

developed magnetic nanofluids
using magnetic nanoparticle-
Fig. 7: (a) Thermal conductivity study of functionalized graphene dispersed in DI water decorated MWNTs. These
for different volume fractions at different temperatures. (b) heat transfer measurement of
nanofluids show enhancement
functionalized graphene dispersed DI water based nanofluids for different Reynolds number,
Re=4500 (n ), Re=8700 (l) and Re=15500 (p). Black dotted lines, blue solid lines and red in thermal conductivity in the
dashed lines are for DI water, DI water with 0.005% of functionalized graphene and 0.01% of presence of a magnetic field
functionalized graphene, respectively due to the chain formation of
magnetic nanomaterials. The

15
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

outcome of nanofluid-related research from our group has 15. A. A. Balandin, S. Ghosh, W. Bao, I. Calizo, D. Tewel-
been presented as published papers and patents12,16,19-27. debrhan, F. Miao and C.N. Lau, “Superior Thermal
Conductivity of Single-Layer Graphene”, Nano Lett.,
References 8(2008)902
16. T. T. Baby and S. Ramaprabhu, “Enhanced Convective
1. S. U. S.Choi and J.A. Eastman, “ Enhancing Thermal
Heat Transfer Using Graphene Dispersed Nanofluids",
Conductivity of Fluids with Nanoparticles”,American So-
Nanoscale Res. Lett., 6(2011) 289
ciety of Mechanical Engineers, Fluids Engineering Divi-
17. D. P. H. Hasselman and L.F. Johnson, “ Effective Ther-
sion, 231(1995)99
mal Conductivity of Composites With Interfacial Thermal
2. R. Saidur, K. Y. Leong and H. A. Mohammad, “A Review
Barrier Resistance”, J.Compos.Mater., 21( 1987)508
on Applications and Challenges of Nanofluids”, Renew
18. Y. Xuan, and Q. Li, “Investigation on Convective Heat
Sustain Energ Rev.,15 (2011) 1646
Transfer and Flow Features of Nanofluids”, ASME J.
3. J. A. Eastman, S. U. S. Choi, S. Li, W. Yu and L. J.
Heat Transfer, 125(2003)151
Thompson, “Anomalously Increased Effective Thermal
19. T. T. Baby and S. Ramaprabhu, “Investigation of Thermal
Conductivities of Ethylene Glycol-Based Nanofluids
and Electrical Conductivity of Graphene Based Nanoflu-
Containing Copper Nanoparticles”, J. Appl. Phys. Lett.,
ids”, J. Appl. Phys., 108(2010)124308
78 (2001)1341218
20. T. T. Baby and S. Ramaprabhu, “Synthesis and Trans-
4. D. Li, B. Hong, W. Fang, Y. Guo and R. Lin, “Prepara-
port Properties of Metal Oxide Decorated Graphene Dis-
tion of Well-Dispersed Silver Nanoparticles for Oil-Based
persed Nanofluids”, J. Phys. Chem. C, 115(2011)8527
Nanofluids” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 49(2010)1697
21. T. T. Baby and S. Ramaprabhu, “Synthesis and Nano-
5. S. S. Botha, P. Ndungu and B.J. Bladergroen, “Physico-
fluid Application of Silver Nanoparticles Decorated Gra-
chemical Properties of Oil-Based Nanofluids Containing
phene”, J. Mat. Chem., 21(2011)9702
Hybrid Structures of Silver Nanoparticles Supported on
22. T. T. Baby and S. Ramaprabhu, “Experimental investi-
Silica”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 50(2011)3071
gation of the Thermal Transport Properties of a Carbon
6. M. Saterlie, H. Sahin, B. Kavlicoglu, Y. Liu and O. Graeve,
Nanohybrid Dispersed Nanofluid”, Nanoscale, 3(2011)
“Particle Size Effects in the Thermal Conductivity En-
2208
hancement of Copper-Based Nanofluids”, Nanoscale
23. S. S. Jyothirmayee Aravind and S. Ramaprabhu, “Syn-
Res. Lett., 6(2011) 217
thesis and Thermal Transport Studies of Nanofluids
7. S. Z. Heris, S.G.Etemad and M. N.Esfahany, “Experi-
Based on Metal Decorated Photochemically Oxidized
mental Investigation of Oxide Nanofluids Laminar Flow
Multi walled Carbon Nanotubes", J. Nanosci.Nanotech-
Convective Heat Transfer”, Int. Commun. Heat and
nol., (In press)2011
Mass Transfer,33(2006)529
24. S. S. Jyothirmayee Aravind, Prathab Baskar, T. T. Baby, R.
8. N. R. Karthikeyan J. Philip and B. Raj, “Effect of Cluster-
Krishna Sabareesh, Sumitesh Das and S. Ramaprabhu,
ing on the Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids”,Mater.
Investingation of Structural stability, Dispersion, Viscos-
Chem. Phys., 109(2008) 50
ity and Conductive Heat Transfer properties of Funtion-
9. A. Turgut, I. Tavman, M. Chirtoc, H.P. Schuchmann, C.
alized Carbon Nanotubes based Nanofluids", J. Phys.
Sauter and S. Tavman, “Thermal Conductivity and Vis-
chem. C, (In press)2011
cosity Measurements of Water-Based TiO2 Nanofluids”,
25. S. Ramaprabhu and N. Jha , “Nanofluids for Coolant
Int. J. Thermophys., 30(2009)1213
Application”, IN-800559(2010)
10. J. A. Eastman, S. R. Phillpot, S. U. S. Choi and P. Ke-
26. S. Ramaprabhu and S. S. Jyothirmayee Aravind, “Metal
blinski, “Thermal Transport in Nanofluids”, Annu. Rev.
Oxide Nanotube based Nanofluids as Coolants”, IN-
Mater. Sci., 34(2004) 219
813955 (2011)
11. J. Lee, P. E. Gharagozloo, B. Kolade, J. K. Eaton and K.
27. S. Ramaprabhu, N. Jha and A. L. M. Reddy , “CNT
E. Goodson, “Nanofluid Convection in Microtubes”, J.
Based Magnetic Nanofluids”, 408/CHE/2008(2008)
Heat Transfer, 132 (2010)092401
12. N. Jha and S. Ramaprabhu, “Thermal Conductivity
Studies of Metal Dispersed Multiwalled Carbon Nano- Tessy Theres Baby, S. S. Jyothirmayee Aravind
tubes in Water and Ethylene Glycol Based Nanofluids", and S. Ramaprabhu
J. Appl. Phys., 106(2009) 084317 Alternative Energy and Nanotechnology
13. H. Zhang, Q. Wu, J. Lin, J. Chen and Z. Xu, “Thermal Laboratory (AENL), Nano Functional
Conductivity of Polyethylene glycol Nanofluids Contain- Materials Technology Centre (NFMTC),
ing Carbon Coated Metal Nanoparticles”, J. Appl. Phys., Department of Physics, Indian Institute of
108(2010)124304 Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036, India
14. M. S. Liu, M. C. C.Lin and C. C. Wang, “Enhancements Phone: +91(44) 22574862
of Thermal Conductivities with Cu, CuO, and Carbon Email: [email protected],
Nanotube Nanofluids and Application of MWNT/Water
[email protected], [email protected]
Nanofluid on a Water Chiller System", Nanoscale Res.
Lett., 6(2011)297

16
 HOT TECHNOLOGIES

Nanotechnology-Enhanced Curcumin: Symbiosis of

Ancient Wisdom of East with Modern Medical Science
Hot Technologies

“If I had only a single herb to depend upon for all save a great number of lives. The traditional medicinal
system (Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Yog and Pranayam,
possible health and dietary needs, I would without
Herbalism, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Siddha
much hesitation choose the Indian spice turmeric” medicine, Traditional medicine (Chinese/Mongolian/
Tibetan), Unani etc.) would greatly benefit by integrating
David Frawley with the scientific advancements in medical science
and diagnostics in concert with nanotechnology.
Introduction This trinity may usher in a new era of affordable, safe
Modern medicine (allopathic medicine) follows a and effective medicinal system as shown in Fig.1.
scientific approach to diagnose and treat the disease Today, we are experiencing an unprecedented
and has made astounding advances in recent years. It is resurgence of interest in herbal healing, and ‘herbal
ideally suited in emergencies involving accidents, trauma renaissance’ is happening all over the globe. The Western
and life threatening situations by applying surgery, world has begun to acknowledge the importance of
antibiotics, steroids, chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc. traditional medicines as they symbolize safety in contrast
However, the greatest problem associated with modern to the allopathic medicines, which tend to produce
medicine is that it just treats the symptoms of the disease undesirable side effects and are lacking in curative
and not its root causes. Moreover, it may cause adverse value. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is the shining star
side effects and serious allergic reactions.Of late,there among the cornucopia of traditional medicinal plants.
is also an increase in multidrug-resistant strains, which It has a long history of usage in traditional medicine
is a threat to modern medicine. In contarst, alternative in India and China. Ancient Indians have known the
medicine follows a holistic (i.e. with an understanding of medicinal properties of turmeric, thus curcumin, for
the whole being, mind, body, spirit) and cost-effective several millennia. The cultivation of turmeric plants
approach while focusing on the underlying cause and began in Harappan civilization in 3000 B.C.1 and Susruta
provides an ideal solution in treating chronic illnesses. In Samhita, dating back to 250 B.C., highly recommends
the realm of medicine, nanotechnology holds enormous use of an ointment based on turmeric for relieving food
promise for benefit of the society by potentially reducing poisoning effect2. Turmeric was introduced to China
the miseries of people suffering from grave illnesses and from India by 700 A.D.3 and has been said to be long
used as a medicinal herb. It has been
Nanotechnology used in Ayurvedic medicines internally
as a stomach tonic and blood
purifier, and topically in the prevention
and treatment of skin diseases.
Recently, turmeric came into the
global limelight when the controversial
patent “Use of Turmeric in Wound
Healing” was awarded4, in 1995, to
the University of Mississippi Medical
Eastern Traditional Center, USA. Indian Council of Scientific
Western Medical Sciences
Wisdom
Dawn of
and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Future aggressively contested this award of
Medicine the patent. It was argued by them that
turmeric has been an integral part of
the traditional Indian medicinal system
over several centuries, and therefore,
is deemed to be ‘prior art’, hence is in
the public domain. Subsequently, after
protracted technical/legal battle USPTO
Fig. 1: A fusion of Eastern and Western medicinal systems integrated with
nanotechnology may usher in a new era of future medicine decreed that turmeric is an Indian
discovery and revoked the patent.

17
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

synthetic curcuminoids etc.

HO OH
In the scientific literature there
ENOLATE is a large body of evidence(8-14)
CH3O OCH3
showing that curcuminoids
O O exhibit a broad spectrum of
H biological and pharmacological
activities including anti-oxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial,
anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-
mutagen, anti-cancer and detox
HO OH properties as represented in Fig.
3. Curcumin’s unique ability to
Bis - keto
work through so many different
CH3O OCH3 pathways with its extraordinary
O O antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
attributes can have a positive
Fig. 2: Curcuma longa plant and chemical structure of curcumin, the active ingredient
influence in combating
of rhizome turmeric. The tautomerism of curcumin is demonstrated under different
physiological conditions. Under acidic and neutral conditions, the bis-keto form (bottom) is almost every known disease.
more predominant than the enolate form. (Courtesy: Anti cancer effects of curcumin: cycle Extensive studies carried out
of life and death, Gaurisankar Sa and Tanya Das, Cell Division 2008, 3:14, BioMed Central) by researchers around the globe
The significance of turmeric in medicine has have clearly demonstrated curcumin’s great potential
changed considerably since the very recent discovery as a therapeutic agent, and have paved the way towards
of the anti-oxidant properties of naturally occurring conducting clinical trials for a variety of diseases including
phenolic compounds. The same ground dried cancer, cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal
rhizome of Curcuma longa, which has been used disorders, multiple sclerosis, diabetes type II, skin
for centuries as a spice, food preservative and a diseases, cystic fibrosis, cataract etc. as depicted in Fig. 4.
coloring agent, has been found to be a rich source of
phenolic compounds. The bio-active polyphenol
component of turmeric is curcumin, Anti-thrombosis Nephroprotective
also known as diferuloylmethane
Anti-inflammatory
(C21H20O6), with an ability to Hepatoprotective

prevent and cure diseases.

Turmeric contains about Anti-oxidant Cardioprotective
2-5% curcumin alone.
Commercial curcumin Anti-bacterial Neuroprotective
contains three main
types of curcuminoids,
Anti-fungal
i.e., curcumin Wound –healing
(diferuloylmethane
or“ Curcumin I” about Anti-viral
Chemopreventive
77%), demethoxy
curcumin(“Curcumin II”
Anti-venom
~ 17%) and bis Radioprotective
demethoxy curcumin
(“Curcumin III” ~ 3%)5. Anti-diabetic Anti-angeogenic
Curcumin (diferuloylmethane)
renders its bright yellow color Anti-aging Anti-fibrotic
to turmeric. The typical turmeric
plant along with the chemical structure Anti-carcinogenic Anti-fertility
curcumin is shown6 in Fig. 2. In addition to
natural curcumin, several analogues of curcumin
have been synthesized and studied7. These include
Fig. 3: Biological and chemopreventive activities of curcumin.
tetrahydrocurcumin (antioxidative), 4-hydroxy-3- One can see a plate full of Indian curry containing turmeric
methoxybenzoic acid methyl ester (HMBME), aromatic (curcumin). Other ingredients such as oil, black pepper etc.
enone and dienone analogues, metal chelates of present in the curry enhance the bioavailability of curcumin

18
 HOT TECHNOLOGIES

Neurological Disorders
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
Cataract • Parkinson’s disease

Inflammation of muscles

Cystic fibrosis

Cardiovascular Disorders
• Myocardial infraction
• Artheros clerosis or restenosis
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• Heart attack Pancreatitis

Biliary cirrhosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammation of joints

Gallbladder stone formation

Kidney diseases

Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Crohn’s disease
• Indigestion/dyspepsia
• Inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD)
Urinary tract infection

Fig. 4: Human anatomy and potential of curcumin as a therapeutic agent to prevent or treat various diseases

Anticancer Attributes of Curcumin

green tea etc.) integrated with the clinical and evidence-
Cancer, probably the most dreaded disease afflicting based approach of modern medical science may
humans ever since time immemorial, but most of us provide a long lasting solution to this age-old problem.
know little about it other than the fact that it originates
from uncontrolled growth of a single cell. Siddhartha Curcumin offers significant potential as a cancer
Mukherjee, in his Pulitzer Prize-winning monumental chemopreventive agent. There is a wealth of evidence in
piece of work15 “The Emperor of all maladies: A biography the literature suggesting that the incidence and mortality
of cancer”, meticulously outlines the trajectory of cancer. rates of common types of cancer such as breast, colon,
He describes cancer as being "unleashed by mutations– prostate and lung are considerably lower in India than
changes in DNA that specifically affect genes that incite those in western nations such as the USA 16,as shown
unlimited cell growth." Their unrestrained growth if in Fig.5. The lower incidence of cancer in India has
unchecked and untreated eventually kills the patient. In been attributed to high consumption of curcumin (in the
order to win the battle against this dreadful scourge, we form of turmeric) by the Indian population. Of course,
shall require new tools and out-of-the-box approaches. other ingredients of their diet such as garlic, ginger,
Nano-enabled traditional medicines based on herbs onion, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, chillies,
(e,g,. curcumin, coptis chinensis (Huang Lian), coriolis green tea etc. also might be playing an important role
versicolor, ashwagandha, resveratrol, pomegranate, in their ability to resist the onslaught of these cancers.

