NANOTECH INNOVATIONS

There is no doubt that the development of hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative fuel is good for the environment, but how does that work? It is easy to say that we should use hydrogen fuel cell technology to save our environment and prevent global warming. Finding facts about it and embracing those facts can be two very different things.

First, let us consider the fact that hydrogen fuel cells are good for the environment because they are the cleanest burning fuels ever developed. Hydrogen is taken out of water and then put into fuel cells as a gas that can power a vehicle. The only emission that comes out of a fuel cell powered vehicle is water vapor. It is like having a humidifier for the whole world!

There are, however, some drawbacks that are associated with hydrogen fuel cells and the environment. A completely efficient system of producing, storing and transporting hydrogen should, in principle, lead to no unwanted emissions of the gas.

But the researchers point out that such a system would be expensive, and that in reality around 10-20% of the hydrogen would escape into the atmosphere. They say that if hydrogen fuel cells replaced all of today is oil and gas-based combustion technologies, such losses would double or even triple the total hydrogen deposited into the atmosphere at the Earth is surface.

Other researchers say that the hydrogen would be oxidized when it reaches the stratosphere, which would cool the stratosphere and create more clouds. This would delay the break up of the polar vortex at the north and south poles, making the holes in the ozone layer larger and longer lasting. They estimate that the extra hydrogen will lead to a 5-8% rise in ozone depletion at the North Pole and between 3 and 7% at the South Pole.

The exact scale of this additional ozone depletion, however, depends on a number of unknown quantities. In addition to uncertainty over the extent of hydrogen emissions in the future, little is understood about how soil absorbs hydrogen from the atmosphere. The researchers say it is conceivable that this process could compensate for all new anthropogenic emissions.
The truth is, however, that using hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative fuel is actually good in the long run very good for the environment.

When the only emission that comes from hydrogen fuel cells is water vapor, you are talking about a huge advantage over the toxic elements that are released into the air with gasoline burning cars.

The bottom line is that hydrogen fuel cells have a positive effect on the environment. There are many more advantages than disadvantages and hydrogen as an alternative fuel has the most promise over any other alternative fuel.

Emulsions are used in dermal treatments due to their good skin penetration and adherence to surfaces. They remain in the surface of the skin without drying out. A stabilizing agent is most usually employed to improve the stability of the emulsion. These are irritants to the skin, especially in conditions such as Contact Dermatitis, Psoriasis or Eczema.

A Pickering emulsion is an emulsion that is stabilized by solid particles adsorbed onto the interface between the two phases. In addition to improvements in the toxicology profile, these nanoparticle pickering emulsion control drug release from the emulsion.

Depending on the deposition of particles, different drug release profiles are achieved. Supersaturation conditions are achieved and sustained for a longer period of time within the nanoparticle coated droplet.

Silica nanoparticles from the Pickering emulsions can penetrate up to 5 um in the skin. In addition to benefits from normal Silica pickering soutions, Drug loaded porous silica particles can continue drug delivery system once embedded within the Stratum Corneum.

Nanologica has developed several candidate dermal delivery systems that are transferable to applications in the cosmetic sector. Our cosmetic delivery vehicles based on nanoporous silica not only offer sustained release of the active ingredient and additional stability at a low cost, but also a practical solution to formulation and solubility issues of active cosmetic ingredients. Our cosmetic porous silica powders are commercially available on their own as well as together with active cosmetic products such as vitamin A, B, C and derivatives.

Adapting controlled release technologies to the delivery of DNA has the potential to overcome extracellular barriers that limit gene therapy. Controlled release systems can enhance gene delivery and increase the extent and duration of transgene expression relative to more traditional delivery methods. These systems typically deliver vectors locally, which can avoid distribution to distant tissues, decrease toxicity to nontarget cells, and reduce the immune response to the vector. Delivery vehicles for controlled release are fabricated from natural and synthetic polymers, which function either by releasing the vector into the local tissue environment or by maintaining the vector at the polymer surface. Vector release or binding is regulated by the effective affinity of the vector for the polymer, which depends upon the strength of molecular interactions. These interactions occur through nonspecific binding based on vector and polymer composition or through the incorporation of complementary binding sites. This review examines the delivery of nonviral and viral vectors from natural and synthetic polymers and presents opportunities for continuing developments to increase their applicability.

