Smart magnetic materials for better processing tech
Magnetic properties of various materials offer the use of multifaceted approaches for new macromolecular bioprocessing, which includes external manipulation, self-assembly, transport and separation. Over the last 10 years, the application of magnetic fields has emerged in industry activities as diverse as water -treatment, drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 'Magnetic field assisted biomaterials processing' (Nanobiomag) project made use of magnetic fields in a combined biotechnology and nanotechnology approach aimed at the manufacture and utilisation of smart magnetic materials in new production processes. The scope of the EU-funded project covered the nanomaterial and biomaterial sciences, and magnet technology. Researchers first fabricated multifunctional 'smart' magnetic materials that were then used to develop new processes for producing novel materials and products, , and drastically reducing the numerous processing steps needed to produce these materials. Project partners also explored the effects of strong magnetic fields on molecular structures with a view to tailoring properties of complex biomolecules. ċċBeing able to integrate desired properties into 'smart' and multifunctional materials along with the possibility of their scalable production lays the basis for enabling technologies for industrial materials. To benefit from this 'multifunctional magnetic materials manufacture' (4M), Nanobiomag the project has to also develop novel processing technologies. To accomplish this, processing technologies were divided into two research efforts: bioseparation and biosynthesis. Two new processes were developed in the area of bioseparation. In the area of biosynthesis, new knowledge was generated on the use of the magnetic field at the molecular level for enhancing and modifying desired properties. Nanobiomag Project results have the potential to facilitate the development of novel materials and related process technologies, and thus drive the competitiveness of Europe's biomaterials, pharmaceuticals and food industries.
