Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that deals with the study of nanoscale particles. It examines nanoparticles and nanofibers. Nanoparticles are less than 100 nanometers in size; nanofibers are defined as linear-length formations with a diameter of less than one micrometre. A single nanofibre is 1000 times smaller than a human hair. One of the most promising features of nanostructures is their large specific surface area, making them suitable for use in various applications and industries. The popularity of nanomaterials is evidenced by their market value, which was $15.7 billion in 2010 and has already reached over $75 billion in 2020 and is predicted to rise by another $10 billion in 2023. 

Nanomaterials fall into many sectors, with the most significant application potential in the healthcare sector, across many possibilities. Another section is Agri-Food, where can be used for growth promotion or for so-called hydroponic cultivation. They can also be used in smart textiles, water purification and more. Nanotechnology can be implemented very appropriately in the life cycle, the so-called circular economy, and several areas. As a feedstock, where, due to the meagre weight, lighter products can be obtained, or fewer active substances can be used. This reduces transport and handling costs. In production, highly efficient nanofibre filters can be used for air and water purification. The use of nanofibres can extend the durability of machine products or surgical instruments, etc.

NANOPROGRESS and their companies see the near future in using nanomaterials in the following three areas: a healthy environment, a healthy population and comfort. 

In the area of a healthy environment, it sees a trend in the industrial, automotive and water sectors (various air, oil and water filters).

Together with members, they developed a very efficient candle filter for water treatment, a nanofibrous cell mass carrier, to capture specific substances such as phosphorus. Even small nanofibre filters have a higher sorption capacity than commonly used sorbents and can be used, for example, in oil accidents. 

In the field of a healthy population, nanomaterials are a growing trend, whether it is tissue engineering, e.g. skin covers, or dermatological applications, e.g. treatment of tibial ulcers. In the food industry, there is potential for their use, for example, for the filtration of wine and beer or as a nanofibrous carrier for yeast cultivation.

In the area of comfort, nanomaterials can be used in textiles as highly air-permeable membranes where the wearer does not sweat, the membrane wicks away moisture and does not let water through. In cosmetics, these applications include creams, nail polishes, various rejuvenating serums, face masks, etc. 

They see links within the members with the CZECHIMPLANT cluster in the healthcare sector, lightweight materials in the automotive industry with AUTOKLASTR and the Moravian Aviation Cluster, and cooperation with CLUTEX in textiles is undoubtedly on the cards.

Lucie Ligasová, NANOPROGRESS