Nanotechnology is expected to have an impact on all industries including semiconductors, manufacturing, and biotechnology. Tools that provide the capability to characterize and manipulate materials at the nanoscale level further elucidate nanoscale phenomena and equip researchers and developers with the ability to fabricate novel materials and structures. One of the most promising societal impacts of nanotechnology is in the area of nanomedicine. Personalized health care, rational drug design, and targeted drug delivery system are some of the benefits of a nanomedicine-based approach to therapy. This review will focus on the development of nanoscale drug delivery system mechanisms. Nanostructured drug carriers allow for the delivery of not only small-molecule drugs but also the delivery of nucleic acids and proteins. Delivery of these molecules to specific areas within the body can be achieved, which will reduce systemic side effects and allow for more efficient use of the drug.

drug delivery system and related pharmaceutical development in the context of nanomedicine should be viewed as science and technology of nanometer scale complex systems (101000 nm), consisting of at least two components, one of which is a pharmaceutically active ingredient, although nanoparticle formulations of the drug itself are also possible. The whole system leads to a special function related to treating, preventing or diagnosing diseases sometimes called smart-drugs or the ragnostics.

Nanotechnology is a new area of science that promises to bring great improvements in many manufactured materials---for example, by giving greater strength, flexibility, and durability to plastics and metals. Some scientists, however, have been urging caution because the effects on the human body of the extremely tiny components used in this science are unknown.

The fight to stop the use of asbestos because of its ability to cause long-term and fatal disease in humans has been going on for decades. Since many nanomaterials are similar in size---or even smaller---than loose asbestos fibers, it only makes sense to test what happens to human tissue when exposed to them. Asbestos was considered a "miracle" material---its flexibility and fire retardant properties made it a common ingredient in hundreds of materials.

But the toll in human suffering from the unrestrained use of asbestos in manufacturing is only beginning to be felt. As the number of cases of mesothelioma continues to rise, the cost to workers and their families 30, 40 and 50 years later is tragic. It would be criminal to begin using another substance that had similar capabilities to infect humans with long-term disease and/or death.

A recent study compared the results when human epithelial cells were exposed to two different types of nanomaterials (the tiny fragments of matter used in nanotechnology) and to asbestos fibers. Epithelial cells are the cells in the linings of your body's organs and cavities (lungs, abdomen, etc.), which is where mesothelioma starts and grows.

The study results showed that one type of nanoparticle did slow down cell activity but didn't cause more cells to die. But the other (carbon black) nanotubes did not appear to affect the cells negatively. However, both types of asbestos fibers---chrysotile and crocidolite---entered deeply into the cells, slowed or stopped normal cell activity, and caused cell death (apoptosis).

It is tempting to conclude that all nanomaterials won't be as dangerous as asbestos fibers, but this study clearly indicates there were adverse effects with the nanotubes, though they didn't seem to reach into the human tissue. It's important for ordinary citizens to hold science accountable for what it releases into our lives. Objective tests of nanomaterials are a sign that at least some scientists are keeping the public good uppermost in their work.

Spending every weekend scrubbing and cleaning your home can be a daunting task. This is especially true in the case of bathrooms and your shower enclosure that tend to get stained and blurry over a period of time. However, with the innovative application of nanotechnology, it is now possible to coat shower enclosures with a protective layer that is helps maintain the shine and keep surfaces scratch-free.

Apart from a shower enclosure, this technology has also proven to be very useful in protecting countertops, automobile glass surfaces, windows, sinks and other surfaces around the home or office.

As you might already know, using harsh chemicals and scrubbers to de-stain your glass and porcelain surfaces leaves them with scratches and a dull look. But in the case of nanotechnology coated surfaces, all you need is some water and a soft cloth to get rid of marks or stains. By bypassing the use of chemical-based cleaners that cause pollution, you are also doing your bit for the environment. Besides, it also helps you save a significant amount of time that you would otherwise spend on scrubbing and cleaning surfaces around your house.

You might now wonder how Nanotechnology can help keep your surfaces free of stains and marks. Essentially, such coatings make surfaces water and oil-repellent. Needless to say, a surface that doesnt allow water and oil to stick on to it remains stain-free for an extended period of time. You can protect your investment by keeping your expensive surfaces looking glossy for years to come.

It is a prudent decision to opt for shower enclosures with a protective coating for the following reasons :

* You can eliminate the use of harsh, chemical-based cleaners.
* Your surfaces are no longer left looking old and blurry because of hard water mineral deposits
* By using plain water and a soft cloth to clean stains, you can steer of environment pollutants that harm your eco-system
* You stand to save a significant amount of time because you dont need to spend hours cleaning and scrubbing different surfaces around your home

By opting for nanotechnology-coated surface, all you need to use is a soft nylon puff and clean water for cleaning purposes. As soon as you spot any marks or stains, simply wipe the surface in a brisk stroke and the spots will disappear. All these advantages have led to a number of home owners choosing this coating technology as their preferred choice. Heres how you as a home owner stand to benefit :

* You need to spend less time in cleaning different surfaces around your home
* There would be a marked decline in the occurrence of mold and bacteria on shower enclosures and other bathroom surfaces
* You need not worry about stain and graffiti because surfaces become resistant to these elements.
* Nanotechnology coatings ensure that you get better returns on your investment

For the past few years, the nanotechnology market has been experiencing a significant growth across the globe as the technology provides a plethora of new opportunities to improve monitoring capabilities and minimize contaminants in the environment. According to a recent report by RNCOS, the increasing usage of the technology in various applications and sectors, like electronics, healthcare, cosmetics, energy, transportation, agriculture and defense, would propel the growth of the global nanotechnology market. It is anticipated that the market will reach US$ 26 Billion by the end of 2014, growing at a CAGR of around 19% since 2011.