19
NANOTECH INSIGHTS


86 ,QGLD





No. of Cancer Incidences










W WH DV D
DV QJ HU K D U H\ U\ P LD

HP
%UH VWD WXP /LY FUH DF GH OR D H

G
3UR HF /X RP GQ YD HP P DV

RL
Q DG \H

VW
U 3D P Q .L N SR
%O 2 VH

\U
R HOD

6\
ORQ 6W 0 HX L

7K
&R OH / \P '

V
0 V
WLS /

X
XO Q·

YR
V NL
LQ·

HU
0 J
JN RG

1
RG +

Q
DL
+

%U
Q
1R

Fig. 5: Comparison of cancer incidence in USA (curcumin non-users) and INDIA (curcumin users) showing cases per 1 million
persons calculated on the basis of current consensus16

In addition to the remarkable ability of curcumin to • Curcumin induces apoptosis (genetically directed
prevent cancer, it also shows the potential to inhibit the programmed cell death) in unhealthy, abnormal
growth of cancer throughout the body by metastasis (i.e. and rapidly reproducing cancerous cells, without
the process by which cancer cells spread to other parts affecting healthy cells. Curcumin has the unique
of the body via lymph or blood). Curcumin has also been ability to identify the cancerous cells by their abnormal
found to enhance cancer cells' sensitivity to some of the chemistry and to transmit “self-destruct” signals,
anti-cancer drugs making chemotherapy more effective thereby inducing apoptosis of the diseased cells.
in combating this deadly disease. Curcumin’s cancer-
• Curcumin strengthens the immune system and can
fighting capabilities against breast cancer, lung cancer,
help the body to fight off cancer should certain cells
brain tumours, leukemia, liver, intestine, esophagus,
escape apoptosis. Ingestion of curcumin boosts
and bowel cancers, melanoma, gynecological cancers
the killing power of immune system cells, such as T
etc. have been demonstrated based on numerous well
cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Strengthening of
established scientific studies(17-24) and preclinical and
the immune system also helps in lessening the side
clinical trials being carried out by researchers in the
effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments
US, India, Japan, Israel, Australia, China and Holland.
such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
Protective Abilities of Curcumin Against Cancer
• Angiogenesis is a process of growth of new
The various mechanisms involved in anti-cancer capillary blood vessels, which plays a crucial
activities have been summarized and presented in a role in promoting the growth of tumours and
simplified form in the following paragraphs. The interested metastases. Curcumin inhibits blood cell formation,
readers may like to look at more comprehensive and thereby, restricts the blood supply to cancer
publications (Ref: 17-24) for further details. cells resulting in their death due to starvation.
• Curcumin has the ability to work at a cellular level. • Cancer patients suffer from various treatment-induced
At the embryonic stage itself, it regulates the cellular symptoms like neuropathic pain, severe depression,
replication cycle and helps in blocking an uncontrolled lack of sleep, fatigue, loss of appetite etc. Curcumin
multiplication of new tissue cells into tumours. has the potential to act against a wide variety of these
Curcumin being a potent anti-oxidant is able to inhibit symptoms by suppressing the activation of NF-kB and
the activity of enzymes (e.g., cyclooxygenase-2 (COX- NF-kB regulated TNF, IL-1 and IL-6 expression, and in
2)) responsible for cancer causing inflammation. turn, provide some relief from misery to the patients.
Inflammation is one of the major causes for the
Nanotechnology Approaches to Enhance the
development of cancer as it releases powerful free
Bioavailability of Curcumin
radicals which both induce cell division and mutation,
thus the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin plays a Today curcumin has been widely acknowledged
key role in the treatment of cancer. globally as a “wonder drug of the future” because of
its great potential abilities to prevent and treat a wide

20
 HOT TECHNOLOGIES

spectrum of incurable and chronic diseases. In addition, novel strategies are being aggressively explored
it has been proved to be remarkably safe in animal worldwide to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability
studies and in phase I clinical trials even at high doses and reduce perceived toxicity as they offer several
(up to 12g/day). However, the major problem limiting other additional benefits such as improved cellular
the exploitation of its potentially valuable therapeutic uptake, enhanced dissolution rates, excellent blood
effects is its low bioavailability25. In practice, only very stability, controlled release functions, multifunctional
low or undetectable levels of curcumin can be achieved design, enhancement in its pharmacological activities
in blood by oral administration of curcumin. The low (e.g. antioxidant and antihepatoma activities) etc.
bioavailability of curcumin has been attributed to its
A 2010 article on polymer nanoparticle-encapsulated
very low aqueous solubility, tendency to degrade in the
curcumin27 has been ranked as one of the top ten most
gastroinenstinal tract in the physiological environment,
accessed articles (48029 accesses) for all time by the
high rate of metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology. This clearly demonstrates
The low bioavailability of curcumin has so far limited
the emerging importance of this field (nanotechnology-
its medical use. It has been suggested that a person
based drug delivery of curcumin based systems). In
is required to consume large doses (about 12-20g/day)
this pioneering work, researchers from Johns Hopkins
of curcumin in order to achieve its therapeutic effects
University School of Medicine and the University of
on the human body26. That means one has to swallow
Delhi have jointly developed a polymer nanoparticle-
24 to 40 curcumin capsules of 500mg each. These
encapsulated form of curcumin, “nanocurcumin”,
doses are considered to be too high, and therefore,
which can be readily dispersed in aqueous media
not feasible to be incorporated in clinical trials due to
(Fig. 6). In this process, they have coated ordinary
unbearable after-taste to the palate, possibility of giving
hydrophobic curcumin particles with hydrophilic polymer
rise to nauseatic feeling and perceived toxicity issues.
(N-isopropylacrylamide with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidonne and
Therefore, to achieve the maximum response of this poly(ethylene glycol) monoacryalate) nanoparticles.
potentially useful chemopreventive agent, a number This nanocurcumin is soluble in water and can be
of approaches such as the use of adjuvants like readily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has already
piperine, synthetic analogues, chelating of curcumin been tested in vitro on pancreatic cancer cells and it was
with metals, combination with other dietary agents shown to have equal or better effects than free curcumin
etc. have been investigated. Nanotechnology-based on the human cancer cells, such as inhibition of NF-
kB and downregulation of
IL-6. Nanocurcumin was
a) b) also given to mice, and
did not show any evidence
of undesirable effects.
In addition to
p o l y m e r- e n c a p s u l a t e d
curcumin, other nano-
based drug delivery
systems being employed
for curcumin include
curcumin nanocrystals,
curcumin nanoparticles,
nanoemulsions,
n a n o l i p o s o m e -
encapsulated curcumin,
curcumin-loaded polymeric
micelles, cyclodextrin/
curcumin self-assembly,
curcumin nanosuspension,
solid-lipid nanoparticles
etc. These systems along
with their expected benefits
are briefly presented in
Fig. 6: Nano-encapsulation renders curcumin completely dispersible in aqueous media. (a) free
curcumin is poorly soluble in aqueous media, and macroscopic flakes can be seen floating in the Table 1.
bottle. In contrast, the equivalent quantity of curcumin encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles is
fully dispersible in aqueous media (b). (Courtesy: Bisht et al., Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2007,
5:3 doi:10.1186/1477-3155-5-3)

21
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Table 1: Nanotechnology Strategies to Improve Bioavailability and Therapeutic Efficacy of Curcumin

Nanotechnology strategy Expected benefits Reference
Antimicrobial Curcumin Curcumin nanoparticles exhibit superior antimicrobial activity as (26)
Nanoparticles compared to that of of a solution of a regular curcumin in DMSO
Polymeric nanoparticle- Nanocurcumin shows that it is as effective as the larger amounts of the (27)
encapsulated curcumin free compound against pancreatic cancer cell growth
(nanocurcumin)
Oil-in-water nanoemulsions Enhancement of anti-inflammation activity (28)
to encapsulate curcumin
Curcumin loaded solid- Improved bioavailability resulting in remarkable reduction in dose (29)
lipid nanoparticles (32-155 times) and enhancement in curcumin’s efficacy, which shows
its promise as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative
disorders and cancer in humans.
Nanocrystal solid Enhanced bioavailability along with high photochemical stability (30)
dispersion of curcumin
Curcumin-loaded hydrogel Exhibits large improvement in anti-malarial action as compared to that (31)
nanoparticles of curcumin control sample
Curcumin-loaded It is an excellent intravenous injectable aqueous formulation having (32)
biodegradable polymeric significant potential in the treatment of colon carcinoma
micelles
Nanoliposomes decorated Exhibits antifibrillogenic activity having potential to target Alzheimer (33)
with curcumin disease’s pathogenic markers (amyloid-ß aggregates) for diagnostic
and/or therapeutic purposes
Curcumin-phospholipid Curcumin-phospholipid complex shows better hepatoprotective activity (34)
complex due to its excellent antioxidant property as compared to free curcumin
at the same dose level. The superior protective ability of curcumin-
phospholipid complex was demonstrated on carbon tetrachloride
induced acute liver damage in rats
Cyclodextrin/curcumin self Poly(ß-cyclodextrin)/curcumin formulation improves the bioavailability (35)
assembly and delivery of free curcumin, and therefore, can be used for effective
treatment of prostate cancer.
Intravenously injectable Novel nanosuspension of curcumin made by high pressure (36)
curcumin nanosuspension homogenization shows huge enhancement of solubility (> 600 fold)
and dissolution rate > 10 fold) compared than pristine curcumin. These
nanosuspensions show great promise for intravenous administration of
conventional curcumin
Curcumin nanoparticles Improvent of physicochemical characteristics of curcumin, and in turn, (37)
enhancement of its antioxidant and antihepatoma potential

of novel multifunctional hybrid nanogels amenable to

Recent R&D Activities and Breakthroughs in Nano
photothermal therapy48, “nanodiscs” with phospholipids
Curcumin
bilayers49, biocompatible thermoresponsive polymeric
In view of the enormous potential of curcumin in
nanoparticles loaded with curcumin50, yeast cell-
the prevention and therapy of a wide spectrum of
encapsulated-curcumin with high stability against
diseases, in recent years, intense R&D activities have
heat, light and humidity etc. are being developed51 to
been undertaken throughout the world in various
enhance the bioavailability of curcumin combined with
establishments.
multifunctional attributes.
Table 2 highlights some of these issues by
A number of commercial nanotechnology based curcumin
providing selected examples of ongoing R&D activities
products with enhanced bioavailability have been
on nanotech-based curcumin across the globe.
developed by companies from the USA, India, Japan,
In addition to these approaches, a number of other and Canada. These products and their manufacturers
unique nanotech-based techniques including a class are listed in Table 3, along with the key features.

22
 HOT TECHNOLOGIES

Table 2- Recent R&D Activities and Breakthroughs poly(ethylene glycol)-poly( -caprolactone) (MPEG-
in Nano-based Curcumin PCL) biodegradable micelles were prepared by a
nano-precipitation technique. These curcumin-loaded
micelles are an intravenously injectable formulation of
• Theracurcumin – A new curcumin formulation with
curcumin. They were shown to supress the growth of
markedly improved absorptivity38
colon carcinoma by inhibiting angiogenesis and killing
Japanese researchers have recently developed a the cancer cells.
new form of nanoparticle curcumin (Theracurcumin)
• Curcumin loaded PBCN nanoparticles for
containing 10% curcumin, 2% other curcuminoids
enhanced transport of curcumin to brain43
and balance glycerin, gum ghatti and water. Its oral
Polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles (PBCN) loaded
intake in rat model as well as humans shows 30
with curcumin were synthesized by modified anionic
fold improvement in bioavailability as compared to
polymerization technique. Curcumin loaded PBCN
conventional curcumin. It shows excellent safety
shows enhanced transport of curcumin to the brain
profile even at high dose levels. Theracurcumin
and has excellent potential to cross the blood-brain
can be used as a promising tool to evaluate the anti-
barrier. This novel delivery system will find applications
cancer potential of curcumin in clinical trials.
for blocking brain tumor formation and curing
• Curcumin nanoparticles with enhanced antioxidant Alzheimer’s disease.
and antihepatoma activities39
• Curcumin loaded Lipo-PEG-PEI complex with
Curcumin-based nanoscale particle system (CURN) enhanced antitumor effects on curcumin-sensitive/
was developed by following a nanoprecipitation curcumin resistant cells44
route with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a hydrophilic
A cationic liposome containing PEI and PEG as a
carrier. The physiochemical properties including
carrier complex (LPPC) was developed to encapsulate
water solubility and drug release were improved by
curcumin for the treatment of cancer. It was found that
the reduction of particle size and formation of an
curcumin/LPPC exhibits enhanced cytotoxicity and
amorphous phase with hydrogen bonding. In vitro
is able to rapidly penetrate curcumin-sensitive and
studies clearly demonstrated that nanosized curcumin
resistant cells. It was observed that curcumin/LPPC
shows superior antioxidant and antihepatoma activities
is able to inhibit the colon/melanoma tumor growth in
as compared to conventional curcumin.
mice.
• Curcumin nanoparticles with highly potent
• Nanoemulsion formulation and coadministration
antimicrobial properties40
of Paclitaxel and curcumin to overcome multidrug
Water-soluble curcumin nanoparticles (2-40 nm) were resistance in tumour cells45
prepared by wet milling method. These nanocurcumin
Intracellular co-administration of Paclitaxel (mitotic
showed marked improvement in their antibacterial and
inhibitor)) and curcumin ( NF-kB activity inhibitor)
antifungal activities as compared to that of curcumin
in the form of nanoemulsion exhibits remarkable
in DMSO. The antibacterial activity of nanocurcumin
enhancement in cytotoxicity in wild type (SKV3)
particles was attributed to their ability to penetrate
and drug resistant (SKOV-3TR ) human ovarian
inside the bacterial cell by breaking the cell wall,
adenocarcinoma cells by promoting apoptotic
resulting to cell death.
response. This dual strategy shows great promise
• Chitosan-PVA-Curcumin-Silver nanocomposite in the clinical management of refractory diseases
antimicrobial films for wound dressing41 (diseases that resist treatment) such as ovarian
cancer.
Chitosan-PVA-Silver nanocomposite antimicrobial
films were fabricated by a chemical method in view of • Chemo/radio-sensitization in ovarian cancer cells
their potential applications in antimicrobial packaging using nano-curcumin46
and wound/burn dressing. Incorporation of curcumin
Ovarian cancer cells are resistant both to radiation
into chitosan-PVA-silver nanocomposite films
therapy and cisplatin-based drugs used in
improve their therapeutic efficacy as anti-microbial
chemotherapy. Nano-enabled curcumin pretreatment
agent. Curcumin-encapsulated chitosan-PVA-silver
strategy with enhanced efficacy and specificity was
nanocomposite films show enormous growth inhibition
employed to induce chemo/radio sensitization
of E-coli in comparison with curcumin or chitosan-
in ovarian cancer cells. It was shown that this
PVA-silver nanoparticles film alone.
pretreatment with nano-curcumin improves in vivo
• Curcumin/MPEG-PCL micelles for colon cancer therapeutic efficacy of curcumin, and thereby, inhibits
therapy42 the ovarian cancer cell growth.

