The project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is focusing on the properties of nanoparticles to ensure that they pose no risk to humans and the environment when used in chemical materials.
Bayer said it is keen to tap the innovative potential of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is seen to be one of the key technologies of the 21st century and is expected to provide crucial innovations not only in material science but also in medicine, aerospace, electronics, energy technology, and environmental protection.
Nanotechnology comprises the application of miniscule particles and their use in structures on a scale of up to 100 nanometers (nm).
Thirteen companies, universities and research institutes are contributing their expertise to the NanoCare partnership. They will work together to develop generally accepted measuring and test methods that can be utilized to analyze the safety issues relating to nanomaterials.
The project partners also intend to create new nanoparticles and use model systems to analyze their effects on human health and the environment. The expertise of Bayer HealthCare and above all the methods of Bayer Technology Services will play a crucial role in characterizing the physical and chemical properties of the materials.
The project begins in March 2006 and will run for three years. It will receive around E5 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research through the WING (Materials Innovations for Industry and Society) support program, while the industry will contribute E2.6 million.
“Nanotechnology offers Bayer vast potential for increasing the performance of its products and processes. Moreover, it will enable us to develop completely new products that will improve our quality of life in many respects,” said Dr Harald Pielartzik, head of the Nanotechnology Working Group at Bayer.
In addition to NanoCare, Bayer is also involved in further initiatives that deal with nanomaterials, including working groups organized by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and in the Responsible Production and Use of Nanomaterials working group of the German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (DECHEMA).