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Volume
3 Issue 8 - August 2010 |
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The NNN Newsletter
Challenges for Sustaining Leadership in Nanotechnology in the U.S.
In the midst of this less than rosy outlook there remains optimism in the ability of the U.S. to correct the course from which nanomanufacturing will be well positioned to lead the way for future economic growth. In this context, the NNI is considering ways in which to provide the necessary infrastructure both to parlay its investment in nanotechnology into sustainable economic growth and to augment existing technology manufacturing capabilities. These were some of the key recommendations made in the PCAST report which cited increased emphasis on nanomanufacturing and commercialization of nano-enabled products, increased commitment to workforce training and education in nanofabrication, and strengthening and consolidating efforts and knowledge in environmental, health, and safety research. That said, the U.S. and NNI face significant challenges in achieving these objectives while maintaining global leadership in nanotechnology overall. Regards, Learn More about the Quantum Dots Precisely Placed by Controlled Flow
Massachusetts Issues Nano-EHS Guidance Document
NanoBusiness Alliance Interview with David Arthur
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Upcoming Events August 29 - September 2, 2010 August 30 - September 1, 2010 August 30 - September 1, 2010 September 17 - 19, 2010 September 27 - 29, 2010 Advertisement Upcoming Calls August 30, 2010 September 14, 2010 September 15, 2010 Advertisement Recently Published Role of Surface Charge Density in Nanoparticle-Templated Assembly of Bromovirus Protein Cages Electrical Characterization of Composition Modulated In1-xSbx Nanowire Field Effect Transistors by Scanning Gate Microscopy Fabrication of Conductive Microcapsules via Self-Assembly and Crosslinking of Gold Nanowires at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces Affiliated Centers Recently Issued Patents Method for Making Thin Film Transistor Organic silicon oxide core-shell particles and preparation method thereof Programmable power management using a nanotube structure
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The U.S. investment in nanoscience and technology since 2001 through the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has provided a "catalytic and substantial impact" according to the 
Solution-synthesized nanostructures have great potential as the active components in the areas of photonics, electronics and biology. Unfortunately, typical synthesis methods produce particles with a distribution of properties, while most applications require well-controlled and specific behavior. The challenge, then, is to take solution of a relatively random collection of particles, select a single one with the desired properties, and then place it in, for example, the active region of a device structure. The development of techniques for the manipulation of small particles has been an active area of research for many years, and great strides have been made using optical tweezers and dielectrophoretic devices. However, these suffer from a number of shortcomings. Rather than trying to grab hold of the particle of interest directly, Ropp et al. chose an alternative approach—electro-osmotic flow (EOF)—that relies on controlling the flow of the fluid in which the particle is suspended to adjust its position. 
Massachusetts' Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) recently released its "OTA Technology Guidance Document: Nanotechnology - Considerations for Safe Development" which has been in development for the past couple of years. The document begins by noting the tremendous positive influence nanotechnology is predicted to have in the fields of biomedical devices, electronics, clean energy, and materials engineering, while at the same time acknowledging that "there are indications of potential harm from certain exposures and release of engineered nanoparticles." OTA also believes that there "is little uncertainty" regarding available means to prevent potential workplace exposure to nanoscale materials. Simply put, despite unknown EHS risks, there is more than adequate knowledge to control potential exposure in OTA's view. 
David J. Arthur is President and CEO of SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc. and has more than 30 years experience commercializing products utilizing advanced materials, including work at such companies as Rogers Corporation, A.T. Cross Co., TPI Composites, Helix Technologies, and Eikos. In this interview, Steve Waite talk to Mr. Arthur about SouthWest NanoTechnologies' carbon nanotube materials and technologies, their commercialization potential and the environmental, health and safety risks associated with nanotubes. Mr. Arthur holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from Tufts University, MS degree in chemical engineering from the University of Connecticut and MBA degree from Northeastern University. In 2005, he co-founded Chasm Technologies, a consulting firm in the Boston area that helps its clients commercialize new products through smart application of materials science and process technology. For the past four years, he has been CEO of SouthWest NanoTechnologies in Norman, OK, a leading producer of single-wall and specialty multi-wall carbon nanotube materials for coatings and composites applications. 