Curcumin encapsulated into monomethoxy

23
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

• Coformulation of Doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin Company: SignPath Pharma, Inc., USA, http://www.
in the clinical management of leukemia47 signpathpharma.com/
The coadministration of DOX and curcumin in PLGA Key Features: Polymeric nanoparticle formulation
nanoparticle formulation can help in enhancing of curcumin, enhances antioxidant levels in the liver
efficacy of DOX, thereby leading to cytotoxicity in and inhibits pro-fibrogenic transcripts associated with
erythroleukamia type K562 cells. The synergistic activated myofibroblasts.
growth inhibition is clinically important and may
provide combinatorial strategies in a variety of THERACURMIN
cancers, especially leukemia. Company: THERAVALUES CORPORATION, Japan.
Table 3: Curcumin Products Based on
Nanotechnologies for Medical Applications Key Features: Highly absorptive curcumin dispersed
NanoLiposomal Curcumin with colloidal nano-particles,has a much higher
absorption capacity (bioavailability) compared with
Company: NanoLiposomal Nutritionals., USA, http:// curcumin powder.
www.nanoliposomals.com/
CURCUMIN, CurcuPlus D ULTRA, CurcuPlus D
Key Features: Nano-particles of curcumin encapsulated
in lecithin phospholipid liposomes. Company: Advanced Orthomolecular Research Inc.,
Canada, http://www.aor.ca/html/
N-Curcusorb
Key Features:
Company: KONARK HERBALS & HEALTH CARE.,
India, www.konarkgroup.com • Nano-emulsified Curcuma longa Linn, Extract
750mg, Suspended in Sesame Oil (95% Curcumin),
Key Features: Encapsulation in these tiny particles allows lipid-
• Nanoemulsion of curcumin soluble curcumin to be better absorbed.

• NCurcusorb is better absorbed in the body as the size • Solid-Lipid Particle Curcumin NanotechnologyTM
of the particles in the emulsion is very small. incorporation of curcumin into a solid-lipid particle
matrix.
• N-Curcusorb does not get destroyed in acidic
conditions of stomach and its property is protected till Longvida®
it reaches the intestine. Company: Verdure Sciences, USA, http://www.vs-corp.
com/
Biocurcumax™(BCM-95®, BIOCURCUMIN®)
Key Features: Solid-Lipid Particle Curcumin
Company: Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd, India, NanotechnologyTM SLCP is the ideal absorption-
http://www.arjunanatural.com/ promoting system, protects curcumin from the harsh
Key Features: Significantly enhances the bioavailability, environment of the stomach.
and thus the bioactivity is retained for a longer period at MicroActive® curcumin
an appreciably higher level as compared to conventional
curcumin,leading to enhanced efficacy, safety and usage Company: BioActives LLC,Worcester, MA, USA, http://
convenience. www.bioactives.com/ and Maypro Industries , Purchase,
NY, USA, www.maypro.com/
Curcu-Gel®
Key Features: Micronized, multistage time-released
Company: Tishcon Corp., USA, http://www.tishcon.com/ curcumin. The ingredient’s curcuminoids were
Key Features: Bioavailability in a recent human study solubilized to reduce their particle size. The enhanced
was found to be more than eight (8) times higher bioavailability is a combination of the nano size and the
compared to standard commercial curcumin. 12-hour sustained release that improves absorption.
Life Enhancement NanoCurcuminoids Curcumin C3 Complex®
Company: Life Enhancement Products, Inc, USA, http:// Company: Sabinsa Corporation, USA, http://www.
www.life-enhancement.com/ curcuminoids.com/
Key Features: NanoBioSphere Delivery System, Key Features: Curcumin C3 Complex contains
NanoBioSphere complex (sunflower oil, phospholipids, three main chemical compounds – 70-80%Curcumin,
safflower oil, ethanol, medium-chain triglycerides, 15-20% Demethoxycurcumin and 2.5-6.5%
glycerin, glyceryl stearate, ascorbyl palmitate), Curcumin Bisdemethoxycurcumin. It has also received Generally
C3 Complex. Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status by USFDA.
NanoCurc™

24
 HOT TECHNOLOGIES

It is pertinent to note that the above mentioned Although side effects have been limited in animal and
products based on curcumin are treated as herbal/ Phase I short-term clinical studies, long-term, large scale
dietary supplements only 52 and are regulated by the and randomized clinical trials on humans are needed
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but not as to establish the safety of curcumin at antioxidant and
pharmaceutical drugs. They fall under a category anti-inflammatory doses. These clinical studies are also
called dietary supplements. Manufacturers must follow necessary to determine the optimal dosage, bioavailability
good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure that and bioefficacy of curcumin-based drugs.
supplements are processed consistently and meet quality The major challenge is to develop drugs based on
standards. Once a dietary supplement is on the market, curcumin with scientific evidence acceptable to the
the FDA is responsible for monitoring its safety. global community. An effective drug should exhibit
It is interesting to note that Johnson & Johnson has adequate absorption, low toxicity, acceptable distribution,
been marketing turmeric band-aids in India53, which are metabolism and excretion, and should be capable of
making use of a traditional cure for cuts. It would be treating the targeted disease with specificity and efficacy.
worthwhile to consider use of curcumin nanoparticles The traditional medicinal system may need to adopt
in place of turmeric for band-aids/dressings for cuts, novel strategies such as combinatorial chemistry route
wounds and other infections as they exhibit enhanced combined with nanotechnology to develop curcumin-
antibacterial/anti-infection properties. based drugs having enhanced bioavailability and efficacy.
Challenges and Future Directions The challenges and technological prospects in realizing
nano-curcumin based drugs for the future of medicine
Curcumin has only recently captured the attention
and healthcare56 will be covered in a forthcoming issue of
of the scientific community as providing potential
this newsletter. In the same issue, global scenario based
health benefits on account of its antitumor, antioxidant,
on literature and patent analysis57 will also be presented.
antiarthritic, antiamyloid, anti-ischemic, and anti-
inflammatory properties. One of the greatest challenges Acknowledgements
in developing curcumin for clinical efficacy is its low oral The author would like to thank Ratnesh Kumar of
bioavailability. Curcumin’s poor bioavailability within the CKMNT for providing valuable inputs on nano-enabled
body can be attributed to its poor absorption and high curcumin products.
rate of metabolism in the intenstines and rapid elimination References
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NANOTECH INSIGHTS

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Development as a Cancer Chemopreventive and J. Song, J-L Long, Y. Wan, F. Luo, X. Zhao and Z-Y.
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52, (2008) p. S103-S127 Micelles for Colon Cancer Therapy in Vitro and in
Vivo”, Nanoscale, 3 (2011) p. 1558-1567
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p.53-57 Niarakis, B. L. Feria, M. Salmona, F. Nocotra,
M. Gobbi and S. G. Antimisiaris, “Curcumin-
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decorated Nanoliposomes with Very High Affinity
Anti-inflammatory Molecule from a Curry Spice on a
for Amyloid-ß1-42 Peptide”, Biomaterials, 32 (2011)
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26
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cyclodextrin )/ Curcumin Self-assembly: A Novel 46) M. M. Yallapu, D. M. Maher, V. Sundram, M. C. Bell,

Approach to Improve Curcumin Delivery and its M. Jaggi, and S. C. Chauhan,”Curcumin Induces
Therapeutic Efficacy in Prostste Cancer Cells”, Chemo/Radio Sensitization in Ovarian Cancer
Macromol. Biosci., 10, (2010) p. 1141-1151 Cells And Curcumin Nanoparticles Inhibits Ovarian
36) Y. Gao, Z. Li, M. Sun, C. Guo, A. Yu, Y. Xi, J. Cancer Cell Growth”, Journal of Ovarian Research,
Cui, H. Lou, and G. Zhai, “Preparation and 3 (11), (2010) p. 2-12
Characterization of Intravenously Injectable 47) R. Misra and S. K. Sahoo, “Coformulation of
Curcumin Nanosuspension”, Drug Delivery, 18 (2), Doxorubicin and Curcumin in Poly-(D,L-lactide-
(2011) p. 131-142 co-glycolide) Nanoparticles Suppresses the
37) F-L. Yen, T-H. Wu, C-W. Tzeng, L-T. Lin, and Development of Multidrug Resistance in K562
C-C. Lin, “Curcumin Nanoparticles Improve Cells”, Mol. Pharmaceutics, 8, (2011) p. 852- 866
the Physicochemical Properties of Curcumin 48) W. Wu, J. Shen, P. Banerjee, S. Zhou, “Water-
and Effectively Enhance its Antioxidant and dispersible Multifunctional Hybrid Nanogels for
Antihepatoma Activities”, J. Agri. Food Chem., 58, Combined Curcumin and Photothermal Therapy”,
(2010) p. 7376-7382 Biomaterials, 32, ( 2011) p. 598-609
38) H. Sasaki et al., "Innovative Preparation of Curcumin 49) R. O. Ryan, M. Ghosh, A. T. K. Singh, et al., “Curcumin
for Improved Oral Bioavailability”, Biol. Pharm Bull., Nanodisks: Formulation and Characterization”,
34(5) (2011) p. 660-665 Nanomedicine-Nanotechnology Biology and
39) F-L. Yen, T-H. Wu, L-T. Lin, and C-H. Lin, “Curcumin Medicine, 7(2), (2011) p.162-167
Nanoparticles Improve the Physicochemical 50) N. S. Rejinold, M. Muthunarayanan , V.V. Divyarani ,
Properties of Curcumin and Effectively Enhance the P. R. Sreerekha, K.P. Chennazhi, S.V.Nair , H. Tamura,
Antioxidant and Antihepatoma Activities”, J. Agri. R. Jayakumar , “ Curcumin-loaded Biocompatible
Food Chem., 58 (2010) p. 7376-7382 Thermoresponsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for
40) Bhawana, R. K. Basniwal, H. S. Buttar, V. K. Jain Cancer Drug Delivery”, Colloid Interface Sci.,
and N.Jain, “Curcumin Nanoparticles: Preparation, 360(1), (2011) p.39-51
Characterization and Antimicrobial Study”, J. Agric. 51) T. E. Paramera, S. J. Konteles, and V. T. Karathanos,
Food Chem., 59, (2011) p. 2056-2061 “ Stability and Release Properties of Curcumin
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S. Ravindra, N. S. Naidu and K. M. Raju, “Fabrication ß-cyclodextrin and Modified Starch”, Food
of Curcumin Encapsulated Chitson-PVA Silver Chemistry, 125(3), (2011) p.913-922
Nanocomposite Films for Improved Antimicrobial 52. http://www.fda.gov/food/dietarysupplements/
Activity”, J. Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 2, consumerinformation/ucm110567.htm.
(2011) p. 55-64 53. H. MacGregor, “Out of the Spice Box, into the Lab:
42) M. Gou, K. Men, H. Shi, M. Xiang, J. Zhang, J. Turmeric, an Indian staple, has long had Medicinal
Song, J. Long, Y. Wan, F. Luo, X. Zhao and Z.Y. Uses. Now the West is Taking Notice” Los Angeles
Qian, “Curcumin-loaded Biodegradable Polymeric Times (2006)
Micelles for Colon Cancer Therapy in vitro and in 54. C.D. Lao et al., “Dose Escalation of a Curcuminoid
vivo”, Nanoscale, 3, (2011) 1558-1567 Formulation”, BMC Complement. Altern. Med., 6
43) M. Sun et al., “Enhancement of Transport of Curcumin (2006) p. 10
to Brain in Mice by Poly(n-butylcyanoacrylate) 55. E. Burgos-Mor‘on et al., “The Dark Side of
Nanoparticle”, J.Nanopart Res 12, (2010) 3111- Curcumin”, Int. J. Cancer, 126 (2010) p. 1771-1775)
3122
56. Y. R. Mahajan and I. Sophia Rani, “The Challenges
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Liao, “A Lipo-PEG-PEI Complex for Encapsulating Curcumin based Drugs for the Future of Medicine
Curcumin that Enhances its Antitumor Effects and Healthcare”, to be published in Nanotech
on Curcumin-sensitive and Curcumin-resistance Insights, Vol. 2 (4) (2011)
Cells”, Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology
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Analysis”, to be published in Nanotech Insights, Vol.
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2 (4) (2011)
and Curcumin in Nanoemulsion Formulations to
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Molecular Pharmaceutics, 6(3), (2009) p. 928-939 Contributed by Yashwant Mahajan, CKMNT

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NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Emerging Nanotechnology Products

Nualgi for Environmental Remediation and Nano Agriculture

Can nanotechnology clean-up large polluted rivers
photosynthesis. A distinct kind of algae, called diatom
of India? How can it boost agricultural productivity? algae, produces more than 50% of the food and donates
What does nanotechnology have to do with oxygen, thereby, increasing the dissolved oxygen
content of the water. This would encourage bacteria
prevention of mosquitoes from breeding in polluted to grow and decompose the pollutants present in the
water bodies and absorption of excess carbon water. These grass-like microscopic plants are soon
consumed by zoo planktons which are the favourite food
dioxide in oceans?
for small fishes which, in turn are habitually consumed
Nualgi Nanobiotech by the big fishes. These diatom algae, if grown in
polluted water bodies, not only would serve as a basic
Nualgi Nanobiotech is one of the first nanotechnology food for the water dwelling animals, but would also clean
based companies in India to suceed in inventing and the system creating a balanced ecosystem (Fig. 1).
launching an inexpensive product of a nanonutrient
formulation (Composition for Growth of Diatom Algae, US Nualgi Aqua
Patent No 7585898). The product is named as “Nualgi” The purpose of growing diatom algae in water bodies
and is presented in two forms: “Nualgi aqua” is useful led to the discovery of its single- cell structure that
to clean up polluted water bodies, whereas “Nualgi comprises of a special glass-like cell wall, decorated with
foliar spray” is ideally suited for improving agricultural tiny holes. Besides sunlight, water and carbon dioxide,
productivity. The story of Nualgi began in 1994, with they need nutrients like silica, iron and several other
the goal of exploring how fishes are fed perpetually in trace elements for their growth. The pursuit of making
the marine water bodies. The expedition unravelled the nutrients for these micro-sized diatom algae led to the
mysteries of the main food producer in the marine food invention of Nualgi, which is made up of nano-sized
chain, algae, that produces its food from sunlight by silica loaded up with selected nutrients (silica, iron,

manganese, calcium, magnesium,

zinc, copper, boron, sulphur,
Sewage effluents molybdenum, etc.). The process of
containing nutrients
and dissolved CO2
making nano silica-based nutrient
became easy with the ownership of a
chemical company that was already
Man/Birds Diatom bloom working on many silica compounds.
In 1950s, a number of chemical
companies, while working on silica
compounds in the hope of creating
Good aquatic Oxygen released silica-based organic compounds and
environment with during photo
balanced ecosystem synthesis
polymers, established a procedure
for making nano silica. Nualgi could
adopt the know-how of making
nano silica from these companies.
Fishes feed on zoo Aerobic bacteria Colloidal suspension of nano sized
plankton breaks down
organics
silica, with good stability in marine
water conditions was commercially
available (Ludox AM from Du Pont),
Zooplankton
feed on diatoms but a process for adsorbing micro
and bacteria quantities of soluble nano sized
nutrients on to the silica particles had
to be developed. This was achieved
Fig. 1: Nualgi for environmental remediation by mixing appropriate amounts of

