Monday, 19th February 2007 (3613 views)

Green chemistry could be the safest and most sustainable way of advancing gold particles used in nanotechnology, according to a new report.

Professor James Hutchinson from the University of Oregon spoke to the American Association for the Advancement of Science yesterday where he told delegates that nanotechnology might have negative impacts for health and the environment.

He said that scientists must be more proactive and be efficient and less wasteful when creating gold nanoparticles in research labs.

Professor Hutchinson said: "Green chemistry allows us to think about new space and new parameters.

"We have the opportunity to develop the technology correctly from the beginning, rather than trying to rework entrenched technology."

This means reducing the use of toxic solvents and producing products with increased safety precautions.

Gold nanoparticles are being studied by scientists because they give a good idea as to the future pharmaceutical, optical and electronic products which will come onto the market.

The professor would like to see the design of materials, applications and processes being re-thought to minimise waste and hazard.

 

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