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Nanoenvironmental Research and Risk Assessment Center of Economic Excellence
Inception: About the Center: Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter on a molecular scale. Nanoparticles can behave very differently than larger particles of the same matter because of their higher surface-to-volume ratios and higher reactivities with other matter. Different properties can be useful in many applications, from health and beauty products to electronics. However, because nanomaterials are small enough to cross cell membranes, some of these materials are potentially toxic to living things, including humans.
The Center will focus on the impact of nanotechnology on the environment, specifically, the scientific, technological, health, economic, legal, and societal effects. The Center will build on the University o South Carolina's (USC) strong existing program of research in nanoscience, which includes the extensive facilities of the USC NanoCenter, the recently established Keck Laboratory for nanobioparticle research, and partnerships with federal agencies and laboratories.
The initial area of research fwill be the nanoparticle environmental impact on estuarine sediments and organisms. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Center funding totaling more than $375,000 to study the effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes on estuarine sediments and organisms. The work of the Center has led to a collaborative scientific publication entitled “Transfer of Gold Nanoparticles from the Water Column to the Estuarine Food Web.” The Center will give South Carolina an excellent opportunity to be a national leader in nanoenvironmental research and commercial applications. There is a growing demand for environmental health services in nanotechnology manufacturing and product assessment. Risk assessment tools will be needed to assure that socioeconomic benefits of nanotechnology are delivered without unacceptable risks of harmful effects on living systems and the environment. Funding level: SmartState Endowed Chair:
Dr. Cathy Murphy of the Nanoenvironmental Center removes solutions of purified gold nanorods from a centrifuge. These nanorods can be used as therapeutics to eliminate bacteria in the human body with the use of lasers.
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