DST invests in nanoscience

By Leon Engelbrecht for DST
Johannesburg, 27 Nov 2007

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) yesterday opened two national nanotechnology innovation centres to focus on nanomaterials, including that of use to the ICT industry.

Science and Technology minister Mosibudi Mangena said such materials could lead to the development of new technologies that could revolutionise the quality of life of the citizens of SA.

Examples such as highly accurate and sensitive medical diagnostic devices, new ways of disease therapy, and the monitoring and remediation of basic water supplies are just a few areas that have been identified where nanoscience and nanotechnology can make an impact, he said.

"We, therefore, have to create an environment conducive to harnessing the potential benefits of this promising field of science," he said at a ceremony at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to mark the opening of the centres.

"Theirs will not be blue sky research, but one with identified, tangible measurables," Mangena added. "They will have to be at the forefront; the tone-setters and catalysts of the country`s research and development programme in nanotechnology."

Each of the two centres will have a distinct focus, and their activities are strongly aligned with the DST`s National Nanotechnology Strategy, Mangena said.

The strategy is one of a number being pursued by the DST to boost research and development in the country. One of the department`s other main strategies involves the exploitation of space research, where SA, through its involvement in the Square Kilometre Array project, has already become an acknowledged leader in innovation.

Developing skills

The focus of the National Centre for Nanostructured Materials (NCNSM) at the CSIR is on the design and modelling of novel nanostructured materials, while the second centre at CSIR subsidiary Mintek concentrates on water, health, mining and minerals.

These areas have been identified in the National Nanotechnology Strategy as key in the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology in order to effect social development, added Mangena.

Both centres will have a strong focus on human capital development by training and developing young scientists who will stimulate growth in SA`s emerging nanotechnology industry.

Boosting ICT

Several of the NCNSM`s research areas for the next three years will boost ICT, including its focus on the fabrication "of selected novel nanostructured materials for application in solar cells, printed electronic devices, bio-sensors and nanopolymers".

Dr Suprakas Sinha Ray, chief researcher at the NCNSM, says: "We are still in the initial wave of nanotechnology, in which most of the nanotechnology-based products on the market are linked to defence and national security applications or to sporting goods and consumer-convenience items.

"Within five to 10 years, sophisticated electronic devices that use nanoscale circuitry and memory could, however, be expected.

"After 10 to 15 years, the introduction of pharmaceutical products, drug delivery, and health-monitoring devices will begin. Beyond the scope of our current conception, perhaps 30 to 40 years ahead, completely new forms of devices and processes will emerge."

Mintek head of nanoscience and nanotechnology Dr Daven Compton says he is confident SA will, in time, "provide nanotechnology-based products that will find commercial favour in the global arena".

Assisted by the Medical Research Council, the Water Research Commission, as well as the Universities of Johannesburg, the Western Cape and Rhodes, Mintek`s Nanotechnology Innovation Centre "will initially have three focal areas, which will be represented in the fields of sensor, biolabel and water nanotechnology".