Research Analysis & Highlights

The 165-page report, Nanotechnology Market Forecast to 2014, provides an extensive research and cogent analysis of the current status and expected position of the nanotechnology industry in various countries like US, UK, China, and India. It also facilitates the forecasts for the use of nanotechnology in various segments like electronics, cosmetics, and biomedicine, among others, during 2011-2014. The analysis of the global nanotechnology market with respect to major applications and research and development funding has also been included in the study that highlights the industrys recent trends and provides patent analysis.

Some of the key findings of the report are:

- The market for nano-particles, used in electronic applications, reached an estimated value of around US$ 781 Million in 2011. Various electronic companies are finding new ways of incorporating nanotechnology in consumer products.
- The US nanotechnology market is rapidly emerging. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) budget has proposed an investment worth around US$ 2.13 Billion in nanotechnology in 2012.
- As the applications of nanotechnology in biomedical sciences represent several revolutionary opportunities to deal with complicated diseases, the market will witness a stupendous growth of 31% from 2011 to 2014.
- Germany is the leading nanotechnology nation in Europe. There are about 950 enterprises dealing with the development and marketing of nano-technological products, procedures and services on different stages of the value added chain, with the tendency to rise.

Imagine a nice, warm, sunny day where you are barbequing on your backyard deck while also entertaining your family and friends. A feeling of satisfaction is present from knowing that you have just recently sealed the deck with an environmentally safe, nanotechnology wood stain. Your friends remark that the deck looks great. Happily, you know that it will not be necessary to re-apply another coat of stain or sealant for up to ten years. Even more importantly, because Green nanotechnology stain and sealant products are water-based, non-flammable and do not contain any toxins, you have confidence that your children and pets can play on your deck safely. Additionally, if your deck is in close proximity to a garden, plants or grass, they also will not be harmed by using a Green, eco-friendly product.

The bad news is that most sealants and stains being sold today are petroleum based and use an out-dated beading technology to repel water. These formulas require reapplication frequently as they wear away more quickly. They also do not prevent mold or mildew very effectively.

Fortunately, however, there are now new nanotechnology or Environmentally Green based sealants and stains that actually create a watertight seal by penetrating the material with 200 nanometer sized particles. Beading is far less evident because these stains and sealants now penetrate deep into the wood. This technology prevents water from getting into the wood which also prevents mold and mildew from growing.

The new nanotechnology products do not change color, become yellow or streak. Additionally, the stains and sealants can be applied in any climate from 35 degrees Fahrenheit and up. Unlike most products on the market today, they provide long lasting waterproofing, mold and mildew protection as well as protection from sun damage. Typically, a broad choice of tinted or clear formulas are now available. They are quite easy to apply, and, importantly, soap and water clean up eliminates the need for toxic solvents. Unused products can be safely stored inside because they are non-flammable.

Several companies falsely claim they manufacture eco-friendly stains and sealants and say they are specifically designed for all types of wood structures, including Composite Decking and Exotic Woods. However, with a "real" green stain, composite decking will maintain its original color when using a stain resistant clear formula. If you have exotic woods, there are formulas available for bamboo, mahogany, Brazilian IPE and other tropical woods. Because nanotechnology based sealants penetrate the surface rather than sit on the top, these stains are much more effective for use on these dense woods.

Additionally, there are some products lines that have Concrete and Masonry formulas that can be used on chimneys, garage floors, steps, curbs, retaining walls, planters, walkways, driveways or any concrete, stucco or masonry surface. Nanotechnology Concrete and Masonry Sealants can penetrate concrete surfaces up to one inch, protect against mold and mildew and are resistant to salt, chlorides and freeze/thaw cycles. Some manufacturers also include a line of "fish friendly" Marine Sealants designed to be applied to docks, piers, ramps, railings, walkways, or any structure over or around fresh or salt water.

Although it is easy to believe that Green, nanotechnology products may seem expensive as compared to other brands, an informed consumer will soon discover that over time long lasting nanotechnology based stains or sealants are far less costly than other labor intensive sealants, saving you both valuable time and money.

In this age of green technology, you can serve the environment well by seeking out quality stain and sealant products that are environmentally safe, contain no VOCs, toxins or irritants and are non-flammable. Additionally, ensure that the products you are considering are Green Spec Listed as an environmentally preferable building material and are also on the Green Approved Products List for the Master Painters Institute. Using safe, environmentally products will give you peace of mind knowing that either no living creature or the environment will be harmed by your use of these innovative new products.