28
 EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

a) b) c)

Fig. 2: Photos of lake after treatment with Nualgi: a. oxygen bubbles appear after 15 minutes use b. still more bubbles appear after
2 hours c. bubbles keep appearing up to 10 days after use

the respective salt solutions of the nutrients in the about 100 kg of oxygen by absorbing 137.5 kg of
silica suspension. Just as the silica nanoparticles stay carbon dioxide. This nanonutrient is being used by the
suspended in marine water, the nutrients adsorbed onto fishermen of Bangalore, especially the ones who grow
the silica nanoparticles also stay suspended without their fishes in polluted lakes, where the fishes seldom
settling or precipitating, so that the nutrients could be withstand the low oxygen content of the contaminated
readily available for algal consumption. The diatoms water. The product can also be used on a larger scale
were found to consume both the silica and the adsorbed to clean up polluted rivers like Ganges, Yamuna, etc.
nutrients in a way similar to humans consuming an ice However, the lack of any government body that can
cream cone, where both the ice-cream and the cone take up the process of testing and certifying the product
are consumed. After several trials in the back waters of is preventing their use for large water bodies. In a
Chennai, an optimal composition of nutrients to grow systematic study by Thomas Kiran, a research scholar at
copious quantities of diatoms in marine water was Andhra University, the influence of Nualgi medium on the
formulated. However, the formulation had to be suitably growth of diatoms was compared with that of six different
modified for growing diatom algae in fresh water
Table 1: Influence of Nualgi and another Commercially
bodies. Further studies led to the invention of ’Nualgi
Available f/2 Medium on the Growth of Diatoms
Aqua’ which could be used in lakes, ponds and rivers.
Cylindrotheca Cylindrotheca
By introducing an appropriate quantity of the product
fusiformis clostridium
(1-2 kg of Nualgi Aqua/4 million litres of water) in the
polluted region of the water body, heavily polluted lakes Medium f/2 Nualgi f/2 Nualgi
and ponds could be cleaned in a natural way. Nualgi
Aqua seems to trigger the growth of diatoms, and in Cell size 28x4 26x4 46x5 46x5
turn, diatoms produce oxygen through photosynthesis. (µm)a
Bubbles appear on the water surface within a few minutes Cell count 1.99 2.94 1.65 2.81
of dissolving Nualgi Aqua in polluted regions (Fig. 2). (Cells
It is estimated that the use of 1 kg of Nualgi releases mL-1x 106)b
Maximum 0.427 0.482 0.400 0.475
 specific
1XDOJLPHGLXP
I6LPHGLXP
(6:PHGLXP
growth rate

%HQDPRW]PHGLXP
$OJDH
(µ)b
'HZDOQHVPHGLXP
 Dry weight 0.48 0.79 0.53 0.81
&HOOQXPEHU[FHOOVPO

&1PHGLXP

(g L-1)b

Total lipid 26.7 23.4 21.3 19.3
 content
(% dry

weight)b
 Total lipid 128.16 184.86 112.89 156.33
      
yield
&XOWLYDWLRQWLPHGD\V
(mg L-1)b
Fig. 3: Effect of Nualgi on the growth of Cylindrotheca a. Dimensions: length x width b. values represent estimates at
fusiformis and Cylindrotheca clostridium stationary phase (8th day)

29
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

traditional media (Fig. 3). Nualgi proved to enhance

the growth of diatoms compared to the other
Before treatment
media. Moreover, the biomass productivity (weight
of the diatom produced) and lipid productivity
(total lipid content and lipid yield) were higher than
in the case of a conventional medium (Table 1).
Interestingly, the use of Nualgi is also found
to eradicate the mosquito larvae from the water
bodies, as the zoo planktons which are nurtured
by the diatom algae consume the mosquito
larvae during their early developmental stage.
The well-known Southern Ocean Iron
Experiment (SOFeX) experiment to fertilize the
oceans in an attempt to surge algal growth by
adding patches of iron to surface waters would
have been successful with the use of nano nutrients
like Nualgi instead of adding inorganic compounds After treatment
that tend to precipitate out. Nualgi Aqua also
has the potential to replace the excess carbon
dioxide dissolved in the oceans with oxygen. By
inducing the growth of diatom algae, acidification
of oceans that diminishes the capacity of an ocean
to absorb carbon dioxide can be reduced. In
addition, Nualgi corrects the nutrient imbalance
in oceans by absorbing the excess nitrates and
phosphates by exploiting them to grow diatom
algae, thus avoiding calamities like Red tides.
Nualgi Foliar Spray
As Nualgi contains nano-sized nutrients, it can
be quickly and easily absorbed by the leaves of
plants and trees and can be used to increase Fig. 4: Nualgi prevents the yellowing of leaves and thickens the foliage of
agricultural productivity. The product named as banana plantations
Nualgi Foliar Spray can be used once a week in diluted leaf burning in potato plants, chlorosis in sapota leaves
form in very small quantities, based on the severity of and nut drop in coconut trees, besides increasing the
the soil deficiencies. This way, the nutrients necessary sizes of their fruits. The product was tested in a paddy
for photosynthesis (Mn, Zn, B, Mg, etc.) are provided field in the Department of Rice Research (an ICAR lab)
directly to the plants and the nanonutrient can be very at Hyderabad and was found to improve the yield of
useful in areas where the soil conditions are poor paddy. The product is under field trial evaluation by the
due to the over-usage of fertilizer or other nutritional Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development
deficiencies. The spray speeds up photosynthesis, Institute (KSSRDI) at Talaghatpura, India on mulberry
and can be used along with nitrogen and phosphate plants that are being used to grow silk worms.
fertilizers such as Urea, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP),
With these remarkable achievements, Nualgi
Single Super Phosphate (SSP), etc. for better results.
stands as a fourth generation super fertilizer and
Though the farmers were reluctant to try the product super-fast nano cleaner for environmental remediation,
in the beginning, Nualgi Foliar spray is now being with nanotechnology behind its accomplishment.
used on different plants and encouraging results have
been achieved. When tested on a banana plantation in
Tumkur district, Karnataka, India, the yellow coloration T.Sampath Kumar
of the leaves was significantly reduced after two CEO, Nualgi Nanobiotech 651,
months and flowering was observed to proceed
11th Main road, V Block, Jayanagar,
faster (Fig. 4).The rest of the field, where Nualgi
was not used, showed leaves with yellow patches. Bangalore-560 041.
Tel: 91-80-26591524, 26595314
Nualgi speeded up the growth of Napier grass from
E mail: [email protected]
45 days to 25 days, prevented leaf curl in tomato plants,

30
 TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Technology Update

Global Carbon Nanotubes Market Outlook: Industry Beckons

Introduction plastics additives and masterbatches. MWCNTs-
enabled engineering and specialty thermoplastics
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently emerged
such as polycarbonate (PC), Polyetherimide (PEI),
as one of the most important classes of nanomaterials
and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) have been used in
having enormous potential to spark off the next
cleanrooms for the production of computer chips and
industrial revolution. CNTs’ unique and extraordinary
hard drives, because they dissipate static electricity
properties such as extremely high electrical and
and, therefore, will not attract airborne contaminants.
thermal conductivities, very small diameters (less
More than 100 companies around the world today are
than 100 nm), large aspect ratios (length/diameter
manufacturing carbon nanotubes and this number
ratios, greater than 1000), outstanding mechanical
is expected to increase to more than 200 within
properties, a tip-surface area near the theoretical
the next five years, while there are more than 1,000
limit (the smaller the tip-surface area, the more
companies and institutions that are actively engaged
concentrated the electric field, and the greater the
in CNTs Research and Development (R&D). Currently,
field enhancement factor)1 and an excellent price-
carbon nanotubes account for a 28% market share of
performance ratio, make it an ideal candidate for
overall nanomaterials demand. In terms of production
electronic devices, chemical/electrochemical and bio-
capacity, Asia-Pacific leads, followed by North America
sensors, transistors, electron field emitters, lithium-ion
and the European Union. Table 1 shows CNTs-enabled
batteries, white light sources, hydrogen storage cells,
applications grouped as present, near term and long
cathode ray tubes (CRTs), electrostatic discharge
term, and as categories related to large volume and
(ESD) and electrical-shielding applications. In fact,
limited volume segments and their key attributes.
several products enabled by carbon nanotubes are
already in the market, such as racquets, golf clubs, This article looks at the market size, applications,
surfboards, ice hockey sticks, mass transportation processing technology and end-user products of
fuel system components, battery electrode additives, carbon nanotubes. In addition, the study looked

Table 1. Summary of CNTs-Enabled Applications

Large-volume applications Limited-volume applications Key attributes
Present Sporting goods such as golf Battery electrodes, boat hulls Excellent mechanical
shafts, tennis rackets, baseball & decks, wind turbine blades, and electrical
bats etc., battery electrode prepregs, scanning probe tips, conductivity properties,
additives, plastics additives and sensors, catheters, membrane compatibility, high
masterbatches, fuel line systems filters, flat panel displays, textiles, surface area (~1000
printing & packaging m2/g), excellent
chemical stability in
Near term Supercapacitor electrodes, Electromechanical memory
acidic environments,
(less than five transparent conducting films, device, hydrogen-storage
distinguished
years) field emission displays, LCDs electrodes, biosensors, multitip
optoelectronic
and OLED-based displays, fuel array X-ray sources, probe array
properties, insensitivity
cell electrodes, inks for printing, test systems, brush contacts,
to electromigration,
adhesives thermal-management systems
excellent thermal
Long term Power transmission cables, Field-Effect Transistors (FET), conductivities and
(beyond five structural composites interconnects, flexible electronics, semiconducting
years) applications for aerospace and drug-delivery systems properties
automobile, photovoltaic devices

Adapted from the paper on “Potential Applications of Carbon Nanotubes” by P. M. Ajayan et al.2

31
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

at industry leaders in the value chain, potential for CNTs reached an estimated 2,500 metric tons and
applications, products which are under development is expected to exceed 12,800 metric tons in 2016 at
and are likely to enter the market in the next five to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 32.5%
ten years. For this study, we have surveyed industry (Fig. 1). During the same year, Asia-Pacific accounted
professionals/stakeholders in the CNTs value chain, for the largest share of CNTs production at 1122.6 metric
extracted information from our proprietary in-house tons (44.2%), ahead of North America at 740.1 metric
databases/ inter-linked databases as well as researched tons (29.2%) and Europe at 608.5 metric tons (24%) (Fig.
other primary and secondary sources and triangulated 2). Asia-Pacific has the largest installed capacity of CNTs
data and the findings are presented in this article. mainly due to the significant presence of electrical &
electronics market, which is dominated by Japan, South
Market Outlook Korea, Taiwan, China and Singapore. In 2010, the US
The market size findings are based on the analysis captured the first largest share of the CNTs market while
carried out by the CKMNT’s teams. We present here an Japan ranked second, ahead of China and Germany.
excerpt from the upcoming market research report titled Japan is the prominent leader in the production of carbon
“Global Carbon Nanotubes Market”. nanotubes including MWCNTs and SWCNTs, but China
and South Korea are expeditiously catching up. Among
The global CNTs market is highly consolidated the European Union, France is expected to take the lead
and oligopolistic in nature, dominated by a few large in CNTs production. A number of developing nations,
suppliers/producers operating in multiple industry most notably China and India, will become increasingly
segments. The global CNTs industry turned over important, as high-end plastics & composites and
around $668.3 million in 2010, with multi-walled carbon electronics production shifts to these regions. In the next
nanotubes (MWCNTs) production value of approximately five years, the proposed production capacities for CNTs
$631.5 million and single-walled carbon nanotubes are bound to take a big leap forward. MWCNTs production
(SWCNTs) production value of around $36.8 million, capacities will reach nearly 12766 metric tons by 2016,
and is forecast to grow to $1.1 billion by 2016 at a mainly driven by polymers and composites applications
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. Used in automotive components, aerospace structural
across a wide range of industries including plastics and parts, lithium-ion battery, Electrostatic Discharge
composites, electrical and electronics, and energy as (ESD) and other markets, while SWCNT’s growth will
well as a range of industrial sectors, CNTs have become be steady but not as high as in the case of MWCNTs,
an essential ingredient or reinforcement material for due to higher prices and limited end-user adaptability
these industries, with its usage growing broadly in line such as electrical & electronics market (Table 3).
with the global economy. The production capacity of CNTs market is facing a huge gap between demand and
CNTs has increased significantly in the last five years, supply due to low volume utilisation of CNTs by end-
nowadays hundreds of tons are produced to meet the users. In order to bridge this gap, manufacturers should
market demand. CNTs market is on the upswing with be ready to capitalize on that future demand, which is
lowering costs and improving performance, availability expected to grow rapidly over the next five to ten years.
and end user adaptability. Table
2 shows major carbon nanotubes 
producers and their annual
production capacity for 2010. It is 
also to be noted that there are a 
&17V3URGXFWLRQ&DSDFLW\ LQ07

number of MWCNT producers other

than those shown in Table 2 such 
as Nanocomp Technologies Inc. 
(NCTI), USA, Eden Energy Limited, 
Australia, Iljin Nanotech, South
Korea, NanoCarbon Technologies  
(NCT) Ltd., Japan, Ube Industries, 

Japan etc., but they have not been

included here as their production
capacity is less than 50 MT annum.
Only about 25% of the global CNTs 
production capacity was produced in      
2010 while average production at full
capacity is estimated to be about 40- <HDU
50% in 2016. At the end of the 2010
calendar year, production capacity Fig. 1: Next five years forecast (2011-2016) for global CNTs market

32
 TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Table 2: Major Carbon Nanotubes Producers and their Annual Production Capacity for 2010

Manufacturers Annual produc- Processing routes Country

tion capacity
(Metric tonnes)
Unidym, Inc. (acquired by Wisepower 1.5 High-pressure USA
Co.), http://www.unidym.com carbon monoxide
(HiPco)
Toray Industries, Inc. 1.5 CCVD Japan
http://www.toray.com
SWCNTs
Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd. 1.2 CVD Japan
http://www.mrc.co.jp/english/index.html

SouthWest NanoTechnologies Inc. 1.0 Cobaltmolybdenum USA

catalyst
http://www.swentnano.com
(CoMoCAT)®
Kleancarbon Inc. http://www. 1.0 CVD Canada
kleancarbon.com

Showa Denko K.K http://www.sdk. 500 CCVD Japan

co.jp/english
CNano Technology Limited http://www. 500 CCVD USA
cnanotechnology.com
MWCNTs Nanocyl S.A., http://www.nanocyl.com* 400 CCVD Belgium
Bayer MaterialScience AG http://www. 260 CCVD Germany
bayermaterialscience.com

Arkema Inc., http://www.arkema-inc. 50 CCVD France

com

Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc. 50 CVD USA

http://www.hyperioncatalysis.com

* Nanocyl also produces SWCNTs and DWCNTs, but on a smaller scale.

