A Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) course on Nanosafety: Biological & Environmental interaction of nanoparticles concluded today at the institute. It was conducted by Prof Jamie Lead, director, Smart State Center for Environmental Nanoscience & Risk, University of South Carolina, and Dr Superb Misra, assistant professor, Materials Science and Engineering, IITGN during November 19-22.

The unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials have led to an increasing use of nanomaterials/nano-embedded products. Therefore, there is a need for understanding how nanomaterials interact with biological and environmental systems. Unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials also render unique challenges to our body’s defense mechanism in dealing with these materials.

This workshop provided an insight into the world of nanosafety and nanotoxicology. The workshop had sessions which gave the researchers information on fundamentals of nanosafety and how nanoparticles interact with the environment; appropriate tools to characterise these interactions and imparting an outward look for mitigating the toxic effects of nanoparticles in their system design. Faculty and students from various engineering colleges and academic institutes participated in the course.