The Union Government has launched a new programme namely Nano-materials Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) to promote research and development in this frontier area of science. The government has earmarked Rs 100 crore as 10th Plan allocation for the purpose. NSTI is to be a industry-institution joint initiative involving both private and public sectors, it is learnt.

The Department of Science and Technology will be the nodal agency to carry out the initiative. Nanotechnology promises immense applications in the areas of health and biotechnology, electronics, information technology and materials etc.

Synthesis of nano-materials and assembling of the nano-structures into ordered arrays for rendering them functional and operational are crucial aspects of nano-science. The materials/ structures include nano-particles, nano-wires, nano-tubes, nano-structured alloys and polymers, nano-porous solids and DNA chips. Besides conventional tools like X-ray, specialised instrumentation such as scanning probe microscopes, high resolution electron microscopy and magnetic force microscopy are required for work on nano-science and technology.

Significant steps have already been taken to provide sophisticated facilities including infrastructure and manpower for the development of this science. Since the area is new, it will be too early to assess the impact. As also, work in the area is at various stages of development.

Meanwhile, significant breakthrough was achieved at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore recently, when it was discovered that voltage is generated across the two ends, when a liquid passed over the carbon nano-tube. The work being patented will have far-reaching effects on enhancing the efficiency of several technologies. Further research is on to see, how the voltage can be increased and put to productive use.