Um panorama da nanotecnologia no Brasil (e seus macro-desafios)

The objectives of this essay are to describe the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology (N&N) in Brazil. The analysis shows that Brazilian research in N&N is considered satisfactory and, although under other denominations, dates from at least 20 years. Innovation is still less satisfactory and there are different points of views on the issue. However, there is already a tendency towards the promotion of innovation in nanotechnology in the country. Scientists and the industrial sector have been showing interest in partnerships and some scientific policies stimulate this articulation between academy and companies.

Nanotecnologia: aspectos gerais e potencial de aplicação em catálise

In recent years nanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotapes, nanotubes and nanocomposites, have attracted increasing interest for several technological applications. In catalysis, the great potential of nanomaterials is related to the high catalytic activity exhibited by these materials as a function of the high surface/volume ratio when the particles acquire diameter below 5 nm. In this work, a review about concepts and background of nanoscience and nanotechnology is presented with emphasis in catalysis. Special attention is given to gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, focusing the properties and characteristics of these materials in several catalytic reactions.

Preparação de nanopartículas de prata e ouro: um método simples para a introdução da nanociência em laboratório de ensino

A new practical experiment involving silver and gold nanoparticle syntheses was introduced in an inorganic chemistry laboratory course for undergraduate students at the Institute of Chemistry, UNICAMP. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the reduction of silver nitrate and tetrachloroauric acid with sodium borohydride and sodium citrate in an aqueous medium. Stabilities of the suspensions were tested using several different reactants including sodium chloride, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol and cistamine. Changes in optical properties were observed by electronic spectra and also by transmission electronic microscopy, which also yielded data for estimating particle size.

Impactos da nanotecnologia na saúde: produção de medicamentos

Several studies have described the benefits of nanoscience and nanotechnology (N&N) in different sectors such as agriculture, energy, environmental preservation, and public health. The rapid evolution of N&N can be shown through a panoramic analysis of scientific papers and patents. In the area of public health, it is estimated that the global market for nanotechnology products will expand to 160 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. The Brazilian government has also strengthened its innovative potential in N&N through economic subsidies, as observed for other countries. This review is focused on the current landscape of N&N in a therapeutic context, highlighting the development of nanotech-products produced with biocompatible and biodegradable materials that are already commercially available or under investigation. Most studies under investigation are focused on the development of nanotechnology-based formulations intended for treatment of cancer, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Although there are several advantages of N&N in healthcare, many challenges have to be conquered to increase the availability of nanotechnology products in toxicological, preclinical and clinical studies, scale-up, regulatory, and private investments.

Nanoestruturas de carbono (nanotubos, grafeno): Quo Vadis?

We describe general considerations about the present and the future standing of carbon nanostructures, mainly carbon nanotubes and graphene. Basic concepts and definitions, select structure/property relationships, and potential applications are reviewed. The analysis of the global market for these nanostructures, the commercial products available currently, the role of the chemistry, the main challenges remaining and a brief view of the field in Brazil are also presented and discussed.

Potential applications of nanotechnology in the agro-food sector

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are new frontiers of this century. Their application to the agriculture and food sectors is relatively recent compared with their use in drug delivery and pharmaceuticals. Smart delivery of nutrients, bioseparation of proteins, rapid sampling of biological and chemical contaminants, and nanoencapsulation of nutraceuticals are some of the emerging topics of nanotechnology for food and agriculture. In this review, some applications of nanotechnology in agro-food sector are discussed.