Science and Education, October 22, 2008
Nanotechnology in Argentina
At present, the scientific tradition in the country gives way to the possibility of developing important research in nanotechnology and also to many local companies the use of this technique to manufacture innovative products.
Nanotechnology is a part of the strategic features for the scientific and productive development in Argentina.
(
Programa Innovar)
Nanotechnology is a set of techniques used to manipulate the matter in a scale of atoms and molecules (a nanometer is a millionth part of a millimetre). Its applications include several branches, such as: mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, electricity, metallurgy, cosmetics and textiles, among others.
Next to biotechnology and software, nanotechnology is a part of the strategic features for the scientific and productive development in Argentina.
The Argentine Foundation of nanotechnology was created –dedicated to promote the activity in the country as a whole- together with the Argentine-Brazilian Centre of nanoscience and nanotechnology, to show the Argentine commitment in the scientific field. Also the Institute for Physics-Chemistry, Theories and Applied , of the National University in La Plata, the National Commission of Atomic Energy and the Molecular Electrochemical Laboratory of the University of Buenos Aires, are part of these important nets of nanotechnology research. These projects are headed by well-known Argentine scientists.
Special cases
This is a company from Santa Fè that manufactures nanomaterials to destroy contaminating elements coming from industrial activity. In 2004, it developed the first nanoparticles from zerovalue iron, called NanoFe. At present, it also trades the product called NanArgen, a nanoparticle made of silver that works as a fungicide and antibacterial agent.
This company develops chemical lubricants, antifoams,special oils, paints, and so on –for several industries, the most important one is for tyres. Its innovating products are exported to more than 30 countries.
This is a pioneer scientific consultancy in nanomaterials for the building industry. Among its products the most important one is the so called PANGEA adhesive –winner of the INNOVAR 2007 prize (category:Applied Technology), used as a contact adhesive for oil wells and at present is exported to Venezuela.
This company develops innovative products and offers different services for the oil, autocars,mechanical and structural industries. Its main design are the pipes for mechanical uses of precision, as for example, those used for deep oil perforations.
A team of investigators of the Nanomedicines Program developed nanosystems to treat endemic infectious diseases, as the Chagas and the Leishnaniasis; by taking medicines, the final purpose of the research is to eliminate for ever the parasite that causes these infections
This node is thought for designing and manufacturing nanodevices to be used in the space, safety and health sectors. Several national universities are participating and it is supported by the Agencia Nacional de Promociòn Cientìfica y Tecnològica, the Comisiòn Nacional de Energìa Atòmica and the Comisiòn Nacional de Actividades Espaciales. Among the most innovative developments they have the noses
Latest news
Minister Barañao discussed in Washington possible developments with The USA on nanotechnology, biotechnology, farming food and Infotechnologies.
Nano, nanometría, la millonésima parte de un milímetro... la escala que prometen los grandes avances tecnológicos.
Hay desde narices electrónicas hasta minirrobots terapéuticos.
El científico Soler Illia trabaja con objetos que son varios millones de veces más chicos que un milímetro y que se aplican en medicina, cosmética y hasta en la raqueta de Roger Federer.
Argentina´s Productive and Scientific Development
Hand in hand with this State Society, Argentina exports nuclear reactors, satellites and medical equipment to the rest of the world. It represents the latest technology completely designed and developed in our country.
Is one of the central points of the strategy of scientific development, and also of the productive development in Argentina. Companies with technological foundations generate investigation and products, known all around the world.
Biofuel production is experiencing a steady growth due to the fact that companies have adopted an exporting role, which holds out the prospect of a promising future for Argentina considering the world’s increasing demand for renewable energy.
