Nano biotechnology proponents to seek $25 million in state funding

12-13-05 -- As two University System of Maryland (USM) institutions team up to focus on advances in nanobiotechnology, proponents of this emerging field will seek $25 million in state funding over the next three years to help nurture Maryland's development as a center for "nanobio" research and business development, according to USM Chancellor William E. "Brit" Kirwan.

Nanobiotechnology, the application of nanotechnology to the life sciences field, "is truly going to revolutionize the world as we know it," Kirwan told more than 70 GBC members and guests during a December 13 GBC breakfast event, "Nano and Biotechnology, A Winning Combination," at the Center Club in Baltimore.

Joining Kirwan as featured speakers at the event were Dr. Mauro Ferrari, Edgar Hendrickson Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University, and Special Expert in Nanotechnology, National Cancer Institute; and Dr. Bill Bentley of UMBI's Center for Biosystems Research, who has a joint appointment at the Biomolecular and Metabolic Engineering Laboratories at University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP).

Nanotechnology involves the creation and use of devices and systems through the control of very small molecular matter whose size is measured in nanometers. A nanometer is one-billionth of an inch.

The use of nanotechnology in life sciences is relatively new, with existing and potential products focusing on medical uses from drug delivery to diagnostic applications such as imaging, and the development of "biosensors" that detect life-threatening disease at very early stages.

Though the market for nanobiotechnology products has only existed for a few years, experts project a $3 billion worldwide market by 2008, with an annual growth rate of 28 percent. The U.S. market will generate 65 percent of global demand for nanobiotech products, market research experts predict.

Nurturing growth of the biotechnology and life sciences industry in the Baltimore region and the state is a top strategic priority of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "The prospect of rapid nanobiotechnology development spells opportunity for our region," said GBC President Donald C. Fry. "With the assets that we have, we can't let this opportunity pass."

Maryland has the research and development assets to be a world leader in nanobiotechnology, said Kirwan. "This is exactly the right issue that we have to figure out in Maryland." Kirwan estimated that a $25 million investment by the state could be leveraged into $100 million investment in nanobiotechnology development.

The sheer breadth of nanobiotechnology and the expense of researching it requires strong collaboration between research institutions, said Dr. Ferarri. In Texas, for example, nanobiotechnology research and development is conducted through a state-aided alliance of 15 universities in which all institutions contribute to the alliance and all share in the returns.

Diagnosing and treating cancer is a major focus of many nanobiotechnology researchers, said Dr. Ferrari. Cancer clinics already use nanotechnology such as liposomes that deliver treatment to specific tumor sites and DNA chips that make it easier to read large numbers of genes at a time for key diagnostic information.

Currently, nanobiotechnology work in Maryland in conjunction with the UMBI and UMCP teamwork includes "a whole array of sensor development," said Dr. Bentley. For instance, work is focusing on creating a bio device that can "eavesdrop" on cell communication in the body and recognize the very early development of viruses and bacterial infection, he said.

A tremendous value of nanotechnology applications to cancer treatment is development of the ability to dramatically reduce or to eliminate side effects by precisely targeting treatment to only diseased cells and leaving healthy cells alone, according to Dr. Bentley.

Nanobiotechnology researchers are developing treatment tools that "hone in on exactly the right place where you want direct action," he said.

More information on nanobiotechnology can be found at the following web sites:

Nanotechnology Center at the University of Maryland:
http://www.nanocenter.umd.edu/

Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology (CARB):
http://carb.umbi.umd.edu/

The Johns Hopkins University Institute for NanoBio Technology
http://inbt.jhu.edu/

The National Cancer Institute Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer:
http://nano.cancer.gov

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