Researchers in Mexico have developed a methodology that applies the concepts of nanotechnology for water purification , and could become the solution for treating waste water from industries. The methodology consists in developing nanoparticles.
Titanium oxide is deposited on a surface of glass or crystal, and then are subjected to high temperatures and activation with UV radiation was found that these nanoparticles are able to remove toxic compounds from water. This research has significance because it would apply not only to industry but also in water purification for human consumption.
Nanotechnology and health risks:
Today no one would doubt that nanotechnology is beneficial, however, are few people who wonder if this could entail new risks to human health in this context researchers from various countries coordinated by the Woodrow Wilson International Center Washington just published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology a study that tested experimentally in mice that carbon nanotubes a certain size cause lung and pleural damage could even unleash a cancer called Mesothelioma that affects the pleura is the lining of the lungs, this occurs only with those long nanotubes larger than 20 microns which can not be phagocytosed by immune system cells, these nanotubes behave very similar to a known carcinogen asbestos. These results are highly likely to be extrapolated to humans, that is why this study is of great importance in order to take preventive measures in time.
Nanomagnets to purify the blood:
Swiss researchers have developed a new method to purify the blood based on Nanomagnets, Used to selectively remove heavy metals, proteins, pathogens and other molecules, this technology has advantages in relation to process Dialysis as they are not based on filtration membranes, there is no chance of contamination from them, and on the other hand is a much faster process.
To achieve this, the researchers synthesized magnets 30 nanometers in diameter to which a ligand is added to allow selective binding to the particle of interest that you want to capture, in a similar way as they do the antibodies, After the capture of the particle, a small magnet placed externally on the wall of the sample tube , and thus built up the nanomagnets and thus cleared from the bloodstream by the particle, then an image illustrates this process.
