Message From Group Leader
The increasing interest in nanotechnology in the research world has gathered experts from different scientific disciplines ranging from chemists, biologists, physicists, physicians, mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists in designing nanostructured materials to nanodevices. Research areas in nanotechnology field comprise nanomaterials, nanoenergy, agronanochemicals and nanomedicine. Nanomaterials involve the synthesis of graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles and nanocomposites for various applications such as water treatment system, photocatalysis and others. Besides, the preparation of hybrids which comprise layered hydroxides and carbonaceous materials or chitosan should be taken note of. Phase change materials for thermal energy storage have also received considerable attention. Developing different methods in the sample preparation such as template-directed synthesis has been conducted in order to control the particle size and particle size distribution, composition of interlayer galleries, and particle morphology. Synthesized samples to be applied as energy storage materials like batteries or electrochemical capacitors are being carried as well. Agronanochemicals should be stressed on it has become a necessity to develop a conventional water-soluble agrochemical (fertilizer or pesticide) with an insoluble or poorly soluble protective layer that controls water penetration and the dissolution rate in order to synchronize the release and the consumption rates of the medium. It is undeniable that nanomedicine today has diversified into many branches and each of them has the ability to structure materials and devices which can contribute to the world of research evolve and benefit from the medical field. A strong development can be seen in the form of "nano medicine" for use in targeted drug distribution. The nanoparticles act as a carrier to enhance bio-medicine spread over diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been used in various applications, such as cancer, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease and others. The main goal of this nano carrier is to encourage local delivery or direct distribution, facilitate the delivery into target cells, prolonging drug effects and minimize the negative effects on blood flow. Therefore, it is hoped that this brief introduction of the research areas may help to expand or diversify nanotechnology field in Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Best wishes and thank you.
Prof. Dr. Mohd Zobir Hussein
Group Leader of Nanomaterials
Materials Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory
Institute of Advanced Technology
Universiti Putra Malaysia