Nanotechnology Pioneers Introduce Revolutionary Developments at Event Sponsered by OCTANe@UCI

Tuesday, June 7th, 2005 – University Club, UC Irvine Extension · 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

IRVINE, Calif. – May 25, 2005 – Nanoscience is poised to impact life in the 21st century on a scale similar to that of the industrial and information technology revolutions. At a seminar sponsored by OCTANe@UCI, scientists from University of California, Irvine (UCI) will introduce the latest developments in this is exciting field at the “Nanotechnology: Thinking Big” event to be held Tuesday, June 7th, at The University Club at UC Irvine.

California institutions lead the world in nanotechnology research and development, and UCI has more than a dozen research groups pioneering new and innovative applications. Nanoscience has already contributed to advances in products currently on the market, such as increased storage capacity for computers and digital devices, artificial tissue used for drug delivery and for burn and wound treatment, bonding agents, sunscreens and cosmetics, ink and stain-free clothing. Yet scientists have barely scratched the surface when it comes to potential uses for these microscopic particles.

“In the next five to ten years, nanotechnology will usher in a new era of biomedical, electrical and mechanical devices,” said Gary Matkin, Dean of Continuing Education at UC Irvine Extension. “In addition to improving our quality of life, these products will create new jobs and have a significant impact on the economy, both locally and nationwide.”

At the seminar, scientists will discuss exciting new applications such as the use of nanotubes in the blood vessels for drug delivery and for early detection of cancer; the integration of living tissue with electrical, mechanical and chemical agents to treat various diseases and to prevent the immune system from rejecting implanted devices; the use of nanoimprinting in microelectronics and tissue engineering; and improvements in commonly used products like tires, footwear, auto parts and electronics.

The event will be moderated by Carolyn Favorito, Co-chair of the Nanotechnology and Materials Science Patent Group, at Morrison & Foerster LLP. “Here in California, federal, state and private dollars are priming the pump for a nanotechnology revolution. As strong patent protection will determine the ultimate players in this revolution, Morrison & Foerster, California’s largest law firm is committed to leading the way on creating strong nanotechnology patents,” said Favorito.

A panel of experts from UCI will discuss the latest advances in the field, including:

• Regina Ragan – “Hierarchical assemblies of nanoscale device components via molecular building blocks.”
• Kenneth Shea – “Functional nanomaterials synthesis.”
• Albert Yee – “Nanoimprinting.”
• Peter Burke – “Synthesis of cm long carbon nanotubes.”
• Phil Collins – “Process control for reliability and reproductibility in nanocircuits.”
• G.P. Li – “Magnetic nanoparticles for cancer ablation.”

OCTANe is a non-profit corporation comprised of information and biomedical technology business executives, venture capitalists, service providers, private investors and leaders from UC Irvine as well as other universities, all working together to drive innovation and accelerate the growth of technology business in Orange County and surrounding regions.

As the continuing education arm of the prestigious university, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a transforming learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and community programs to support a diverse audience from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities. UC Irvine Extension continues to provide a university-level learning experience to all students. For more information about UC Irvine Extension visit www.extension.uci.edu.

For more information or to register for the event, please contact Debbie Nielsen at (949) 824-3425, via e-mail at dfnielse@uci.edu, or visit the Web at www.octane.uci.edu.