Theme 16 - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

The study of the most fundamental properties of matter has gained the status of scientific theory with the advent of quantum mechanics, a theory whose foundations were laid before the middle of the 19th. Century, and which gained maturity in the first half of the 20th. Century. The particular study of these properties in the scale of atoms and molecules, aiming at understanding the mechanical, electrical, thermal or optical characteristics of specific materials in this scope, that is, in nanometric dimensions (one billionth of the meter), gave rise to a new area of scientific research, that is, the so-called nanoscience. Nanotechnology arose from the possibility of using it in the production of new materials with relevant applications in several areas, such as electronics, health and even in more prosaic applications such as in the textile industry, just to mention a few examples. The possibilities offered by nanoscience and nanotechnology are diverse and therefore difficult to predict. It is clear, however, that mastering these new fields is of paramount importance not only for the country's scientific and technological development, but will also because it plays a relevant role in economy. UFBA has groups of excellence that are already dedicated to the study of these topics, both from the theoretical point of view, and with respect to the practical applications of this knowledge. These groups, which have great mutual collaboration with centers of excellence abroad, have established themselves primarily in the Institutes of Physics and Chemistry, as well as in the Institute of Health Sciences. The theoretical studies and its applications cover topics from the study of cellular surfaces, through the structures of graphene, to biosensors, tissue bioengineering and nanospintronics. These are essential topics in the development of new methods of diagnosis and therapy in health, or in the innovation of organic materials for computing, such as high capacity electrodes, and even in the improvement of solutions to environmental problems, such as Nano catalysts for clean energy conversion. As a strategic and interdisciplinary area, these groups have attracted new researchers and expanded their relationship with other centers and groups of theoretical and technological research in Brazil and abroad.

To train faculty members for the development of innovative techniques for the diagnosis through the use of nanostructured materials.

To develop projects for the establishement of platforms for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses with the use of nanostructured materials.