Asia Nano Forum

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25 August 2010
1.) Rheological technique predicts stability of SLNs
A rheological technique, used by researchers at National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in Thailand has revealed the instability of y-oryzanol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) over 60 days storage at three different temperatures of 4, 25, and 40ºC. “Upon storage, gelation was developed in all samples, especially at 40ºC” said Dr Uracha Ruktanonchai, Research Leader at Nano Delivery Lab, NANOTEC. “Rheological technique helps us in revealing this instability which is attributed by the increase in storage modulus, critical stress, and the characteristic relaxation time.” SLNs have gained interest as colloidal drug carriers due to their submicron size, potential for industrial production, and their physiological compositions. The carrier has been used for effective controlled-release and prolonged stability of both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. One of the lipophilic drugs found applications in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food areas is a natural antioxidant y-oryzanol, a main constituent in rice bran oil. Temperature and light exposure during storage have found to affect the stability of the nanoparticle. The researchers reported their work in a paper published by Micron, the international research and review journal for microscopy. Collaborators on this investigation included National Metal and Materials Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand. Dr Uracha is currently exploring the fabrication of lipid nanoparticles and nanodispersion together with the characteristics of the resulting nanostructures particularly for medical and agricultural applications.
05 August 2010
2.) THAI FOUNDATION HONORS OUTSTANDING SCIENTISTS
Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King today recognize and honor 8 Thai scientists with outstanding achievements in scientific research for 2010. The scientists will receive their awards from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on August 9 at a Royal Presentation Ceremony to be held at BITEC International Trade and Exhibition Center. Since its inception in 1982, the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King annually presented Outstanding Scientist Award and Young Scientist Award to recognize Thai researchers with outstanding scientific achievements and to encourage active younger researchers to perform high quality research work of significant impact to society and economy. The selection for the awardees is based solely on nomination from respected scientists, science administrators in academia and research institutes, executives of private companies operating research and development departments, and previous awardees. Recipients of the Outstanding Scientist Award will each receive a certificate of merit, an honor shield and a cash award of Baht 400,000 (USD 12,400). Recipient of the Young Scientist Award will each receive a cash award of Baht 100,000 (USD 3,000) and a certificate. “It is the Foundation hope that the award presented today will stimulate Thai scientists to produce high quality research work, inspire the will to transfer their knowledge, and to act as good strong role models to the scientific community” said Dr. Kopr Kritayakirana, President of the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology under the Patronage of His Majesty the King. For 2010, the Foundation will present 2 Outstanding Scientist Award and 6 Young Scientist Award to the following individual: Outstanding Scientist Award •Prof. Dr. Prasert Auewarakul, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University •Dr. Visith Thongboonkerd, Head of Medical Proteomics Unit, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University Young Scientist Award •Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) •Dr. Kruawun Jankaew, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University •Dr. Chanakan Prom-u-thai, Faculty of Agriculture, Chaing Mai University •Dr. Banjong Boonchom, KMITL, Chumphon Campus •Dr. Verawat Champreda, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) •Dr. Sa-Ad Riyajan, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
19 July 2010
3.) Insights into the development of superior UVB blocking molecules
Insights into the development of superior UVB blocking molecules A research team in Thailand has investigated the absorption and emission spectra of ultraviolet (UV) B blocking methoxy substituted cinnamates using the symmetry-adapted cluster configuration interaction method. The finding, reported in The Journal of Chemical Physics, provides new insights toward the use of five different substituted positions using the symmetry-adapted cluster which included cis- and trans-isomers of ortho-, meta-, and para-monomethoxy substituted compounds and 2,4,5- ortho-, meta-, para- and 2,4,6- ortho-, para- trimethoxy substituted compounds. The calculated oscillator strengths of the trans-isomers were larger than the respective cis-isomers, which is in accordance with the experimental data. Dr Supawadee Namuangruk, a researcher at Thailand's National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) Nanoscale Simulation Lab, said, “The calculations provide reliable results and a useful insight into the optical properties of these molecules, and therefore, provide a useful tool for developing UVB blocking compounds with regard to the tuning of the photoabsorption” “High absorbance, broad absorption peak with small fluorescence quantum yield, and low radiative rate are expected for superior UVB sunscreen. Non-radiative decay back to the initial ground state is also relevant. Therefore, the theoretical study of the relaxation process is important to design the superior UVB blocking molecules” said Dr Supawadee. Collaborators on this investigation included Kasetsart University and the Institute for Molecular Science, Japan. Dr Supawadee is currently working on a collaborative research with Ubon Rachathani University in Thailand on the development of efficient Dye Solar Cells (DSC) based on D-D-pi-A Organic Dyes.
16 July 2010
4.) Promoting visibility and research cooperation while still on maternity leave
When it comes to promoting international research cooperation, nothing will come in the way for Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Leader of NANOTEC NanoDelivery Lab at Thailand Science Park. Despite the fact that she will be on maternity leave during August and September she has accepted to speak in an online (teleconference) workshop on Nanotechnology for Medical Applications, organised by the ICPC-NanoNet project www.icpc-nanonet.org. The title of her talk is "Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery". At the moment, the tentative date for the online (teleconference) workshop is September 2, 2010 from 11:00 – 13:00 GMT. The workshop will be conducted in English. The aim of the workshop is to stimulate research cooperation between European researchers and researchers in International Cooperation Partner Countries to the European Union (emerging economies and developing countries) in the area of nanotechnology and medical applications. This workshop is a follow up to the highly successful Nanotechnology for Water Purification and Nanotechnology for Energy workshops held in December 2009. To participate, register now for FREE at http://www.icpc-nanonet.org/
12 July 2010
5.) Thai labs build capabilities in nano-agri technology
Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives have signed a research collaborative MoU to identify and initiate agricultural research activities. The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on nanotechnology particularly in the area of food packaging and encapsulation technology for control release of fertilizers. Commenting on the development, Prof Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director of NANOTEC, Thailand, said, “The application of nanotechnology is diverse. It is predicted that nanotechnology will have major impacts on the entire food industry, changing the way food is produced, processed, packaged, transported, and consumed. Therefore, as an agriculture-based economy, it is important that relevant ministries and research agencies work together to build knowledge in the area of nanotechnology in agriculture.” “The research collaboration initiative will be a positive experience for our researchers especially since the use of nanotechnology in agriculture in Thailand is still considered ground breaking discovery, but it will come in a dramatic way,” said Mr Somchai Charnnarongkul. Director General, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives The research collaboration will focus on research and development of agricultural technology, sharing of human resources and infrastructure, knowledge exchange, and human resource training. In addition, the collaboration will also look at areas related to intellectual property of research output. Dr Chamorn Chawengkijwanich from the NanoHybrid Laboratory will lead the research team from NANOTEC for nano food packaging technology. The duration of the collaboration will be for five years starting from July 12, 2010 to July 11, 2015.
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