Research Overview
Researchers from the Nanotechnology Center and its partners have already began to produce patent applications for breakthroughs in carbon nanotube synthesis, tissue engineering, mixing technology, cancer treatment, and solar energy. Our research is categorized into three main strategic directions that interchange and interact with each other.
1. Synthesis and development of highly versatile nanomaterials: This is the backbone of our research since it has applications in all our other research areas. The group focusing in this category focuses on the development of special nanomaterials for energy applications, sponsored by a DOE grant. This group is also working in the development of nanostructural composite materials with applications in sensors, nanoelectronics, nanocomputing, and nanomedicine as well as to create nanotechnology-based sensors to detect radiation, gases, explosives, etc
2. Micro-Nano Thin Film Deposition: The group focusing in this area is currently working on the development of special nano-coatings that have applications in many research areas and industries. Currently this group is focusing on the development of a nano-coating that has anti-icing properties, and that can be manufactured in large scale. This has large benefits especially for aerospace and HVAC industries. This project is funded by the U.S. Army
3. Nanomedicine: This is another crucial area of our research and that has produced a lot of attention from the media. There are two main projects that comprise this research effort: tissue engineering applications and cancer tracking and killing applications.
- We have developed new nanostructural materials for tissue and bone regeneration. This technology allows for the fast and safe regeneration of tissue due to its special design and antibiotic properties. Moreover, based on this premise we have developed a coating that can be applied to medical devices, such as dental and orthopedic devices and is biocompatible, allows for the fast integration of the device to the tissue, has antibiotic properties, and can also incorporate growth factors.
- We have developed a unique method for killing cancer through the development of especially designed nanoparticles and unique methodologies that can track cancerous cells and kill them through the delivery of medicine or through the application of other external factors such as Radio Frequency radiation or laser. These projects will soon be funded by the U.S. Army.
Our research efforts have a focus on practical applications that can translate into economic benefits for Arkansas and the society at large.
Within a short time span these research efforts have produced:
- More than 200 publications in peer reviewed journals and international conferences
- 25 patent applications
- Three issued patents
- One early stage technology based spin-off company (ORLUMET LLC)
Click here to view a listing of our Journal Publications »
Click here to view a listing of our Conference Publications »