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Enormous potential: Nanotechnology shows particular promise in the medical sector
The nanotechnology industry has enormous potential for our society, particularly in the medical and technology sectors, but government must increase funding for research to ensure that the UK does not fall behind other nations, a recent IMechE report has said.
Even though the industry is still in its early stages, the report, Nanotechnology: The Societal Impact of the Invisible, stressed that its impact on global markets over the past 40 years is already tangible. In particular, the last two decades have witnessed a proliferation of commercial products containing nanomaterials.
The US-based Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies has so far identified more than 1,600 products containing ‘nano’ materials, including kitchen appliances, cars, electronics, food, cosmetic products and even home furnishings.
The report highlights how nanotechnology has huge potential for the advancement of the healthcare industry. For example, the quantitative electrochemical lateral flow assay (Qelfa) device developed by engineers in London out of technology used for pregnancy testing could help to diagnose and treat the one million people in the UK who don’t know they have kidney disease. The £10 device can be used at home and could revolutionise kidney disease care, which currently costs the NHS £1.4 billion – more than breast, lung, colon and skin cancer combined.
However, the report states that government funding for nanotechnology projects must be increased, as well as simplified to ensure its success.
Report author Dr Helen Meese, head of materials at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “Nanotechnology could revolutionise the way we live our lives – it can be used in everything from food and healthcare to electronics, clothing and cosmetics. But despite its 40 years in the public domain, the nanotechnology industry is still failing to engage with society in an open and clear way, and governments continue to lack impetus in committing to international regulation. The UK government must provide more funding to ensure that the UK benefits fully from nanotechnology’s potential.
“The Qelfa device is a brilliant example of what’s possible. Using an old technology like a pregnancy tester and combining it with nanotechnology, you have a device which could not only diagnose the million people in the UK who are unaware they have kidney disease, but also help doctors effectively monitor those undergoing treatment. It could also save the NHS millions of pounds a year.
“But although the UK has been at the forefront of nanotechnology development, we still lag behind in its commercialisation and many people are still unsure of its potential. We must change this.”
Previous support for the industry has been provided across a number of government bodies including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, which accounts for more than half of public funding for nanotechnology with an annual investment of £150 million. A further £30 million has been provided by Innovate UK, followed by the Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council offering £9 million.
The report said there is a need to create a common funding pot, rather than each council funding aspects of nanosciences relevant to its goals.
The report also recommends that the UK ring-fence nanotech for specific funding rather than see it “as an enabler for other technologies”.
Enormous potential: Nanotechnology shows particular promise in the medical sector