2017 SNO Conference Will Be Held November 5-7
The Sixth Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) Conference will be held November 5-7, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. According to SNO, the Conference sessions represent a hybrid of topics on selected “systems” that contribute to sustainability and more traditional topics. Sessions will be populated with talks on applications, effects and implications, analytical methods, and lifecycle aspects of nanomaterials within each system. The aims are to identity where nanomaterials and nanotechnology can improve the sustainability of each system and to foster integration of knowledge between applications and implications within each system. Topics from prior conferences will be addressed under the current session topics. The Conference sessions include:
- Tribute to Pedro Alvarez: Pedro Alvarez has significantly contributed to eco-responsible nanotechnology through pioneering research on how engineered nanomaterials interact with bacteria, elucidating their mode of action and discerning potential impacts to microbial ecosystem services. He also opened new opportunities for nano-enabled greener disinfection and biofouling control, as well as for enhanced (selective) removal of priority water pollutants. Recently, Alvarez led a multi-university effort to establish a National Science Foundation Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, which is developing easy-to-deploy, next-generation modular treatment processes that protect lives and support sustainable development;
- Food/Agriculture: This session centers on nanotechnology for food production, pesticide delivery, nutrient delivery, disease suppression, food fortification, and environmental implications;
- Water: This session focuses on applications of nanotechnology to address water or air contaminants, including applications in water supply, wastewater treatment, and industrial air quality control;
- Fate and Exposure: This session will consider studies addressing nanomaterial release, fate and transport, transformations, and exposure modelling;
- Nanotoxicology: This session emphasizes the evaluation of the effects (i.e., positive or negative) that advanced nanomaterials have on the environment and human health;
- Life-Cycle: It is important to consider a life-cycle perspective when evaluating the applications of nanotechnology, from raw materials to synthesis, and from product use to end of life. Papers in this session can address the entire life-cycle of particular applications, or the implications in specific life-cycle phases, including recycling;
- Sensors/Measurement: Papers in this session focus on the need to develop sensors, new instruments, approaches, and/or further refinement of existing tools for characterizing nanomaterials and using nanomaterials as sensors to detect chemicals of interest;
- Green Synthesis: This session focuses on the synthesis of nanomaterials with lowered energy and fewer polluting by-products and starting materials;
- Education/Social Aspects: Papers in this session will address nano-education programs and curriculum development. In addition, societal aspects, such as laws, regulations, economics, and social issues, will be covered; and
- Nanomedicine: This session will accept papers that deal with the use of various types of nanoparticles for use in medicine, particularly to diagnose and treat cancer.