NANOTEC

The National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) was founded in 2003 as one of the four national research centers under the umbrella of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). NANOTEC aims to be an internationally recognized nanotechnology institute conducting R&D, which has a major impact on the development of the Thai economy and society. Initially, the fundamentals of nanoscience were emphasized and strengthened, along with the capacity to build high-precision equipment, the essential tools for nanotechnology research. NANOTEC has a dual role as a national R&D center and as a granting agency that provides support to universities and other research institutes. It has established strong links with other institutes in Thailand, covering more than 400 nanotechnologists, as well as with other leading nanotechnology centers around the world.

Currently, NANOTEC has 11 central laboratories established at the Thailand Science Park:

• Hybrid Nanostructure and Nanocomposites (NanoHybrid)
• Nanomaterials for Energy and Catalysis (NanoEnergy & Cat.)
• Nano Delivery System (NanoDelivery)
• Nano-molecular Target Discovery (Target Discovery)
• Nano-Cosmeceuticals (NanoCosme)
• Nano Safety and Risk Assessment (NanoSafety)
• Nano-molecular Sensor (NanoSens)
• Nanoscale Simulation (NanoSim)
• Organic Nanodevice (NanoOrg)
• Testing and Service Laboratory (TSL)
• Bi-component Spinning Fiber Pilot Plant

Eight leading universities in Thailand are partnering with NANOTEC and have formed the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology (COE). Currently there are approximately 400 nanotechnologists in Thailand working full time on research. One goal of NANOTEC is to be a “Solution Provider in Nanotechnology”; and therefore numbers of nanotechnology research were applied to industry, for example, textiles (antimicrobial fabric, self-cleaning and water repellent fabric), cosmeceuticals (nano-emulsions, controlled release nano-capsule), and food (e-nose sensor for quality control process). Approximately 14,000 testing services were provided for industries and researchers each year. Nanosafety initiatives were also developed with the compliance of international standard and global network via SAICM, OECD, and UNITAR.

On nano-biotechnology and life science aspects, NANOTEC is conducting research on nano-delivery systems, nano-molecular sensors, and nano-cosmeceuticals. For delivery Systems, NANOTEC aims to develop the platform for drug delivery by using nano-encapsulation and molecular complexation techniques for the controlled release and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. With this approach, various types of nano-carriers were investigated—e.g., core-shell nanoparticles, self-assembly nanoparticles, polymer conjugates, nanoemulsion, and molecular inclusion complexes. Also, various types of targeting moieties are explored—e.g., peptide, magnetic, and antibody.

For nano-molecular target discovery, the design and development of antibody fragments for targeting of infectious diseases and cancer are being investigated. Focus is on therapeutic antibody-based nanomolecules and molecular diagnostic tests. For nano-cosmeceuticals, novel nano-cosmeceutical products encapsulated with Thai medicinal herbs are the focus. Core strengths are on formulation, especially encapsulation in nanoparticle, nanoliposome, and nanoemulsion. Capabilities also include testing of activity, efficacy for moisturization, anti-aging, whitening, anti-acne, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory applications.

111 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Rd | Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand | T: +66 (0) 2564 7100
F: +66 (0) 2564 6985 | www.nanotec.or.th