Wake Forest University

Type	Disciplines
Private University	Chemistry Engineering Mathematics Physics Nanomedicine Nanoparticles Nanostructures
Address	Postal Code
1834 Wake Forest Road	27106
City	State / Province
Winston-Salem	NC
E-mail	Country
	USA
Web	Phone
link	(336) 758-5255
Fax

Wake Forest University's School of Medicine's (North Carolina) Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials, which was established in 1999 with a grant from The U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The Center's nanotech research projects include: optical materials, ways fight antibiotic resistant organisms (i.e. cancer) and cancer therapeutics.

The Center is also funded by EPA to study remediation of airborne particulates using nanocoatings. The Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials has three divisions.

1. Alternative Energy Related Technologies

Organic technologies based on electroactive nanocomposites: This program is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and explores the fundamental nature of charge transfer between conjugated polymers and nanophase dispersants in ordered composites. By exploiting charge transfer phenomena at different length scales, novel functionalities can be engineered into conjugated polymers systems that were unobtainable previously. This leads naturally to the integration of these meso-architectures into device structures that include: Organic photovoltaics and sensors, organic light emitting diodes and bright light sources, organically based optical circuit elements (memory and switches), and organic thin film transistors. To date, this program has produced approximately 40 publications and four patent disclosures.

Organic Photovoltaics: This program has recently produced thin film plastic photovoltaics that exceed 6% external conversion efficiencies. We continue to push the state of the art in these technologies by utilizing novel nanocomposite "structuring" or "meso-architectures" to improve charge balance and charge separation.
Solid State Lighting: Upwards of 30% of electricity generated in the U.S. goes directly into lighting. Nanotech is actively developing inexpensive, robust, flexible and high performance lighting systems for home, office and transportation sector use. These systems are based on phosphorescence and can function even when punctured or damaged.
Ultra-high performance photovoltaics (Fiber-Cell): This program utilizes the novel device architecture known as a "fiber-cell' to investigate routes to exceeding the highest known efficiencies (currently around 35%).

2. Nano-Medicine
In cooperation with researchers at the Wake Forest University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanotech is applying the principles of nanosciences and nanoengineering to address the challenges of diagnosis and intervention in human disease.

Current nanomedicine projects include:

Fullerene-based approaches to targeted reporting and drug delivery
Targeted heat delivery methods
Nanocontrast agents
Antibiotic resistance mechanisms and remediation
Pressure sensors for in vivo applications
Approaches to "Smart" Tissue Scaffolding
Bio-printing technologies
Toxicity

3. Scaled Metamaterials
Metamaterials are a class of "assembled" materials in which the "averaged" properties of the assembly are derived from a complex synergism of their sub-units or constituents.

Nanotech has programs that have produced two such materials.

The first class of metamaterials under study at Nanotech is photonic bandgap crystals. In this example "assemblies" of silica spheres are made. The properties of an inhomogeneous, well separated set of such spheres are very different from those of the crystal.
The second class of materials under study is negative index materials. This program is part of a Department of Defense Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative program which teams Wake Forest, Kent State, Michigan, and NYU.

PATENTS AND PERMISSIONS
The Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials holds several key pieces of intellectual property in the field of alternative energy technologies. For licensing opportunites, please contact the Office of Technology Asset Management (OTAM) at Wake Forest University Health Sciences.

Related Content

Chemistry and Physics of Carbon, Volume 30

Written by distinguished researchers in carbon, the long-running Chemistry and Physics of Carbon series provides a comprehensive and critical overview of carbon in terms of molecular structure, intermolecular relationships, bulk and surface properties, and their behavior in an amazing variety of current and emerging applications, ranging from nanotechnology to environmental remediation. Volume 30 not only retains the high-quality content and reputation of previous volumes, but also complements them with reliable and timely coverage of the latest advances in the field.

The first chapters analyze progressive approaches to controlling more precisely the structure, morphology, and surface properties of novel activated carbons. They cover methods using activating agents such as alkaline hydroxides as well as endo- and exotemplates made from zeolites, silica, and colloidal crystals. The third chapter examines techniques for characterizing carbon surface chemistry, including electrochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods. The fourth and final chapter compares the virtues of exfoliated graphite, carbonized fir fibers, carbon fiber felt, and charcoals in solving oil spill problems, a matter of increasing environmental concern.

Emphasizing key experimental results, practical aspects, and cutting-edge applications in every chapter, Volume 30 is a vital resource for those developing new technologies such as drug delivery, adsorbents for oil/chemical spills, materials processing, high-performance nanocarbons, and energy storage and conversion devices, including lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.

Barker, Anna D.

Dr. Barker serves as the Deputy Director for Advanced Technologies and Strategic Partnerships of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Optical Waveguides: From Theory to Applied Technologies

Although the theory and principles of optical waveguides have been established for more than a century, the technologies have only been realized in recent decades. Optical Waveguides: From Theory to Applied Technologies combines the most relevant aspects of waveguide theory with the study of current detailed waveguiding technologies, in particular, photonic devices, telecommunication applications, and biomedical optics.

With self-contained chapters written by well-known specialists, the book features both fundamentals and applications. The first three chapters examine the theoretical foundations and bases of planar optical waveguides as well as critical optical properties such as birefringence and nonlinear optical phenomena. The next several chapters focus on contemporary waveguiding technologies that include photonic devices and telecommunications. The book concludes with discussions on additional technological applications, including biomedical optical waveguides and the potential of neutron waveguides.

As optical waveguides play an increasing part in modern technology, photonics will become to the 21st century what electronics were to the 20th century. Offering both novel insights for experienced professionals and introductory material for novices, this book facilitates a better understanding of the new information era-the photonics century.