Nanomaterial Regulations- Various Sectors

Because nanotechnology has so many different uses, experts have compiled a list of the top ten nanotechnology application areas that are of importance for developing nations like India in terms of achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).Because nanotechnology has so many different uses, experts have compiled a list of the top ten nanotechnology application areas that are of importance for developing nations like India in terms of achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Applications of Nanotechnology

S. No.

Applications

Examples

1.

Energy storage, production, and conversion

Novel hydrogen storage systems based on carbon nanotubes and other lightweight nanomaterials

Photovoltaic cells and organic lightemitting devices based on quantum dots

Carbon nanotubes in composite film coatings for solar cells

Nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation

Hybrid protein-polymer biomimetic membranes

2.

Agricultural productivity enhancement

Nanoporous zeolites for slow-release and efficient dosage of water and fertilisers for plants, and of nutrients and drugs for livestock

Nanocapsules for herbicide delivery

Nanosensors for soil quality and for plant health monitoring

Nanomagnets for removal of soil contaminants

3.

Water treatment and remediation

Nanomembranes for water purification, desalination, and detoxification

Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants and pathogens

Nanoporous zeolites, nanoporous polymers, and attapulgite clays for water purification

Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment and remediation

TiO2 nanoparticles for the catalytic degradation of water pollutants

4.

Disease diagnosis and screening

Nanoliter systems (Lab-on-a-chip)

Nanosensor arrays based on carbon nanotubes

Quantum dots for disease diagnosis

Magnetic nanoparticles as nanosensors

Antibody-dendrimer conjugates for diagnosis of HIV-1 and cancer

Nanowire and nanobelt nanosensors for disease diagnosis

Nanoparticles as medical image enhancers

5.

Drug delivery systems

Nanocapsules, liposomes, dendrimers, buckyballs, nanobiomagnets, and attapulgite clays for slow and sustained drug release systems

6.

Food processing and storage

Nanocomposites for plastic film coatings used in food packaging

Antimicrobial nanoemulsions for applications in decontamination of food equipment, packaging, or food

Nanotechnology-based antigen detecting biosensors for identification of pathogen contamination

7.

Air pollution and remediation

Nanocomposites for plastic film coatings used in food packaging

Antimicrobial nanoemulsions for applications in decontamination of food equipment, packaging, or food

Nanotechnology-based antigen detecting biosensors for identification of pathogen contamination

8.

Construction

Nanomolecular structures to make asphalt and concrete more robust to water seepage

Heat-resistant nanomaterials to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation

Nanomaterials for cheaper and durable housing, surfaces, coatings, glues, concrete, and heat and light exclusion

Self-cleaning surfaces (e.g., windows, mirrors, toilets) with bioactive coatings

9.

Health monitoring

Nanotubes and nanoparticles for glucose, CO2, and cholesterol sensors and for in-situ monitoring of homeostasis

10.

Vector and pest detection and control

Nanosensors for pest detection l Nanoparticles for new pesticides, insecticides, and insect repellents

Nanomaterials- Research Development & Innovation in India

The Department of Science & Technology

  • In the year 2000, the five government departments, namely the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Department of Space 15 DOS, DST, and the Ministry of Information Technology (MIT), jointly launched the National Programme on Smart Materials (NPSM), a five-year programme.

The Department of Biotechnology

  • Since 2007, the Program has fostered fundamental research and development in the following areas (DBT 2008) like weed control, crop protection nanosensors, pesticide delivery vehicles, nanocides, smart packaging, disease and chemical detection sensors in food and crops, and other applications of nanotechnology in food and agriculture. ​​​​​​​

Regulatory Framework of Nano-Pharmaceutical 

A nano pharmaceutical is a pharmaceutical preparation that contains nanomaterials for internal or external use on the body for treatments, diagnostics, or any other health benefit, and that contains materials with a size scale of 1 to 100nm in at least one dimension.  Also, if the particle size is between 100 and 1000 nm, it will be included in the definition if it has altered or different pharmacological qualities than API due to the use of nanotechnology. Nano-pharmaceuticals are subject to the same general regulations and guidelines that apply to any new medicine being manufactured or imported. Nano-pharmaceuticals are also subject to the criteria for conducting clinical trials outlined in Schedule Y of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, as well as other applicable legislation. Because of the complexities of nanotechnology, the system requires a "case-by-case approach" with the cooperation of experts in order to develop nano-pharmaceuticals successfully.

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