US – Page 197 – TechConnect Briefs

Innovative Cost-effective Pre-treatment for Desalination

Lean M.H., Seo J., Kole A., Volkel A.R., Chang N., Hsieh B., Melde K., Palo Alto Research Center, US

This paper describes an innovative technology to pre-treat feed water for desalination. An inline coagulation-flocculation-separation (CFS) system is detailed that does not require filtration or sedimentation. Advantages include: scalability, modularity, rapid processing, low energy, and [...]

Analysis of Membrane Filtration Efficiency in Removal of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles from Aqueous Nanoparticle Suspension in the Presence of Coagulation Pretreatment

Surawanvijit S., Kim M., Cohen Y., University of California, Los Angeles, US

The introduction of nanoparticles (NPs) into aqueous environment is expected to rise with increased manufacturing and use of nanoparticles. There is a need to identify efficient and methods for NP removal and such methods must [...]

Potential Insurance Coverage Issues Arising from Nanotechnology: Big Risks Could Come in Small Packages

Fink A.J., Howrey LLP, US

Businesses involved with nanotechnology should undertake risk management that assesses the potential losses that could arise as a result of nanotechnology and develop a broad insurance coverage program that takes these risks into account. Some [...]

California’s Efforts to Safe and Responsible Nanotechnologies: Information Call-in from Manufacturers of Nanometals and Oxides

Kang H.Y., California Environmental Protection Agency, US

The nanotechnologies and their applications encompass many areas. However, because of their unique properties, nanomaterials might have the potential to adversely effects to human health and the environment. The potential risks of nanomaterials such as [...]

Cell damage by energy saving light bulbs

Mironava T., Rafailovich M.H., SUNY at Stony Brook, US

The growing concern regarding green house gas emissions during power generation has increased awareness regarding energy conservation. Next to transportation, lighting is one of the major sources of energy consumption. Compact fluoresce light bulbs (CFL) [...]

Effect of Dynamic Environment on the Interaction between Nanoparticles and A549 Monolayer

Patel H., Kim H., Kwon S., Utah State University, US

The carbon nanotube (CNT) has been well explored for many proven applications, but very little explored to understand its potential toxic effects. It is crucial to develop viable alternatives to in vivo tests to evaluate [...]

Elucidation of Neuroprotective Properties of Astrocytoma (Astrocytes-like) Cells in Neural Cell Culture Models In Vitro: Applications in Tissue Engineering and Nanotoxicology

Wong Y.Y.W., Jaiswal A., Dukhande V.V., Bhushan A., Leung S.W., Lai J.C.K., Idaho State University, US

Evidence is accumulating that cell culture models in vitro facilitate high throughput and mechanistic studies in tissue engineering. We have developed several cell models for the systematic investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying the putative cytotoxicity [...]

The Effect of Nanoparticles on Bacteriophage Infection

Nickel A.L., Pedulla M.L., Kasinath R.K., Montana Tech, US

We present the results of our recent findings that the introduction of apatite nanoparticles (~10 nm) in a classical phage-bacteria infection scenario increases the efficacy of the phage infection as investigated through plaque formation. The [...]

Applying Basic Risk Management Principles to Nanomaterial Processes

Geraci C.L., National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, US

Health, safety, and environmental issues continue to be a high priority area to be addressed during the commercialization of nanomaterials or nanomaterial-enabled products. Facilities engaged in the production or use of engineered nanomaterials, specifically nanoparticles, [...]

Lessons learned from the field, how to protect yourself from occupational exposure to engineered nanomaterials

Hodson L.L., Geraci. M. Methner C.L., Crawford C., CDC/NIOSH, US

NIOSH has visited over 26 nanomaterial facilites, evaluated workplace exposures and created recommended guidance to reduce potential exposures to nanomaterials. A summary of lessons learned about effective control strategies will be shared.