2000 Minnesota Nanotechnology Summit

The Minnesota Nanotechnology Summit Schedule is shown below. 

Speaker Abstracts are shown at the bottom of the page.

Speaker Abstracts

“Towards a National Nanotechnology Initiative,” Dr. M. C. Roco, National Science Foundation

The essence of nanotechnology is the ability to work at the atomic and molecular levels to create novel and significantly improved materials, devices and systems. All natural and living systems are governed by molecular behavior at nanoscale. Research is now seeking systematic approaches to engineer human-made objects at nanoscale to create revolutionary new products and technologies with potential impact to manufacturing industries, electronics and biotechnology, healthcare and environment, and overall quality of life. The presentation will highlight what is special about nanostructures by using several recent scientific discoveries and illustrations from industrial applications. After a brief comparison of the worldwide developments in nanotechnology, the current research and development trends in nanoscience and engineering, U.S. activities in this field, and a strategy for the future will be outlined.

“Nanoparticle Applications in Drug Development,” Dr. Eugene Cooper, Elan Pharmaceuticals

New chemicals being synthesized as future drug products are increasing in size and decreasing in aqueous solubility to such an extent that almost half of these agents are so poorly soluble in water as to present major delivery and development challenges. If the drug is presented as a nanoparticle rather than a macroparticle, the increased surface area results in a significantly faster dissolution rate and allows for superior and even enabling delivery. Thus, nanoparticle technology has the potential to impact the competitive nature of the pharmaceutical industry, which has annual sales of around $300 billion.

“New Tools and Devices for Nanotechnology,” Professor Charles M. Lieber, Harvard University

Molecular wires, such as carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires, represent critical building blocks for creating new tools, which are essential for manipulating and interrogating nanoscale matter, and for building nanoscale electronic and photonic devices. Carbon nanotubes have been used to create a new generation of tools, including nanotweezers and molecular probes, that enable manipulation, modification and visualization of matter at the molecular scale. Applications of these tools range from fabrication and wiring of nanoscale electronics to functional imaging and sequencing. Molecular wires can also serve as essential elements for transporting electrons and photons in nanoscale electronic and photonic structures. A new approach that exploits such wires for input/output and device functionality in molecular electronics will be described as an illustration.

“The Commercialization of Breakthrough Nanotechnology: MCM-41—A Case Study,” Dr. Art Chester, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company

At a time when amorphous metal oxide supports for catalysts were well established within the chemical industry, visionary researchers with Mobil (now ExxonMobil) Oil Corporation undertook a long-term research program into the use of crystalline materials as catalyst supports. The program has revolutionized catalysis, displacing conventional catalyst supports for many applications. In particular, the program focused on zeolites, porous materials with well-defined shapes, surface chemistry, and pore sizes smaller than 1 nm. Zeolites ZSM-5 and MCM-22 and USY are now the basis of an industry that exceeds $30 billion in revenues annually.

“In the Public Interest: Strengthening the Government/University/Industry Partnership,” Professor Christine M. Maziar, Vice President, Research, and Dean, Graduate School, University of Minnesota

Not availalbe at this time

“Nanoelectronics and Nanobioelectronics,” Dr. Herb Goronkin, Motorola Labs

Feature sizes on electronic integrated circuits and bioelectronic chips are evolving from microns to the scale of atoms. This trend is altering the way we approach concepts of future factories and is substantially expanding the potential range of applications for these technologies. We see the migration from machining of electronic circuits to self assembly of molecules to form complex logic and memory with densities far beyond what could be possible with conventional processes. We see genetic analysis moving from purification and ampification of DNA to analysis of single strands of DNA. The talk will explore examples of nanoscale technologies and illustrate what we might expect as practical outcomes for consumers.

“Nanoassembly in Living Organisms: Touch a Single Button and a Cell Assembles (and Disassembles) a Force Producing Actin Filament Network Automatically,” Professor Thomas Pollard, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

I will explain a fantastic machine built from protein molecules that pushes forward the leading edge of motile cells. Activation of cell surface receptors generates signals that converge on integrating proteins of the WASP family. WASP stimulates an assembly of seven proteins called Arp2/3 complex to nucleate filaments of the protein actin, which grow at a fixed 70° angle from the side of pre-existing actin filaments. These filaments push the membrane forward as they grow at their barbed ends. Arp2/3 complex is incorporated into the network and new filaments are capped rapidly by another protein, so activated Arp2/3 complex must be supplied continuously to keep the network growing. Hydrolysis of ATP bound to polymerized actin, followed by phosphate dissociation marks older filaments for depolymerization by proteins called ADF/cofilins. Another protein called profilin catalyzes exchange of ADP for ATP on the dissociated actin subunits, recycling ATP-actin back to a pool of unpolymerized monomers bound to profilin that is poised for rapid elongation of new barbed ends. The whole process of assembly and disassembly runs automatically once triggered by the signal to WASP.

“Nanocomposites – A New Material to Solve Problems of the New Millennium,” Dr. William J. Schultz, 3M Company

Nanocomposites are being prepared from nano-sized (5 to 75 nm) metal oxide particles that will strongly interact and uniformly disperse into a variety of polymers and resins. These nanocomposites retain the attractive processing characteristics of the continuous organic phase but incorporate ceramic character into the composite. These materials constitute a new class on materials having unusual mechanical, optical, and electrical properties that can be used to solve real world problems.

“Panel Discussion: Infrastructure Needs for R&D and Education, ” Deb Newberry, Executive Director, General Dynamics

Nanotechnology research and development require concerted efforts by researchers of many disciplines, from the physical to the biological and life sciences. New curriculum development may be needed to enable interdisciplinary training to students at all levels. New technology transfer model may also be needed to enable more university-industry cooperation. What should the roles of the Federal and State governments in facilitating these activities? The Summit speakers will share their views with the audience on these topics.

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Copyright 2006, Particle Society of Minnesota