ECTP2005 Workshops

Properties of novel fluids: Bio-, Nano- and beyond, leaders M Assael(Greece ), B Wakeham (U.K.)

The aim of this workshop is to explore the possibilities emerging from the design, preparation, use and manipulation of bio-, nano- and similar fluid systems. The EU recently launched an ‘Open Consultation on the European Strategy for Nanotechnology’. The results (found at www.nanoforum.org) strongly indicate that bio- and in general, nanotechnology, is going to be one of the key technologies for this century and that it will have a strong impact on the European industries and citizens. Thus, it is important to stimulate discussion, in order to answer a number of rising issues. Among the questions that could be addressed are the following:

· Basic Science: What does the scientific community require, in order to better understand the complex phenomena taking place and the morphology of the novel fluids (growth mechanisms, transport, diffusion and surface phenomena etc.)?

· Discussion about which properties (physical, chemical, mechanical, magnetic, rheological, thermal, transport, optical etc.) need to be measured and for which systems (selection of fluids containing nanoparticles, nanotubes, surfactants, biological systems, bio-mimic mechanisms and more).

· Standardisation issues on fluids containing nano-sized configurations. Materials, preparation methods, measurement techniques.

· In terms of thermophysical properties, can simulations give reliable values? Is this going to be done using numerical methods or molecular dynamics?

· Should the focus be more towards basic science or more applied R&D?

· Subjects rising in preparation and stability of nanofluids, understanding of atomic-scale phenomena.

· Applications in information and communication technologies, micro- and nano- electronics, sensors, food science and technology.

· Applications of bio- and nano-fluids in, heat transfer, additives for the improvement of properties of traditional materials, coatings, catalysis, membranes, peptide libraries, biomedicine, biotechnology, bio-mechanics, biopolymers.

· Environmental, health and safety issues. Exposure of humans to the novel bio- and nano-fluids. Effect on the environment. Pollution of air and water with nano-structures.

· Applications in medicine. Subjects on drug delivery, new diagnostic methods, integration of nano-devices in biological systems, artificial implants and more can be addressed.

· More innovative ideas are welcome, such as artificial blood and tissues, imitation of biological macromolecules and systems, conversion of ATP to ADP and vice versa, DNA detection, protein transistors, single-protein devices, bio-electronics, bio- and nano-reactors, aerospace.

· Dissemination of knowledge, international co-operation, interdisciplinary structure.

 

Prof. Marc J. Assael is the leader of Thermophysical Laboratory, Thermophysical Properties Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Prof. Bill Wakeham is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton

Please send comments for discussion