Table 3: Proposed Global CNTs Production Capac- panels, automotive parts, industrial components,
ity by Types of Carbon Nanotubes (Metric Tonnes) medical devices, racquets, golf clubs, surfboards,
ice hockey sticks, mass transportation fuel system
Year SWCNTs MWCNTs components, battery electrode additives, plastics
additives and masterbatches. Carbon nanotubes
2012 17.3 3976
encompass a wide range of markets across plastics
2013 20.7 5176 & composites, electrical and electronics, energy and
others. The largest share of global CNTs is accounted
2014 25.3 6876 for by plastics and composites with sales of $472.9
million in 2010, representing 69% of the market (Fig. 3).
2015 31.6 9226
Plastics and composites will remain the most significant
2016 40.3 12766 markets through to 2016. Electrical and electronics
industries accounted for 10% of the CNTs market share
Demand is growing for CNTs used in the production of followed by energy (8%). The electronics and data
technology-intensive products. The expanding range storage market is likely to see the biggest penetration
of applications includes electronic packaging, touch by 2016, with the performance-enhancing properties of

33
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

has increased for CNT-FETs memory devices,

interconnects etc. as a replacement for state-of-the-

art silicon devices.
• The increased demand for longer wind turbine blades
 (> 60 m), better performance and quality are pushing
the use of CNTs. Longer blades are subjected to
higher mechanical stresses during operation (due to
 the unsteady nature of the wind). Weight reduction
is also a key factor because weight increases faster
with blade length than energy throughput. Carbon
nanotubes are an ideal choice because of their high
 impact strength and tubular structures, which enable
to withstand high mechanical stresses as well as
provide strength, and their light weight maximizes
the lifetime and efficiency.
$VLD3DFLILF 1$ (XURSH 5R:
• Burgeoning demand for advanced and
sophisticated medical and healthcare devices.
Fig. 2: Global CNTs market by region
carbon nanotubes allowing electronics manufacturers Despite more than 100 CNTs manufacturing
to meet demanding market needs across a variety of companies, the majority of the market share (66%) is
applications, including interconnects, displays, memory, held by four relatively large-scale manufacturers (Fig.4).
storage and others. The energy sector will also witness Plastics & composites, fuel line systems, batteries,
rapid growth, with enhanced performance requirements electrostatic discharge, and field emission devices are
for batteries, wind turbine blades, photovoltaic cells and the most prominent and commercially viable current
other applications in the next five to ten years. applications. Next generation products will be adopting
CNTs in nano electromechanical systems (NEMS),
Market Drivers supercapacitor electrodes, power transmission cables,
CNT’s demand is influenced by a number of diverse structural composites applications for aerospace and
factors. While the economy plays a most important automobile sectors, photovoltaic devices, transparent
role in influencing the size and growth of the market, conducting films, field-effect transistors, interconnects,
there are a number of other market drivers which can flexible electronics, and drug-delivery systems, which
be seen as having a direct influence on CNTs demand will yield greatly increased revenues for the CNTs
or, at any rate, the nature of this demand, irrespective players over the next 5-10 years. International industrial
of the performance of the economy. These include: giants such as IBM, Intel, Hexcel, Samsung, NEC Corp.,
Renault, Yonex, EcoloCap Solutions, and Hunstman
• Need to replace the brittle and expensive Indium Corp. are developing a variety of current and future
tin oxide (ITO) coated films currently used in such CNTs-enabled applications for various industries.
products as LCD displays, solar cells, touch screens,
and organic light emitting diode (OLED) lighting with Prices for CNTs are expected to fall by an average of
flexible and mechanically robust CNT-based films.
2WKHUV
• Alternative materials to carbon black for electrostatic PLOOLRQ
discharge applications in the automotive market. Any
automotive components that come in contact with fuel (QHUJ\
PLOOLRQ
must have electrostatic discharge properties and the
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommends
a maximum specific volume resistance of 106 ohm/
cm for materials used for parts with fuel contact.
(OHFUWULF 
• As an additive or reinforcement material for (OHFWURQLFV
PLOOLRQ
plastics (automotives & structural components) 
and composites (aerospace/defense) industries
in conductive and thermal applications. The higher
aspect ratio of CNTs in plastic parts enables to
achieve reasonable conductivity at modest loadings. 3ODVWLFV &RPSRVLWHV
PLOOLRQ
• Due to the unique conducting and semiconducting
properties of CNTs, market demand for CNTs
Fig. 3: Global CNTs market by industry

34
 TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

extremely competitive. The major players such

6KRZD'HQNR..
as Arkema Inc., Showa Denko K.K., Nanocyl

S.A., Bayer MaterialScience AG, Hyperion
2WKHUV Catalysis International Inc., and Thomas Swan

are building commercial levels of capacity and
bringing prices down significantly. Established
manufactures may have excellent market
and cost advantages due to their proprietary
product technology, favourable access to raw
materials, government subsidies, favourable
&1DQR locations, and learning or experience curve
7HFKQRORJ\ efficiencies. Product know-how is a key
/LPLWHG factor for success in CNTs. Most recently,
%D\HU  producers have increasingly focused on the
0DWHULDO6FLHQFH$* production of multi-walled carbon nanotubes,
 with significant efforts being directed towards
1DQRF\O6$ purity and yields as well as lowering the costs.
 The main markets at present are plastics and
Fig. 4: Global CNTs market by major players composites, electrical and electronics and
about 15% over the next five years as large companies energy. These will remain the most significant markets
begin to produce commercial-scale volumes of CNTs through to 2016.
as well as expanding CNTs production capacity. For However, a number of issues, including high costs,
example, Arkema’s 400 ton/year plant is scheduled for inconsistent quality across the supply chain, dispersion
startup in 20113 while Bayer MaterialScience AG has and compatibility with matrix materials, and toxicology
envisioned to build an industrial-scale production plant still need to be addressed. Once these issues are
with an annual capacity of 3,000 metric tons by the resolved, growth in global CNTs demand is expected to
financial year 2012-20134. Large multi-nationals such as accelerate in the next five years.
Showa Denko K.K, Arkema Inc., Toray Industries, and
Bayer MaterialScience AG have significantly ramped Note: A comprehensive Report on “Global Carbon
up production levels. In addition to capacity expansion, Nanotubes Market” is slated to be released by CKMNT
companies in China and Russia are also producing in the future. Interested readers may contact info@
significantly cheaper carbon nanotubes. ckmnt.com for further details.
The most widely used techniques for CNT synthesis References
are: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Catalytic 1. “Production and Applications of Carbon nanotubes,
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD), arc discharge and Carbon nanofibers, Fullerenes, Graphene and
laser ablation. In 2010, CVD and CCVD techniques Nanodiamonds: A Global Technology Survey and
together captured approximately 83% of the global Market Analysis”, February 2011, published by
carbon nanotubes market share, followed by arc Innovative Research and Products, Inc http://www.
discharge (12%) processing method and laser ablation innoresearch.net/report_summary.aspx?id=77&pg
(5%), primarily due to its high degree of control, easy =531&rcd=ET113&pd=2/1/2011
scalability, large-scale production output, high purity and
yield compared to other available technologies. As for 2. M. Endo, M. S. Strano and P. M. Ajayan, "Potential
large-scale production of carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Applications of Carbon nanotubes" Topics in Applied
Morinobu Endo developed Catalytic Chemical Vapor Physics, 111(2008) 13-61
Deposition (CCVD) continuous process, wherein metal 3. http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/9908/
catalyst (iron particles), benzene (for the pyrolysis), and arkema-ready-to-market-carbon nanotubes-in-usa
Ar/H2 gases are fed from the upper end of a vertical
furnace, and the resulting CNTs are collected from 4. http://www.baytubes.com/news_and_services/
the lower end while the furnace temperature is kept press_releases.html
at 11000C5. In 2003, Prof. Morinobu Endo, Faculty of 5. M. Endo, “Grow Carbon Fibers in the Vapor Phase”,
Engineering, Shinshu University, and Showa Denko K.K. American Chemical Society, ChemTech,18 (1988)
established a joint venture for the commercialization of 568-576
MWCNTs.
Conclusions
There are over a hundred companies around the Contributed by Vivek Patel, CKMNT
world in the carbon nanotubes market, making it

35
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

R & D Highlights
Machinable Nanolayered Ceramic: Now for magnetic property of Nb4AlC3 crystals, which is due to its
anisotropic crystal structure, the Nb4AlC3 crystals in the slip
High Temperature Use align themselves with their C axis parallel to the magnetic
It is hard to increase the toughness of a ceramic
field. Cold isostatic pressing (392 MPa) and spark plasma
material without compromising on its strength. Attempts
sintering (1450 ºC, 30 MPa) offered a dense sample with
to mimic nature’s way of making tough ceramics with
a fracture toughness of 17.9 MPa m1/2 along the c-axis
good strength has been successful to an extent, attaining
and a flexural strength of 17.9 MPa m1/2 perpendicular to
a 300-fold increase in the toughness of alumina/PMMA
the c-axis direction. The simultaneous improvement in the
nano layered ceramics (with a strength as high as 200
strength and toughness (3.5 and 2.5 times respectively,
MPa). Though difficult, these outstanding results could be
for untextured Nb4AlC3 ceramics sintered by hot pressing)
obtained by copying the structure of Nacre which consists
is attributed to the formation of orderly plate-like grains
of 95 vol% ceramic and a very little amount of organic
forming a microstructure resembling that of nacre. The
phase distributed throughout the microstructure in the form
textured ceramic prepared by this technology can be
of a thin film 2-3 nm in thickness. The organic nano film acts
machined into complex structural parts owing to its
as a lubricant and allows the grains of the brittle ceramic
combination of high toughness and strength and can
to slide to a large extent without fracturing. However, the
be used at high temperature, as the ceramic is found
presence of the organic phase makes this hybrid material
to retain its bending strength up to 1400º C without
unsuitable for high temperature structural applications.
degradation. The authors propose that the strength and
A group of researchers in Japan, have identified fracture toughness can be further enhanced by modifying
Nb4AlC3, a MAX phase material as an ideal candidate to the microstructure further, e.g. the flexural strength can
reproduce Nacre’s structure while avoiding the usage of be improved by increasing the degree of alignment
organic composition, thereby making it suitable for high of Nb4AlC3 crystals and by reducing the grain growth.
temperature applications. The weak bonding that exists
Source:
between the aluminium atom layer and other niobium and
carbon atoms offers weak interfaces between the layers of 1. C. Hu et al., “Shell-Like Nanolayered Nb4AlC3 Ceramic
Nb4AlC3 and permits slipping of grains, imparting a plastic- with High Strength and Toughness” Scr. Mater., 64
like behavior and easy machinability to the bulk material. (2011) 765–768
The authors used strong magnetic field alignment 2. C. Hu et al., “Fabrication of Textured Nb4AlC3 Ceramic
technology for texturing and spark plasma sintering for by Slip Casting in a Strong Magnetic Field and Spark
obtaining a nanolayered structure resembling that of a Plasma Sintering”, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 94 (2011) 410-
nacre shell. The key technique is to prepare a Nb4AlC3 415
slip with high dispersion level and low viscosity and to slip
cast the slurry in the presence of a large magnetic field
Nanostructured Barium Oxide Overcomes
(12 T) in an argon atmosphere. Due to the anisotropic Problem of Choking in SOFCs
50

45
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) promise
40
Mild steel
both a clean environment and effectual use
35 of conventional hydrocarbon fuels owing to
Fracture Toughness (MPa m 1/2)

30 their high conversion efficiency (chemical to

25
Alumina/PMMA(Nacre-like)
electrical energy). The anode of the fuel cell
20 Nb4AlC3(Nacre-like) contributes to the production of electrical energy
15 by (i) receiving the oxygen ions sent by the
10 Alumina-MWCNT SiC
SiAION/SiC
cathode via the electrolyte (ii) catalyzing the
5 SiC/B4C/ CNT Alumina/ BN nanotubes oxidization of the fuel and (iii) transferring the
0
byproduct of the reaction (electrical current)
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
to the interconnects. Though the existing
Flexural Strength MPa anodes made of nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia
Comparison of flexural strength and fracture toughness of textured Nb4AlC3 contribute well to the above said functions, they
ceramic with those of other advanced ceramics and steel. suffer from de-activation when used with carbon-

36
 R&D HIGHLIGHTS

containing fuels. When used with coal gas at temperatures Nanoporous

less than 850º C, the anodes get choked with carbon silica core
deposits (dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons and CO
Supported
disproportionation) and stops working within 30 minutes lipid bilayer
of operation. The challenge of decoking the anodes Poly ethylene glycol

