Nano News

Lock one or more molecules up within a cage of nanometer dimensions. Take this ‘nanocontainer’ to the desired spot and free the molecules. Or keep them locked up for a while and introduce other molecules into the container, for chemical reactions inside. By using polymers containing iron, it is possible to make intelligent containers of which the access of molecules can be regulated in a chemical way. A research team led by prof Julius Vancso of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology has succeeded in fabricating these nanocontainers. The scientists foresee exciting applications in e.g. medicine, in adding additives to food or in ultrafast reactions in nano chemistry. They present their results in the September issue of Nature Materials.

The Berlin Capsulution NanoScience AG completed the first half of 2006 by doubling the previous year’s turnover in the same period, while at the same time Capsulution’s EBIT increased to more than TEUR 200. Capsulution was able to enter a positive overall result in the ledger and is looking forward to an auspicious future. By the end of 2006 sales revenues of well over 1 million EUR are expected.

One of the main objectives of the Trends in Nanotechnology conference is to provide a platform where young researchers can present their latest works and also interact with high-level scientists. For this purpose, 76 grants (travel bursaries) were available in 2005. In addition 28 prices (around 8000 Euros) to best student posters were awarded. More than 60 senior scientists were involved in the selection process. Grants and awards were funded by the TNT Organisation in collaboration with an increasing number of Research Institutions and Industrials involved in Nanotechnology.