Home

Co-Directors

Research Thrusts
..... Nanostructures
..... Biomimetics
..... Bio-Nano

Organization

Plans

Objectives

Faculty

Related Links

.....Nanoscience explores the possibility of creating new structures and compounds atom by atom. Technologies exist for creating nanometer-sized devices and structures; many fabricated by the same capabilities that fuel the silicon integrated circuit industry. For example, it is possible to create single atom thick tubes of carbon (carbon nanotubes) that have many fascinating structural and electrical properties. It is also possible to engineer nanometer-sized machines that can interact with individual cells. As of yet, the application of many of these structures has yet to be explored.

.....Nanotechnology by its nature is interdisciplinary, and chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers all have roles to play in the development and implementation of Nanotechnology. The University of Florida has identified several strength areas in nano technology. The first of these is nanostructured materials, which includes both new composite materials as well as electronic and optical materials. Biomimetics is developing biologically inspired technologies, and ranges from materials that work as an artificial eyelid to neural inspired computing models. The nano-bio interface focuses on developing nanotechnologies that are interactive with the biological world for sensing, gene identification, or drug delivery applications.