New BioNanoTechnology minor lets students explore world at nanoscale
- prof.dr. AH (Aldrik) Velders
- Professor/Chairholder
This September, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) will launch the new minor BioNanoTechnology; in Life, Plant & AgroFood. Students will explore how nanotechnology can help address challenges in health, agriculture, food and sustainability, while connecting fields that are often studied separately.
Reduce a material to the nanoscale and it suddenly behaves completely differently. Gold is a striking example of this: a particle just a few tens of nanometres in size loses its characteristic golden colour and instead turns purple. Silver also behaves differently at the nanoscale. A silver spoon, for example, causes little harm, while silver nanoparticles kills bacteria and fungi. These remarkable properties make nanotechnology suitable for a wide range of applications, from rapid diagnostics and personalised medicine to controlled nutrient release in the soil and innovative approaches to crop protection. “Many disciplines focus on the macro- and microscales, but such processes actually originate at the nanoscale,” explains coordinator Aldrik Velders.
“We train professionals to take a broad view of nanotechnology, to encourage cross-pollinate between different disciplines.”
- Aldric Velders
- BioNanoTechnology coordinator; in Life, Plant & AgroFood
From fundamental science to applications
In the BioNanoTechnology; in Life, Plant & AgroFood minor, students explore the fundamental properties of nanomaterials and learn how they can be designed, produced and tailored for specific applications. The connection between fundamental concepts and real-world applications is central to the programme. Under the motto From Medicine to Mud, students discover how the same nanotechnology can be applied to areas such as medical diagnostics, plant breeding and water purification. “We believe it is important that the professionals we train at WUR develop a holistic view of nanotechnology,” says Velders. “This allows knowledge and ideas to cross-pollinate between disciplines that may seem far removed from one another.”
The minor consists of three interconnected courses: nano-Introduction, nano-Sensors and nano-Medicine, complemented by one elective course to broaden or deepen their knowledge. Students build their knowledge step by step: from the properties of different types of nanomaterials, through smart sensors, to diagnostic and therapeutic applications in healthcare as well as the plant and agri-food sectors.
Making and investigating nanomaterials
Hands-on experience is a key part of the minor. During laboratory practicals, students design, produce and characterise different types of nanomaterials. They work with advanced techniques including electron microscopy, microfluidics, and spectroscopic and imaging techniques. They also learn how to apply the same nanoparticles in different contexts. According to Velders, producing nanoparticles is not necessarily difficult. “Most nanoparticles are surprisingly easy to produce, even for students with little experience in chemistry. The challenge lies primarily in producing nanoparticles with great precision, predictability and reproducibility.”
As part of the minor, students visit research institutes and an academic hospital to see how fundamental research into nanomaterials finds its way into practical applications. There is also a strong focus on the social and ethical aspects of nanotechnology. What opportunities does the technology offer? What risks does it bring? And how can we make responsible choices about its use?
A broad audience within the life sciences
The minor is aimed at bachelor’s students with a background in the life sciences, including Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Life Sciences and Agrotechnology, who want to explore a technology that is becoming increasingly important in health, plant research, food and sustainable agriculture. Students from other degree programmes and universities can also participate, provided they have sufficient basic knowledge of chemistry.
Questions?
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