The term “bionanotechnology” refers to the combination of biology, or the study of living things, and nanotechnology. It can also be considered a biological application of nanotechnology in areas such as antibacterial nanomaterials, nanobiomaterials, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, and nanobiology. The Center for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano) (https://csnano.utm.my/), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) intend to stay focused on and highlight research on sustainable nanomaterials, which is at the heart of bionanotechnology. Sustainable implies that something can be sustained over time with little long-term environmental impact and that it can support or maintain a process that is closely related to “bio,” or living things.
CSNano hosted the first BioNanoSeM (https://csnano.utm.my/bionanosem/bionanosem2020/) in 2020 as a venue for researchers to discuss their progress on each project of the Trans-Disciplinary Research Program (UTM-TDR). The title and focus of the TDR programme are “Antibacterial Wound Healing Application of Bio-Inspired Green Silver Nanoparticles,” and it includes five projects from different disciplines. We repeated the BioNanoSem in 2021 with a larger participant platform, including other research groups from UTM and other institutions, due to the event’s success, achievement of event objectives, and numerous benefits. Last year, CSNano, UTM, in collaboration with the Ceramic and Amorphous Group (CerAm), UTHM, and the Green Chemistry Research Group (GChem), Faculty of Science, UTM, hosted the 2nd BioNanoSem2021 (https://csnano.utm.my/bionanosem/2nd-bionanosem-2021/). Because bionanotechnology research is multi- and trans-disciplinary, the primary goal of BioNanoSem is to learn from different fields and perspectives.
This year, CSNano collaborated with the National Nanotechnology Centre (NNC), the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI), and the Malaysian Biomaterials Society, organised the 3rd BioNanoSem 2022 (https://csnano.utm.my/3rd-bionanosem-2022/) (MBS). Furthermore, several research centres and other research groups collaborated as co-organizers of this programme:Malaysian Solid State Science & Technology Society, UTM Chapter (MASS)
- Ceramic and Amorphous Group (CerAm), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
- Green Chemistry Research Group (GChem), UTM
- Advanced Nano Materials Research Group (ANoMA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
- Advanced Optical Materials Research Group (AOMRG), UTM
- BioM3D Group PPSG (BioM-USM) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), USM
The event took place on August 4, 2022, at the Everly Hotel in Putrajaya. This program’s goals include the following:
- To create a platform for researchers and students involved to present and share ideas on topics specifically in bionanotechnology research.
- To expose participants in the field of bionanotechnology focusing on innovation and pre-commercialization of research products.
- Become a platform for research collaboration with research groups within and outside UTM.
Researchers and students from UTM, USIM, UMT, USM, UPM, UPSI, IIUM, Nilai University, Asia Metropolitan University, DRB HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia, PICOMS, Curtin University Malaysia, National Nanotechnology Centre (NNC), MARDI, and Nanomalaysia Berhad attended the BioNanoSem 2022. Because the conference focuses on the innovation and commercialization aspects of bionanotechnology, the plenary speakers were from Nano Malaysia berhad, with the title “REVOLUTIoNT-Commercialising High Value Nanotechnology Solutions to the Market,” given by Dr Daniel Bien Chia Sheng, Vice President of Innovation Office, and from Assoc Prof Dr Ruslinda A. Rahim, Director of National Nanotechnology Centre, MOSTI. There were four keynote speakers from prominent researchers in the bionanotechnology field: Prof Dr Ismail Zainol, President of Malaysian Biomaterials Society, Prof Dr Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) UTM, Prof Ir Dr Srimala Sreekantan, Director of Centre of Innovation and Consultation, USM and Dr Mariani Abdul Hamid, Founder of BioPro Consortium Sdn Bhd. Nine (9) invited speakers from different institutions, 24 oral presenters, 25 participants for the video category and 10 poster presenters. The event was officiated by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YBhg. Datuk Zainal Abidin Bin Abu Hassan. Novatiq Scientific Sdn Bhd sponsored the BioNanoSem2022 as a Platinum Sponsor, and Business Events Sarawak (BESARAWAK) as a Gold Sponsor. Future Smart Ventures Sdn Bhd and University-Industry Research Laboratory (UTM) exhibited their products to the participants during the event.
At the end of this programme, the best project awards were given to 20 selected projects, and the researcher will be able to move on to the next stage of product development. The initiative is called the Bionanotechnology Innovation Initiative. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for each product development will be determined as the first step in this initiative. This initiative will train researchers in product development and collaboration with local industries. The product will then achieve higher TRLs, up to TRL8 and TRL9, and will be ready for commercialization. This initiative is intended to help our local researchers commercialise research products, particularly in the field of bionanotechnology. This initiative is also in line with the theme of the 3rd BioNanoSem 2022, “Prospering Bionanotechnology Research, Innovation and Commercialization”.
Prepared by:
Assoc Prof Ts ChM Dr Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, Mrs Siti Nur Sakinah Ahmad, Mrs Sabariah Ajis
Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano),
Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-ISIR),
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