(and hence increasing the operation period) has been

resolved by the research group led by Professor Meilin
Liu of Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta by utilizing
the hygroscopic nature of barium oxide nanostructures.
The researchers have grown nano-islands of barium
oxide on the surface of the conventional nickel-yttria Fusogenic
peptide
stabilized zirconia anodes by vapor deposition. Barium
oxide, being hygroscopic, adsorbs moisture and cleans Drug cargos

off the carbon deposits by oxidizing them into carbon

dioxide. Analysis showed that this water-mediated self- Targeting peptide
cleaning process was favoured, especially at the barium
oxide/nickel interface implying that the nickel, as a catalyst,
worked synergistically with the barium oxide. The challenge Fig. 1: The proto cell design: Nanoporous silica core wrapped
by functionalized lipid-bilayer. Figure adapted from [1]
was to create a number of nanostructured interfaces
rather than depositing a continuous thin film of barium
oxide on the surface of the anode, to avoid blocking the so far by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
path of the electrons. This was achieved by depositing a which reveals the complexity of engineering a safe
layer of the barium oxide on nickel oxide-yttria stabilized nanoparticle system that meets all of the design criteria.
zirconia surface by vapour deposition followed by the C. E. Ashley of the University of New Mexico
reduction of nickel oxide into nickel with the formation has designed a new class of nano-carrier that can
of nanoislands of nickel-brium oxide. When tested with specifically target and bind to cancer cells with 100-
dry propane, the cells produced stable current for 100 fold greater accuracy and supply 1000-fold increased
hours without getting choked (attained a power density chemo doses than the equivalent fluid phase liposome
of ~0.88 Wcm-2 at 750 °C), demonstrating a significant carrier, by overcoming the following main challenges:
improvement in operation period and power density. More the number of targeting ligands (proteins, nucleic
Source: L.Yang et al., “Promotion of Water-Mediated acids or small molecules) on the nano-carrier, more
Carbon Removal by Nanostructured Barium Oxide/ are the chances of binding onto the targeted cancer
Nickel Interfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Nature cells. But nano carriers with many such ligands would
Communications, doi: 10.1038/ncomms1359 resemble the structure of a virus and hence evoke the
immune system, consequently decreasing the effect of
the treatment. Hence a design that allows the targeting
Nanoporous Silica-Liposome Hybrid: An ligands to move freely is desirable for a nano-carrier. This
Innovative Design for Targeted Drug Delivery can be realized by employing fluid phase liposomes,
as they allow the targeting ligands to move freely,
thereby reducing the number of ligands needed for the
Targeted drug delivery is still a relatively new targeting. However, fluid phase liposomes are more
treatment for cancer, where concentrated doses of permeable and cannot hold high doses of drugs without
toxic chemotherapeutic drugs are specifically delivered leaking. The researchers have resolved this problem by
to the cancer cells and is well-known for its reduced wrapping the fluid phase liposome membrane around
side effects. Nanosized drug carriers are under serious a nanoporous silica core, which in turn is loaded with
investigation as they can enter the porous tumour a cargo of drugs. As the membrane of the liposome
cells at ease and are being engineered for (i) carrying stretches over the nanoporous silica core, it gains the
high concentrations of various combinations of drugs ability to confine the drugs within the nanosilica core,
(ii) circulate in the blood without getting expelled by possibly due to the membrane tension developed
immune system and (iii) bind specifically to the cancer and the gradients in adhesion. The membrane in this
cells while avoiding other healthy cells. Owing to their design allows the target ligands to move freely and bind
low immunogenicity (less bothersome to the immune with 100 fold increased accuracy on cancer cells. Yet
system), biocompatibility and excellent safety profiles, another challenge is to load and maintain the stability of
liposome based nanoparticle drug delivery systems a combination of drugs of different charges, polarities
are now in clinical use. However, no nanoparticle and molecular weights into the nano-carrier. The
system for ‘targeted’ drug delivery has been approved nanoporous silica core in the present design supports

37
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

high doses of different drugs via adsorption, contributing promising candidate as nanofiller in composite materials.
to a 1000-fold increased dosage. In vitro studies proved
Generally, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method is
that just a single protocell of this design kills a drug-
used to densify the nanocomposite powders with precise
resistant liver cancer cell and the operative design
control of the matrix microstructure and to minimize the
is expected to be commercialized within five years.
possibility of thermally induced structural damage to the
Source: Graphene platelets (GPLs) by avoiding long processing
times at elevated temperatures. In this study, the SPS
1. D.J. Irvine “One Nanoparticle, One Kill”, Nature
technique has been used to demonstrate the impact of
Mater. 10(2011) 342–343
the incorporation of GPL on the fracture toughness of
2. L.Yang et al., “Promotion of Water-Mediated Si3N4 nanocomposites.
Carbon Removal by Nanostructured Barium Oxide/
Figure 1(a) shows an image of the micro hardness
Nickel Interfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Nature
induced radial cracks (inset picture) of 1.0 vol% GPL-
Communications, doi: 10.1038/ncomms1359
Si3N4 nanocomposite, further it can been seen that the
crack deflection results in a branched crack structure
Wonder Material: Graphene Toughens .As one can see from the figure 1(a) and (b) various
toughening mechanisms including crack bridging,
Structural Ceramics graphene sheet pull out, necking of GPL within the crack
wake simultaneously occur in GPL reinforced Si3N4
Structural ceramics are being increasingly exploited ceramics.
for high temperature applications. Among these, silicon
nitride (Si3N4) has emerged as the most important high Most exciting, novel toughening mechanism was
temperature-resistant ceramic. However, it is still not observed that shows GPLs wrapping and anchoring
being widely used in many elevated temperature (>1000 themselves around individual ceramic grains to resist
o
C) applications because of its inadequate toughness sheet pullout. The resulting cage-like graphene structure
leading to unreliable performance. Researchers from the encapsulating the individual grains, arrests and forces the
University of Arizona and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute cracks to propagate in not just two, but three dimensions.
have reported for the first time a method making use of It is clearly seen in figure 1(c) that graphene sheets
graphene sheets to improve the fracture toughness and have wrapped around the matrix grains and formed a
mechanical robustness of bulk silicon nitride ceramics. continuous wall around the grain boundaries. Such
fracture behaviour has not heretofore been observed
In silicon nitride ceramic, the interlocking in ceramics. It was found that the incorporation of GPL
microstructure composed of long rod-like ß- Si3N4 grains in Si3N4 ceramic has resulted in the improvement of the
within the matrix of α- Si3N4 simultaneously confers fracture toughness by up to ~235% (~2.8 to ~6.6 MPa.
high hardness and toughness. The presence of this √m) at ~1.5% volume fraction. Thus, graphene nanofiller
unique two-phase structure and the ability to tailor the reinforcement could potentially be used to enhance the
properties by microstructural engineering are the major toughness of the structural ceramics, enabling their
reasons for considering Si3N4 as a leading structural widespread use in high temperature applications.
ceramic candidate. Graphene with its outstanding
combination of properties such as large specific surface Source:
area, two dimensional high aspect ratio sheet geometry L.S. Walker et al., “Toughening in Graphene Ceramic
and exceptional mechanical properties proves to be a Composites”, ACS Nano, 5(2011) 3182-3190
a) b) c)
graphene sheet
pull-out graphene wrapping

graphene necking graphene crack

& crack bridging bridging
crack deflection

indentation

0.5 µm 0.5 µm 0.5 µm

Fig 1: (a) Micro hardness testing resulting in the creation of radial cracks stemming from the micro hardness indent (inset image)
(b) examination of the radial cracks indicating that they follow a tortuous crack propagation path (c) SEM image of graphene sheet
following the grain boundaries of the matrix.
Reprinted with permission from American Chemical Society (ACS), Luke S. Walker et al., ACS Nano, 5(2011)3182-3190

38
 EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

Technologies Available for Licensing

Green Nano Technologies
Silicon Quantum Dots: A Non-Toxic Alternative to Other Toxic Quantum Dots
Quantum dots (QDs) are nano-sized semiconductor Researchers at the University of Buffalo2 insist on the usage
nanocrystals that are being investigated for applications of SiQDs for cancer cells imaging and have practically
in biomedical imaging due to their size-tunable proved their stability (a minimum period of two weeks)
luminescence and wide emission spectra. In particular, in biological conditions by conjugating them with bio
QDs cloaked with biocompatible substances (e.g. PEG) recognition molecules like lysine, folate, antimesothelin,
can be employed for imaging applications to facilitate etc. The grafting of these biomolecules was done by
easy binding of QDs to the target cells. However, they carbodiimide chemistry and undecylenic acid was chosen
may have toxic effects on the human body once the to link the surface of SiQDs and the biomolecules, which
biocompatible coating degrades exposing the potentially also protected the SiQDs from oxidation. In vitro testing
toxic semiconductor core material under certain showed selective uptake of Si QDs by human pancreatic
conditions. This issue of cytotoxicity restricts the progress cells (Fig. 1). The SiQDs grafted with lysine were found
of QDs to clinical trial phases and commercialization. to be in the vicinity of the cancer cells, whereas the
Silicon QDs (SiQDs) are being increasingly accepted as a SiQDs grafted with folate molecules and antimesothelin
non-toxic alternative to the other toxic quantum dots due molecules were found to be uptaken selectively inside the
their low inherent toxicity and high excretability from the cells. These nanostructures (20 nm size after grafting),
human system through urine. They are often encapsulated termed as nanoprobes, selectively bind to cancer cells
with a biocompatible material like silica to impart and tag them for targeted diagnosis and therapies. When
stability (prolongs its residence time in the living body), the cytotoxicity of the core material (SiQDs of 4-5 nm size,
hydrophilicity, bioaffinity and low rates of self-destruction. in this case) was compared with that of CdTe QDs in vitro
Based on their promising performances in animal systems, conditions, Si QDs demonstrated better toxicity profile.
recently, FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) With 24 hr treatment, the IC50 value (concentration of
has approved the first clinical trial of the so called QDs that cause 50% cell death) was 40 μg/ml for CdSe
“C dots” in human systems, which is basically a silica QDs whereas it was more than 500 μg/ml for SiQDs.
shell (less than 8nm) packed with several dye molecules1.
Source:
Organic or bioorganic shells are also used to shield the
SiQD cores and the type and structure of the covering 1.http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Jan11/
often determine their imaging performance in terms of CUdotsClinical.html
colloidal stability, solubility in physiological fluids, degree
2. E. Folarin et al., “Bioconjugation of Luminescent Silicon
of influence of the basic physiological parameters and
Quantum Dots for Selective Uptake by Cancer Cells”,
cytotoxicity.
Bioconjugate Chem., 22 (2011) 1081-1088

a) b) c) Antimesothelin grafted Si QDs

Folic acid grafted Si QDs
Lysine grafted Si QDs

24.1 μm 19.29 μm 33.09 μm

Fig. 1: False-color confocal images of human pancreatic cancer cells incubated with (a) lysine grafted Si QDs (b) folic acid grafted
Si QDs and (c) antimesothelin grafted Si QDs. Reprinted with permission from ACS, E. Folarin et al, Bioconjugate Chemistry, 22
(2011) 1081-1088

39
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Indian Scenario

Nano-Enabled Sensors in India

Nanosensors are emerging as a key enabling are nanotechnology-enabled sensors characterized by
technology finding applications in a wide variety of sectors either the size of the sensor or its sensitivity which is in
ranging from transportation, telecommunications, the nanoscale regime, or by the nanometer-range spatial
health, defence and security etc. Nanosensors in other interaction distance between the sensor and the object.
words are detectors that use biological, chemical or
Researchers are engaged in attempts to exploit
surgical sensory edges or points to transfer nanoparticle
the exceptional properties of nanomaterials and
information to microscopic or macroscopic devices.
nanoparticles such as high surface area-to volume
The definition of nanosensor is not only confined to ratios and large reactive area to develop high-tech
a device whose size is reduced to a few nanometers, nanosensors. With these incomparable properties, such
but one which makes use of the excellent properties engineered nanostructures provide the advantages of
of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in detecting and reduced size, weight, power requirements etc. of the
measuring events at the nanoscale. Thus, nanosensors resulting monitoring devices compared to conventional,

Table 1: Research Institutes and Organizations Involved in R&D on Nano-Enabled Sensors

Name of Institution Thrust Area(s) Reference
National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi Bio-sensors http://www.nplindia.org/
National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune Gas sensors http://www.ncl-india.org/
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Gas sensors http://www.jncasr.ac.in/
Research (JNCAR), Bangalore
University of Pune, Pune Gas Chemical and http://www.unipune.ac.in/
Humidity sensors
University of Delhi, Delhi Gas sensors http://www.du.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur (IIT Gas,Bio and Moisture http://www.iitkgp.ernet.in/
KGP) sensors
Jadavpur University, Kolkata Gas sensors http://www.jaduniv.edu.in/
University of Lucknow, Lucknow Gas and Humidity sensors http://www.lkouniv.ac.in/

Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati Gas sensors http://www.shivajiscamt.org/

Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM), Gas and Bio-sensors http://www.iitm.ac.in/
Madras
Shivaji University, Kolhapur Gas sensors http://www.unishivaji.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT- Bio-sensors http://www.iitr.ac.in/
Roorkee)
Indian Institute of Technology- Kanpur, (IIT- Bio-chemical sensors http://www.iitk.ac.in/
Kanpur)
Banaras Hindu University (BHU),Varanasi Bio-sensors http://www.bhu.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay(IITB) Bio- medical sensors http://www.iitb.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore Flow sensors http://www.iisc.ernet.in/
Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Bio-medical sensors http://www.cmti-india.net/
(CMTI), Bangalore

40
 INDIAN SCENARIO

macroscale alternatives. Today, nano-enabled sensor Table 4: Projects on Nano-enabled Sensors

designs are being made for various applications Supported by Nano Mission
such as improving industrial process monitoring and Project Title Principle Investigators
leak detection, environmental monitoring (air and
water quality), food- quality surveillance, medical Synthesis of functionalized Dr. S. Abraham John
diagnostics, and to enable the reliable, real-time gold nanoparticles and their Dept. of Chemistry
detection of chemical, biological, radiological and self-assembly on electrode Gandhigram Rural
nuclear hazards for the military and anti-terrorism. substrates for sensing of University, Tamilnadu
biomolecules
In India, owing to the growing importance of
Development of magneto Dr. Prasanta
nanotechnology and in particular nanosensors, the
resistive thin film sensor Chowdhury
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC)
for magnetic field sensing Surface Engineering
has assigned the task of bringing out a compendium
applications Division National
about the technologies developed for, or the technology
Aerospace
leads available on, nanosensors or nano-enabled
Laboratories, Bangalore
sensors in various institutes/organizations across the
country to the Nano Mission, Department of Science and Development of electrically Dr. M. Jayakannan
conducting polyaniline Dept. Of Chemistry
Table 2: R&D Efforts on Nano-enabled Sensors in nano-materials via self- Indian Institute of
Defence Research and Development Organisation assembly approach and Science Education &
(DRDO) their application in sensors Research, Pune
and opto-electronics
Name of Thrust Areas/Activities
Institution Development of Dr. C. Retna Raj
nanostructured transducers Dept. of Chemistry
Solid State • Development of enabling for amperometric and IIT-Kharagpur,
Physics technologies for carbon nanotube- microgravimetric sensing Kharagpur
Laboratory based sensors applications
(SSPL), Delhi
• Development of cold cathode field Synthesis and Prof. Indranil Manna
emitter enabling technology for characterization of Dept. of Metallurgical &
vacuum microelectronic devices nanostructured materials Materials Engineering,
Defence • Development of enabling for functional (magnetic, IIT-Kharagpur
Research & technologies for carbon nanotube- sensor, opto-electronic
Development based sensors and chemical) and
Establishment, structural (hard coating and
• Screen printed electrodes heterostructure) applications
(DRDE),
modified with nanomaterials for
Gwalior Functionalised carbon Prof. Sriman Narayanan
biosensor (immuno- sensing)
applications nanotube sol-gel composite Dept.of Analytical
mateials for chemical and Chemistry
• Development of immuno-based biosensor fabrication and Madras University,
detection systems and kits for applications Guindy Campus,
biological and chemical agents Chennai
Table 3: R&D Efforts on Nano-enabled Sensors in
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Oxide-based nanomaterials Dr.S.Annapoorni
and nanocomposites for Dept.of Physics &
Name of Thrust Areas/Activities magnetic memory and Astrophysics
Organisations sensor applications University of Delhi
Bhabha Atomic Nanostructures for sensor New Delhi
Research Centre, applications Carbon nanotube-based Prof.A.K.Sood
Mumbai, (BARC) sensors Dept. of Physics
Indira Gandhi • Novel nanostructures for Indian Institute of
Centre For sensor applications Science, Bangalore
Atomic Research, Nano sized semi-conducting Dr.K.Srinivas
• Carbon nanotube(CNT)for gas
Kalpakkam, oxide powders, films and Dept. of Physics and
sensor applications
(IGCAR) catalysts by gas phase Astrophysics
• Development of thin films for codensation for gas sensor University of Delhi,
sensor applications applications Delhi

41
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Structural electronic and Dr. B.R. Mehta an overview of the present scenario in the country.
gas-sensing properties Dept. of Physics The literature analysis that is being presented in the latter
of SnO2 Ag composite IIT Delhi, New Delhi part of this article forms the basis for all the data listed below.
nanoparticle thin films The following table provides details of various research
institutes and organizations involved in R&D of nano-
Technology (DST). Centre for Knowledge Management enabled sensors along with their potential thrust areas.
of Nanoscience & Technology (CKMNT) has been
Nanotechnologies, in general, offer significant scope
assisting the Nano-Mission in accomplishing this task.
for enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and safety of
The present article focuses on the research and various defence systems and open up new avenues
development (R&D) activities related to the nanosensor for innovative technologies. Defence Research and
technologies developed in India. This has been assessed Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken up a
through scientific publications and patents to provide major initiative in nanotechnology in order to support
a variety of battlefield technologies. These include
Table 5: Nano-Enabled Sensors related R&D in Units high-strength materials, materials for stealth and
and Centres Supported by Nano Mission camouflage, energetic materials, sensor devices, and
various other electronic and photonic applications.
Unit/Centre Research Activities
Centre for Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, The R&D activities on nano-enabled sensors that
Madurai Kamaraj University nanosensors and are being pursued in various research laboratories/
nanodrug delivery establishments of DRDO are presented in table 2.

