Mission and Vision
It is the aim of the program to establish the UPLB Nanotechnology Center as the lead institution for education, research and development in the fields of nanotechnology with applications in agriculture, forestry and industry.
With the participation of the various centers of excellence (COEs) in this interdisciplinary study area, the UPLB Nanotechnology Center also aims to develop capabilities in nanotechnology through human resource development and produce viable research and development programs that will provide nanotechnology solutions to problems relating to agriculture, forestry and industry with continued and sustained linkages with various inductries
Members of the UPLB Nanotechnology Program together with Dr. Alain Dufresne, a nanocellulose expert from Grenoble University in France
Objectives
1. To provide a core of highly-trained experts with firm grounding in the scientific disciplines needed to understand phenomena at the nanoscale through the institution of the MS Materials Science and Engineering degree program;
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2. To provide the enabling environment for interdisciplinary and collaborative research and development efforts in nanotechnology applications for agriculture, forestry and industry;
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3. To provide a platform for collaboration with industry for product development and commercialization;
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4. To develop/validate methods and standards for risk analysis of the nanomaterials either in pure form or in a complex matrix, and provide technical support and analytical services to the other educational institutions, government agencies and the private sector;
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5. To promote public awareness and advocacy of the benefits of nanotechnology applications in the aforementioned areas and be actively involved in their risk assessment and management.
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Members of the UPLB Nanotechnology Program at the DZRH News Headquarters talking about Nanotechnology
Members of the UPLB Nanotechnology Program at the DZRH News Headquarters talking about Nanotechnology
Key Program and Activities
Instruction
The UPLB Nanotechnology Center will spearhead the institution of the MS Material Science and Engineering degree program, an interdisciplinary program focusing on the applications of materials science, especially nanotechnology applications in agriculture, forestry, and industry. The graduates of the program are expected to have hands-on experience in the fabrication of nano-materials and construction of nanostructured systems using both bottom-up and top-down approaches; manipulation, analysis and characterization and toxicological evaluation (risk assessment) of nano-scale materials, among others. Short non-degree training courses will also be offered along the same lines to serve the needs of the private sector, other government research agencies and universities.
Research, Development, and Extension
The UPLB Nanotechnology Center is engaged in research and development and extension activities in the following identified priority areas as well as in other emerging areas of nano-technology:
1. Agricultural and Forest Nanotechnology Program
a.) Enhancement of agricultural productivity via the development of:
i. nanosensors and actuators for precision agriculture as well as the wireless technologies (software and hardware) needed to implement precision agriculture;
ii. controlled and sustained release technologies for agrochemicals (pesticides, growth regulators, hormones, etc.), food and feed additives, vitamins, minerals and nutrients for greater bioavailability and minimum waste;
iii. applications of nanotechnology to DNA and protein purification work;
iv. microfluidic and nanofluidic technologies for breeding work;
b.) Alternative technologies for energy storage, production, and conversion (e.g. flexible and paintable photovoltaics, improved batteries, applications of inkjet printing technologies, etc.,);
c.) Plant and animal disease detection, diagnosis and screening;
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d.) Smart delivery systems for bioactive compounds.
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e.) Novel high value nanomaterials from agricultural and forest by-products
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f.) Nanotechnology-enabled probes to explore the nano-dimensions of wood and its nano-crystalline components for improved performance;
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g.) Nanocoatings and nanocomposites from wood and forest-based biomass (e.g. bamboo) for use as lightweight materials and as barriers against moisture and decay.
2. Nanotechnology Applications for Food Industries
a.) Nanosensors/nanobiosensors for food safety and security;
b.) Nanotagging/nanobarcode technologies for traceability and quality assurance;
c.) Smart films for food packaging applications
3. Nanotechnology for the Environment
a) Nanotechnology for Environmental Concerns
i. environmental sensing and detection of pollutants;
ii. environmental remediation and water treatment
b.) Nanotechnology for the Development of Environmentally
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UPLB Nanotechnology Laboratory
