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Recent advances
in chemistry enable molecular-level engineering of complex
structures such as polymers, metals, ceramics, proteins
and genes. Novel electrical, mechanical, optical and
catalytic properties of nanostructured materials have
garnered worldwide attention.
Exploration
of these capabilities has just begun, but the field
has already produced advances in pharmaceuticals, composites
and biotechnology. Nanotechnology is an enabling technology,
cutting across many industry sectors and potentially
creating new industries.
The Research
Triangle Region is well positioned to capitalize on
the emergence of these nanoscale technologies, particularly
for life science applications.
Nanoparticle applications are the nearest to market
and the most diverse. The use of self-assembled monolayers,
nanoporous membranes and other surface-science nanotechnologies
will create a new paradigm in chemistry.
These modified
materials can serve as molecule-sized chemical factories
for creating pharmaceuticals and biochemicals with tailored
structure-property relationships (i.e., rational drug
design) and optical activity, which will facilitate
the creation of medicines personalized to individual
DNA structures.
In addition,
nanoscale technologies will give rise to new composites
useful in drug delivery, medical sensors, tumor labeling,
cell transport agents, automotive materials, bio-compatibility
agents and architectural structures.
Finally,
controlled manipulation, assembly and measurement of
nanoscale materials is essential to creating new and
useful products.
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