Centre for Nanotechnology, Nanoelectronics, The units/centres belonging to the Department of

IIT-Bombay, Mumbai polymer nanosensors, Atomic Energy involved in research activities related
nanobiotechnology to nano-enabled sensors are listed in table 3. For the
development of Nanotechnology in India, Nano Mission
Centre for Nanotechnology, Nanodevices, provides financial support to the research institutes that
Indian Institute of Science, nanocomposites, are actively involved in this technology. Tables 4 and 5
Bangalore nanobiosensors provide the details of Nano Mission-supported individual
Centre for Nanotechnology, Photovoltaic’s & Sensor projects and units/centers involved in research and
Indian Association for the Devices development activities related to nano-enabled sensors.
Cultivation of Science Details of research organizations involved in prototype
Unit on Nanoscience, IIT Nanoparticles and development of nanosensors are presented in table 6.
Delhi nanorod structures for Table 6: Research Organizations involved in
sensors applications Prototype Development of Nano-Enabled Sensors
Unit on Nanoscience IIT Nanomaterials and Name of the Research activities towards
Kanpur, Kanpur nanostructures for organization the development of nano-
sensor applications enabled sensors
Unit on Nanoscience, Nanomaterials for Indian Institute Nanoparticle-based sensors for
JNCASR, Bangalore potential sensing of Technology explosive detection
application -Bombay (IITB) LSPR phenomenon due to
Unit on Nanoscience, Nanostructures for gas metal nanoparticles based
University of Pune sensors sensors for pathogen detection
Unit on Nanoscience, IIT Nanotubes for gas NEMS for cardiac diagnosis
Madras, Chennai sensors
Indian Institute CNT based sensors
Unit on Nanoscience, Metal-oxide of Science (IISc),
IACS, Kolkata nanostructures for sensor Bangalore
application
Central Scientific CNT based sensors for
Unit on Nanoscience, NCL, Nanomaterials and Instruments estimation of blood hemoglobin
Pune thin films for sensor Organization
application (CISO),
Diagnosis kit based on
Unit on Nanoscience, BHU, CNT based biosensor, Chandigarh
nanomaterial for leishmania
Varanasi butane sensor
Unit on Nanoscience, IISc, Nanomaterials for gas IIT Kharagpur Nano-structured ceramics based
Bangalore sensors prototype gas sensor

42
 INDIAN SCENARIO

90
Computer Science, Engineering, Materials Science,
80 Medicine, Physics, Pharmacology, etc.
80

The following search string has been used to extract the

70
62 published journal literature on nanosensors, with the search
60
53
being limited to the last 10 years:TS=((nano* sensor*)
50
OR (nanosensor*)) AND CU= (India) NOT PY= (2011)
37
Databases=SCI-EXPANDED, CPCI-S, CPCI-SSH, CCR-
40
EXPANDED, IC Timespan=2001-2010
30 26
The above search string retrieved 864 records.
20
12
All these records were further examined and the
10 6 6 irrelevant records were filtered out. Finally a dataset
3
2
consisting of 285 records was complied for our
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
further analysis to meet the objective of this study.
Based on this dataset the year-wise growth of
Fig 1: Year wise growth of Publications
publications starting from the year 2001 to 2010 is shown
Literature Analysis in Fig. 1 and as can be seen, there is no significant growth
in publications till 2004. The research in nanotechnology
A literature survey of nanosensors in the Indian scenario
became more visible starting from 2005 with a steady
has been carried out based on published journal literature on
rise in the journal output being seen during 2005-
nanosensors from India over the last 10 years. The popular
2009. It is also found that the number of publications
Abstracting and Indexing (A&I) database, Web of Science
has decreased by about 23% in 2010, relative to 2009.
(WoS) has been used to find the number of journal articles
published by Indian researchers in this area. Web of Science Based on an analysis of the dataset generated, we
indexes over 8000 peer reviewed journals in various subject have listed out in the map (Fig. 2), the R & D organizations
areas such as Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, /Institutions ranked from one to ten in terms of the
number of publications
over the period 2001-2010.

National Physical Laboratory

National Physical
No. of Publications: 29 Laboratory (NPL), New
Delhi has emerged as the
Indian Institute of Technology-
Delhi No. of Publications: 12 top publishing institute with
University of Lucknow 29 publications followed by
No. of Publications: 13 National Chemical Laboratory
(NCL), Pune with 18
publications, and Shri Shivaji
Science College with 15
publications. It can be seen
that three IITs have figured in
the top 10 institutes list. We
have also categorized the
major thrust areas the top
Bhabha Atomic Research Cen- Jadavpur University
No. of Publication:14 ten R & D organizations/
ter No. of Publications: 13
institutions are working in;
Indian Institute of Technology-
National Chemical Labora- Kharagpur No. of Publications:11 this is being represented in
tory No. of Publications: the form of a pie chart in Fig.
18
Shri Shivaji Science College 3. and table 7 lists the top 10
University of Pune No. of Publications :15
No. of Publications: 13 journals containing articles
on nano-enabled sensors.
The top 10 highly cited
Indian Institute of Technology- papers according to our
Madras No. of Publications: 11
literature survey are as
follows:
1. C. S. Rout, S. H. Krishna,
Fig 2: Illustration of top 10 R&D and academic institutes based on publication during the year S.R.C.Vivekchand,
2001-2010 “Hydrogen and Ethanol

43
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

Between A Polymer Matrix and Gold Nanoparticles

pH-sensors
2 for Selecztive Determination of Dopamine”, Journal
Flow- Temperature-sensors
Optical-sensors Sensors 2 Pressure- of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 578, 95-103, 2005,
3 2 sensors
Chemical-sensors 1
Average no. of citations/year-7.0
6
9. S. Sharma, C. Nirkhe, “ Chloroform Vapor Sensor Based
Humidity-
on Copper/Polyaniline Nanocomposites”, Sensors And
sensors Actuators B-Chemical, 85 , 131-136, 2002, Average no.
30 of citations/year-6.6
10. L. Sathyanarayana, K.M .Reddy, “Nanosized Spinel
NiFe2O4: A Novel Material for the Detection of Liquefied
Bio-sensors
63 Gas-sensors
Petroleum Gas in Air”, Materials Chemistry and Physics,
176 82 21-26, 2003, Average no. of citations/year- 6.55

Table 7: Top 10 Journals carrying Published Articles

on Nano-enabled Sensors

# Journal No. of Publi-

cations/ (2010
Fig: 3 Pie-chart showing the thrust areas of work towards the
Impact Factor)
development of nano-enabled sensors by the top 10 R & D
organizations/institutions 1 Sensors and Actuators 67/(3.368)
Sensors Based on ZnO Nanorods, Nanowires and B-Chemical
Nanotubes”, Chemical Physics Letters, 418, 586-590, 2 Talanta 14 /(3.722)
2006, Average no. of citations/year-13
3 Journal of Nanoscience and 13/(1.351)
2. B. K. Jena, C.R. Raj, “ Enzyme-Free Amperometric
Sensing of Glucose by Using Gold Nanoparticles” , Nanotechnology
Chemistry-A European Journal, 12, 2702-2708, 2006, 4 Sensor Letters 13/(0.602)
Average no. of citations/year-12.83
5 Applied Physics Letters 6/(3.820)
3. B. Baruwati, D.K Kumar, “Hydrothermal Synthesis
of Highly Crystalline ZnO Nanoparticles: A 6 Electro analysis 6/(2.721)
Competitive Sensor for LPG and EtOH”, Sensors 7 Materials Chemistry and 6/(2.353)
And Actuators B-Chemical, 119, 676-782, 2006, Physics
Average no. of citations/year-10.83
8 Biosensors &Bioelectronics 5/(5.361)
4. D. R. S. Jeykumari, S. Ramprabhu , S.S Narayanan,
“A Thionine Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon 9 Materials Letters 5/(2.117)
Nanotube Modified Electrode for the Determination of 10 Sensors and Actuators 5/(1.933)
Hydrogen-Peroxide” , Carbon, 46 1340-1353, 2007, A-Physical
Average no. of citations/year-10.2
Conclusion
5. A. Chowdhuri, V. Gupta, K . Sreenivas, “ Response
Nanotechnology-based sensors are being recognized
Speed of SnO2-Based H2S Gas Sensors With CuO
as promising devices for the future sensor market. The
Nanoparticles”, Applied Physics Letters, 84,1180-1182,
R & D towards nano-enabled sensors has received
2004, Average no. of citations/year-9.5
considerable government, private and industrial funding
6. M. K. Kumar, S. Ramaprabhu, “Nanostructured Pt and the growing trend in these activities is quite visible
Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Based from the scientific publications. In India, NMCC has been
Hydrogen Sensor”, Journal of Physical Chemistry encouraging institutes and organizations to pursue research
B,110,11291-11298, 2006, Average no. of citations/ towards the development of nano-enabled sensors.
year-8.0
References
7. K. Suri, S. Annapoorni, A. K. Sarkar, “Gas and
• http://www.isiknowledge.com
and Humidity Sensors Based on Iron Oxide-
Polypyrrolenanocomposites”, Sensors And Actuators • http://www.nanomission.gov.in
B-Chemical, 81, 277-282, 2002, Average no. of
citations/year-7.8 Contributed by Madhuri Karanam, CKMNT
8. S. S .Kumar, J. Mathiyarasu, “Exploration of Synergism and R. Vijaya Chandar, ARCI

44
 EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS

Nanotech Patents Spotlight

Nanotech Patents Spotlight

groups on the surface of the solid substrate (e) Finally,

Biosensor having Nano Wire for Detecting Food glutamate oxidase (enzyme), as a catalyst which initiates
Additive Monosodium Glutamate and Manufacturing an oxidation reaction of monosodium glutamate into
Method thereof glutaraldehyde. The advantages of nano wires make
them useful for detecting mono sodium glutamate.
Publication No.: WO 2007/114650
Advantages: Incorporation of nano wire in the
Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
biosensor offers excellent electrical characteristics and
Inventors: Hong Seung Hun (KR),
high detection sensitivity to glutamate, especially for
Lee Byung Yang (KR), Lee Dong Joon (KR
the food additive monosodium L-glutamate, even with
Filing Date: April 4, 2007
very low concentrations in processed foods. Moreover,
since it is possible to minimize the size of the biosensor,
Abstract: With the development of the food industry,
it can be attached to a portable food additive detector,
many kinds of processed food products have appeared
a personal digital assistant, or a hand-held phone.
recently and the consumption of an additive such as
monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour enhancing Applications: The nano wire-enabled biosensor
agent, is on the rise. Use of monosodium glutamate can be used in the food industry to detect toxic food
in food is associated with 'Chinese-restaurant- additives like monosodium glutamate. It can also be
syndrome', causing symptoms like numbness, used for protein scanning, blood sugar measurement,
palpitation and weakness. The amount of glutamate environmental toxic material detection, harmful
used as a food additive is generally within the range virus scanning, and as a diagnostic for cancer.
of 0.1% to 0.8%. Therefore, a demand for a high-
sensitivity biosensor device, having excellent electrical Nano or Sub-nano FIR and Anion Fuel Pipes for
characteristics has increased very significantly. Motor Vehicles and Ships
The present invention relates to a method for the Publication No: US 2011/0048568 A1
preparation of a biosensor device, in particular, for Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
detecting sensitivity of a target substance of glutamate Inventors: Guo Yixin (US)
that includes monosodium glutamate and L-glutamate, Filing Date: August 31, 2009
by using a nano wire (carbon nanotube) having excellent Abstract: Petroleum prices around the world have
electrical properties and by thus immobilizing a receptor climbed steeply over the past few years, which
of glutamate to be detected on a solid substrate. The translates into higher transportation costs and
biosensor manufacturing consists of the following steps increased inflation. Petroleum-powered vehicles
(Fig. 1): (a) Incorporation of nano wires on the surface significantly contribute to environmental pollution,
of a solid substrate such as silicon oxide film or a glass eanvironmental noise and global warming, and their
substrate (b) The electrodes are deposited (c) Next, the noxious exhaust fumes pose a health hazard serious.
functional groups are adhered between the nano wires
which is on the surface of the solid substrate (d) Then The present invention relates to a fuel pipe designed
glutaraldehyde, as a linker, is adhered to the functional to reduce excessive fuel consumption and toxic exhausts
such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide etc., specifically
for use in gasoline or diesel engines of vehicles and
ships. The fuel pipe comprises of a pipe body and
carrier structures with dual- function of both fuel
transmission and fuel saving. The pipe body constitutes
a) b)
80-95% of the total weight, and is made from nano or
sub-nano plastic or rubber materials, with the carrier
made up of nano or sub-nano tourmaline or tourmaline
and germanium ore granules with 5-20 wt% loadings.
This Far Infrared Ray (FIR) anion fuel pipe is based
e) d) c) on the following principle: when fuel flows through
Fig. 1: Schematic of biosensor manufacturing process
the pipe, the carrier of the pipe emits FIR and anion.

