Research in nanotechnology has paved the way for detecting bioterrorism in an expedited manner, according to Wayne D.Frasch, a biomolecular nanotechnology scientist working at the Arizona State University, USA. He told The Hindu on the sidelines of a conference on nanotechnology here that his research in molecular science had been able to develop a few important methods for detecting bioterrorism.
His research focused on movement of molecules. Molecular motion, guided by application of nano rods, could be compared to that of a motor, providing a lot of energy. The findings would be able to detect bioterrorism as well as genetic diseases, he said. The application of nano rods made of gold had been tested, providing good results.
Recalling the incident of mailing anthrax germs by agents of bioterrorism in the past, he said such mail could be detected through a simple process like swiping of the mail. The nano particles developed through his research could also be applied to detect the dangerous infection from ‘e-coli strain’ in spinach. There had been instances of severe health problems that were detected in persons who consumed preparations made of spinach in the USA.
As the separation of vegetable that caused the disease was not possible, the authorities had to declare a ban, he said. The know-how available now from the research in nanotechnology would enable the scientists to separate the disease-causing strain in the vegetables.
Nanotechnology would be of immense use in detecting viral diseases such as AH1N1, quickly and inexpensively. There was no point in wearing masks by those not affected by the disease made no sense, said the scientist. Masks are meant for preventing transfer of germs from the affected and they are to be worn by the latter.
The research in nanotechnology in various fields was going through a promising phase. “The aim is to develop little nano devices that can be injected into blood stream to detect diseases; it might take a few more years”, he says.
