Small Technologies

2008 Victorian Nanotechnology Statement (PDF 1Mb) Working together to coordinate and consolidate Victoria's existing nanotechnology capabilities

About Small technologies

The term 'small technologies' has been adopted in Victoria to acknowledge the convergence of biotechnology, information technology, microtechnology (engineering on the scale of a millionth of a metre) and nanotechnology (engineering on the scale of a billionth of a metre or at the scale of an atom).

An interdisciplinary approach to using these technologies offers exciting possibilities for the development of major new applications in biomedicine and health. Ultimately, these innovations will lead to improved healthcare and potential cost reductions.

Small technologies is about joining the dots, connecting cells, bytes and molecules with R&D, industry and investment, to make Victoria a global leader in healthcare innovation. Integrating Victoria's emerging small technologies capabilities with our strengths in biotechnology will drive innovation and lead to significant health outcomes.

Opportunities for small technologies exist in:

Advanced drug delivery

Advanced drug delivery is about managed molecular interaction to better target specific genes and proteins. Nanotechnology is currently applied in around one percent of drug delivery technologies under development. By 2015, it has been estimated 14 percent of drug delivery technologies may use nanotechnology.

Advanced drug delivery depends on:

• reduction of particle size and increasing surface area to enhance solubility
• increasing oral bioavailability
• targeting tissues and cells
• intelligent decision making capabilities based on advanced sensors
• gene and vaccine delivery

Advanced diagnostics

Advanced diagnostics deals with managed molecular recognition leading to:

• diagnostics linking molecular reaction to signaling mechanisms
• targeting viruses or antibodies in medical/agricultural systems
• capture of impurities in physical systems

Concepts such as a 'laboratory-on-a-chip' are a good example of advanced diagnostics. Advanced 'smart-biochips' will integrate diagnostics, facilitate rapid detection and eventually lead to the potential for individualised and dedicated patient treatment. Examples include:

• low cost polymer biosensor modules for hand-held medical diagnostics instrumentation
• applications in Point-of-Care (POC) medical diagnostics, sensors for food quality monitoring and environmental analysis

New materials

Nanostructured new materials and nanoscale surface modifications have the potential to produce entirely new classes of biomaterials and biocompatible materials that will lead to the development of viable alternatives for replacing, restoring, maintaining or improving the function of human tissues and organs. 

There are three main areas of impact:

• tissue engineering - nanoscaffolds to grow new organs from stem cells and nanobiocompatible materials as artificial skin and tissue reconstruction
• surface modification - nanoindentations for biofunctionality as the basis for improving biocompatibility through chemical and physical surface modifications
• implants and devices - nanocomposites with improved biocompatibility for interactive tailored medical implants in therapeutic applications (e.g. bone, joints) or sensory replacement (e.g. cochlear implants)

Small technologies: a Victorian perspective

Victorian Government support and significant funding for commercially-focused collaborative R&D projects and facilities exceeds US$200 million, including:

• Bio21
• Australian Stem Cell Centre
• Neurosciences Victoria
• Australian Synchrotron
• Nanotechnology Victoria Limited
• MiniFAB

Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) - Victorian Chapter

The Victorian Government has supported the Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) with establishment funding to enable the development of a national nanotechnology body as recommended by the PMSEIC report dated 11 March 2005.

The Interim ANBF Victorian Chapter Director is Mr Terry Polkinghorn, Director of REDCentre and a founding member of the Victorian Photonics Network.  The ANBF Victorian Chapter hosts regular nanotechnology networking activities and welcomes new members.  Upcoming Victorian Chapter activities are regularly updated at the ANBF website - Victorian Chapter.

Laureate Professor Emeritus Graeme Clark AC FAA FTSE FRS FAAS, pioneer of the cochlear implant - bionic ear, is the ANBF Victorian Chapter Patron.

The ANBF is a national organisation established to further the interests of private sector companies in the business of nanotechnology in Australia.  The Forum is a small organisation with a national perspective, and not dominated by any State or industry.

The ANBF was formed by a group of managers and CEOs following the 2nd Australian Nanotechnology Conference, held in Melbourne late September 2005 and is loosely modelled on the Nanobusiness Alliance in the USA.  Formally registered in the ACT on 27 October 2005, the ANBF constitution has been established and ratified and an Interim Board appointed.  The ANBF is dedicated to primarily serve the needs of business and industry.

Key ANBF activities include:

• providing information to members on nanotechnology developments and issues effecting the industry -  regulatory, political
• providing a forum for interaction between nanotechnology companies, their suppliers and collaborators
• providing a collective view of industry needs to political and regulatory decision-makers, and a focal point for international and export representation
• strategic consulting exercises
• enabling regular meetings of business interests and to act as a mechanism for collection and distribution of information

Interim ANBF Committee:

• Interim Chairman - Mr Brian Power, Realtek Technologies Ltd
• Interim Secretary - Dr Peter Binks, Nanotechnology Victoria Ltd
• Interim Committee members Dr Terry Turney, CSIRO and Dr Erol Harvey, MiniFAB Pty Ltd

The Forum is a non-profit organisation.

A membership scale is currently being designed by the Interim Committee.

Interim members will enjoy free membership until January 2007 when the Management Committee will be confirmed and membership fees set.

For free ANBF interim membership until January, 2007 register on-line at:
Web: www.anbf.com.au