45
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

high strength, comprises of an aggregate of austenite

nano-crystal grains containing a small amount of solid-
solution type nitrogen (0.1 to 2.0% by mass). The non-
magnetic, high-nitrogen nano-crystal austenite steel
material is prepared by Mechanical Alloying (MA) of
a finely powdered mixture of iron, chromium, nickel,
manganese and carbon or the like with a nitrogen
containing substance (e.g., N2, NH3, and nitride of Fe,
Cr, and Mn), followed by forming-by-sintering treatment
Schematic of a fuel pipe for vehicles and ships, made up of and subsequent annealing. The mechanical alloying of
tourmaline or tourmaline and germanium nano or sub-nano the component elements in the raw powders, without
ore granules recourse to any melting process, yields austenite steel
This emission overcomes the van der Waals forces powders having a nano-size crystal grain structure that
between the fuel molecules, breaking down long-chain can never be achieved by conventional processes.
molecules to single/short-chain molecules. As a result, This structure is further reinforced by solid-solution
the average distance between molecules increases strengthening of nitrogen into an austenite phase. The
and the fuel molecules have more free space to move, crystal grains are more finely divided on a nanometer
thus resulting in improved burning efficiency of the scale by mixing a crystal grain dispersant such as AlN,
fuel and reduced exhaust emissions of toxic gases. NbN, TaN, Si3N4 and TiN (3 to 5% by volume) or mixing
a metal oxide or a semimetal oxide in the MA process.
Advantages: The fuel pipe with the incorporation Furthermore, an oxide, nitride, carbide, silicide, or boride
of tourmaline and germanium nanoparticles can of a metal or semimetal exists as a crystal grain growth
save up to 12% more fuel than conventional fuel inhibitor between and/or in the nano-crystal grains,
pipes. The proportion of toxic gases in the exhaust preventing them from becoming coarse in the forming-by-
is also correspondingly reduced. In addition to sintering process. Such stainless steel materials have a
fuel economy improvement, the emission rate of high nitrogen concentration, which offers much improved
FIR and anions is also increased up to 96% from resistance to all types of corrosion, particularly pitting
85% by a pipe without nano or sub-nano granules. corrosion as well as Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC).
Applications:Thenano-enabledfuelpipecanbeusedinmotor
vehicles and ships’ with gasoline or diesel engines and can 16 16
pronetobeeffectiveforfuelsavingwithenvironmentalbenefits. 14
12
Si
14 Si
D co [nm]

Nano-crystal Austenitic Steel Bulk Material having 10

8
B Ni
P
Ultra-Hardness and Toughness and Excellent 12 6
C Cr
4 Cu
Corrosion Resistance, and Method for Production 2
Mn
10 0
Thereof 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 B
D co [nm]

D Fe [nm] V W
8
Publication No: WO 2004/029312 A1 M

Date of Patent: February 16, 2010 6 P

C
Inventors: Harumatsu Miura (JP), Nobuaki Miyao Ti
(JP), Hidenori Ogawa (JP), Kazuo Oda (JP), 4
Nb
Munehide Katsumura (JP), Masaru Mizutani (JP) 2
Filing Date: September 26, 2003 N
Ta

0
Abstract: In today's world, the need to protect steel 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
against corrosion is one of the most important
D Fe [nm]
scientific, technical and economical problems. The
corrosion of steel, a spontaneous process, occurs Illustration of changes in the mean crystal grain diameter of
due to chemical or electrochemical reaction with its each mechanically alloyed element
service environment and degrades its properties
such as strength, hardness and toughness. There are Advantages: The nano-crystal austenitic steel bulk
many traditional technologies available to mitigate material exhibits superior hardness and toughness, high
the corrosion of steel but not all have been fruitful. strength and excellent corrosion resistance.
Nanotechnology can play a vital role in mitigating steel
Applications: Nano-crystal austenitic steel bulk
corrosion through the incorporation of nanomaterials.
materials can be used in bulletproof steel sheets and
The present invention, offering a nano-crystal vests, medical tools, high tensile strength bolts and
austenite steel bulk material with improved corrosion nuts, bearings, gears and tools for hot processing and
resistance and superior hardness, and toughness and extrusion techniques.

46
 TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Commercial / Business Focus

Technology Update
Technologies Available for Licensing
Fabrication of Tailored Hardness Nanocomposite The nano-sized lipid aggregates that will encapsulate
Coating with Low Coefficient of Friction the desired drug and other cancer-targeting epitopes
(part of a molecule recognized by the immune system),
Technology: The present invention relates to the being developed by the IISc team, will be combined with
fabrication of nano-composite coatings with tailored the antibody (being developed by the Deakin team) and
hardness between 10 to 50Gpa, and a low coefficient pre-clinical tests will take place at Deakin University’s
of friction between 0.1 to 0.2, consisting of a transition laboratory. It is likely that the product will reach the
metal element and other element borides, carbides and market over the next five years.
nitrides by sputtering process from a single target. This
invention also relates to a reproducible and plasma- Source: http://www.livemint.com/2011/04/25214812/
based process on different kinds of substrates having IISc-Deakin-join-hands-to fig.html?atype=tp, April 26,
an amorphous matrix with nano-crystalline phases in 2011
the range of 2-100nm. The hardness of the coatings Wipro Announces High-end Nanotech R&D Centre
can be tailored from low to high values (10 to 50 GPa) with Belgian Research Institute IMEC in Bengaluru
for different applications.
India’s third-biggest tech firm Wipro Limited
Applications: As a coating material in automobile has announced the establishment of a high-end
or cutting tools to protect against wear resistance or nanotechnology Research & Development (R&D) centre
oxidation resistance. can be applied to steel, aluminium in Bengaluru, Karnataka with the signing of an R&D
alloys, Ni-base super alloys, titanium alloys, glass, and partnership agreement with Belgian research institute
silicon. IMEC. The joint venture will combine IMEC's know-
IP Status: Indian patent application no. 0770/DEL/2010 how and research capabilities with Wipro's systems
engineering skills to develop next generation intelligent
Contact: Dr.I.Chattoraj systems, called Applied Research in Intelligent Systems
Head-Business Development & Monitoring, National Engineering (ARISE), for use in healthcare, energy, and
Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur-831007 imaging and vision.
Tel:+91-657-2345000-001, 2345028, 2345205, Fax:
91-6572345213, 2345153 Source: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.
E-Mail:[email protected], www. nmlindia.org com/2011-05-24/news/29577857_1_r-d-india-centre-
high-end-research, May 24, 2011
Business News
Investment & Funding
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Kicks off Partnership
with Deakin University to Augment Research in Michigan State University spinoff XG Sciences
Areas of Nanotechnology-Enabled Drug Delivery Announces Partnership with POSCO to Advance
System to Fight Cancer Graphene Manufacturing

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India's Graphene manufacturer XG Sciences Inc. has entered
leading research institution and Australia’s Deakin into a series of agreements with POSCO, a Korean
University are all set for augmenting research in areas corporation and world's third-biggest steel producer,
of nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery systems to create a strategic partnership for the advancement
to target cancer stem cells. As per the joint research of graphene manufacturing and product development
collaboration, IISc will be developing nano-sized lipid based on XG Sciences' proprietary technologies.
particles while Deakin’s team will take care of chemical Under the terms of the agreement, POSCO will
antibodies. purchase a 20 % share of XG Sciences, Inc. and will
A handsome amount of about US$ 920,309 (Rs. obtain production licenses to manufacture and sell
41.4 million) is set aside for this project with US$ xGnP® brand graphene nanoplatelets.
177,837 (Rs.8 million) sanctioned by the Department Source: Michigan State University (press release), June
of Science and Technology (DST), India and $700,000 13, 2011
(Rs.33.4 million) by the Australia-India Strategic
http://news.msu.edu/story/9477
Research Fund (AISRF).

47
 Synergize Knowledge and
NANOTECH INSIGHTS

4th Business Networking

8th - 9th December 2011

Bangalore Nano is India’s largest international large international delegation from various corners of the
nanotechnology conference and exhibition featuring world such as Russia, Germany, USA, Canada, Poland
world renowned researchers, Venture Capitalists etc. Over 60 expert speakers will address the gathering
(VCs)/investors, entrepreneurs and organisations. It and some of the leading international speakers include
is being organised by the Departments of Information Dr E.W Meijer- Eindhoven, University of Technology,
Technology (IT), Bio-Technology (BT) and Science & Dr Timothy Fisher, Purdue University and eminent
Technology (S&T), Government of Karnataka under the speakers from Biomedical Engineering Materials
able guidance of the Vision Group on Nanotechnology Technology, The Netherlands, Birck Nanotechnology
led by Prof CNR Rao, FRS and Honorary President, Center, USA etc. The main focus areas of this event are
Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific advanced nanomaterials, fabrication, characterisation &
Research (JNCASR), Bangalore. tools, medicine, food, agriculture and biotech, energy &
The Government of India has launched a Mission environment and education & public engagement.
on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) that “Research-Industry Collaboration Hub” (RICH)
has been a concrete step in this direction. Capacity- is a programme as part of this event offering unique
building in the area of nanotechnology research will partnering opportunities for showcasing innovations
be of utmost importance for the Nano Mission so that in nanotechnology. RICH will facilitate podium
India emerges as a global knowledge hub in this field presentations and one-to-one meetings for emerging
replicating its success in Information Technology and entrepreneurs in nanotechnology. A special programme
Biotechnology. In this context, it may be mentioned that "Nano for the Young” will also be a part of this event in
Karnataka is emerging as a major global player in the which students from various engineering, medical and
field of nanoscience and nanotechnology to add to its biotech colleges across Bangalore would be invited to
status as an IT hub. attend a special session to be addressed by Prof CNR
According to the RNCOS report, the global market Rao.
for nanotechnology-enabled manufactured goods is Apart from the prestigious “Bangalore Nano National
forcasted to grow to US$1.6 trillion during the 2009- Award” that is being presented for achievements in the
2013 period at a Compound Annual Growth Rate field of nanotechnology, “India Nanotech Innovation
(CAGR) of around 50%. The major driver for the market Awards” have been included in this 4th edition of
growth is the increasing investment and acceptance Bangalore Nano for innovative and pioneering initiatives
of nanotechnology-based manufactured goods in and achievements in the field of nanotechnology.
emerging economies such as India, China and Russia.
This year, too, Bangalore Nano will have delegates
4th Bangalore Nano will discuss a wide range of issues from all over the world just as last year, which witnessed
pertaining to research and development, technology 410 delegates from 250 plus organisations hailing from
transfer, skills requirement, institutions involved, risks 12 countries. Over 50 eminent internationally acclaimed
issues, regulatory & governance structure, investment speakers have addressed the conference in the past,
and collaborations among stakeholders such as including Prof Sir Richard Friend, Dr Anthony Cheetham,
Academia, R&D institutions and industry etc. This event Prof Yoshio Bando, Dr Dunbar Birnie, Ingo Hollein, Stefan
will be featuring inspiring talks, high quality research Bill, Dr Henning Zoz and Gregory Favaro to name a few.
papers and will showcase innovative and ground
breaking nano-applications through the participation of
Chief Scientific Officers, Policy Makers, Vice Presidents, Venue
Directors, Heads, Scientists, Chemists, and Research Royal Orchid Resort & Convention Center,
Leaders/Fellows/Advisors from Industry, Governments Allalasandra, Bellary Road,
and Research Institutions. Yelahanka, Near Jakkur Flying Club,
4th Bangalore Nano will also offer an unparalleled Bangalore 560 065, India.
opportunity for business networking and for knowledge Contact Phone Numbers:
sharing in the exciting field of nanoscience and +91 80 2856 0668
nanotechnology. Over a hundred leading international and Fax: +91 80 2856 0671
Indian companies will be participating in this event with a www.bangalorenano.in

48
Forthcoming Events
Nanoforum 2011, Torino, Italy International Conference on Nano Science,
September 14-15, 2011 Technology & Societal Implications (NSTSI11),
http://www.iter.it Bhubaneswar, India
Email: [email protected] December 8-10, 2011
http://cvrgi.edu.in/NSTSI11/home.htm
4th Annual NanoScience Technology Symposium, Email: [email protected]
NanoFlorida 2011, College of Engineering and
Computing at Florida International University, 2nd International Conference on ‘Advanced
Miami, USA Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (ICANN-2011)’,
September 30-October 1, 2011 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), India
http://www.nanoflorida.fiu.edu/ December 8-10, 2011
Email: [email protected] http://www.iitg.ernet.in/icann2011/index.htm,
BIT’s 1st Annual World Congress of Nano-S&T Email: [email protected]
Dalian, PR China
October 23-26, 2011 3rd International Conference on “Current
http://www.bitconferences.com/.bitconferences.com Developments in Atomic, Molecular, Optical & Nano
Email: [email protected] Physics with Applications”, (CDAMOP-2011 ), New
Delhi, India
Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy- EU- December 14-16, 2011
India workshop and school, Indian Institute of https://www.tbimice.com/cdamop2011/index.asp,
Technology, New Delhi, India, Email: [email protected]
November 01-04, 2011
http://www.eicoon.eu International Conference on Nanomaterials and
Email: [email protected] Nanotechnology (ICNANO-2011), New Delhi, India
December 18-21, 2011
BIT’s 2nd Annual World Congress of http://www.icbn2011.com/index.html,
NanoMedicine-2011, Shenzhen, China Email: [email protected]
November 3-5, 2011 Nanotech India 2011, Kerala, India
http://www.bitconferences.com/nanomedicine2011/ November 19-21, 2011
default.asp http://www.nanotechindia.in
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
7th International Conference on MEMS NANO and
Smart Systems (ICMENS 2011), Kuala Lumpur, International Conference on Advances in Materials
Malaysia and Materials Processing (ICAMMP-2011), Indian
November 4-6, 2011 Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
http://www.icmens.org/index.htm, December 9-11, 2011
Email: [email protected] http://www.icammp2011.org/index.html
Email: [email protected]
BioNanoTox and Applications International
Research Conference, Arkansas, USA National Seminar on Emerging Trends in
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology-2011, Nagpur,
November 17-18, 2011
India
http://sites.google.com/site/bntconference/home,
December 20-21, 2011
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
International Conference on Nano Science, XVI International Workshop on the Physics of
Engineering and Technology, Chennai, India Semiconductor Devices, IIT, Kanpur, India
November 28-30, 2011 December 19-22, 2011
http://www.iconset2011.com/index.html, http://www.iitk.ac.in/iwpsd2011/index.php
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Centre for Knowledge Management of Nanoscience & Technology (CKMNT)
Synergizing Knowledge Management in Nanoscience and Technology
CKMNT has been set up by the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New
Materials (ARCI), with partial financial assistance from DST’s Nano Mission. The centre aims to offer
comprehensive one-stop nanoscience and technology information services to researchers, industries,
policy makers, venture capitalists and funding agencies.
Apart from many other services, CKMNT brings out Technology Briefs from time to time with a view to
create awareness about the cutting edge nanotechnology applications in various sectors. These Technology
Briefs can be further developed into fully blown complete techno-comercial reports on demand.

Nanotechnologies to
Mitigate Global Warming
Technology Brief

In Pursuit of the Nanotechnology-Based

Ultimate Body Armor Solutions for Oil Spills

August 13, 1941

CNT THREADS

Muir Glacier, Alaska

August 31, 2004

Technology
Nano-Engineered Steels
Briefs Nanotechnology in Glass
for Structural Applications and Glass Ceramics

Technology Brief

Nanotechnology-based Protective
Facial Masks for Swine Flu Control

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