Water purification and bionic human organs, winners of 2014 Nanonica Prize
The prize was awarded ex-aequo to Prof. Hui Ying Tang and Michael McAlpin
This year’s Nanonica Prize has gone to two scientists. Water purification and bionic human organs were the two discoveries recognized as the most important breakthroughs in nanotechnology of the year and both were awarded the prize.
One of the protagonists of this year’s edition is a professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Hui Ying Tang, who along with her team of scientists has discovered a cheaper, more effective way to purify water. Hui Ying Tang has developed an ultralong carbon nanotube membrane that can absorb and remove salts and other contaminants from a solution. This is a revolutionary discovery in a world where freshwater is becoming increasingly scare.
The other great breakthrough recognized was led by a professor at Princeton University, Michael McAlpine. His team of scientists have taken a great step forward in tissue engineering, combining electronics with living cells to create the first hybrid bionic-human ear in 3D with superhuman hearing. As proof of concept, they created a bionic ear with 3D printing of a cell-seeded hydrogel matrix in the form of a human ear, along with a conducting polymer made of infused silver nanoparticles. This approach could lead to next-generation tissue generation and bionic organs.
The company that organizes the contest, Nanonica, is a holding company devoted to knowledge transfer from academia to industry in the field of nano and microtechnology. The company currently has a subsidiary in Barcelona, biotech firm Nanotargeting.
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