Science is really impressive and “shaking”, like a real explosion of knowledge. With some equipment and a lot of curiosity, scientists discover the mysteries of the universe and make everyday life easier.

The proof of this is nanotechnology, which is gaining more and more space in Santa Catarina. Simply put, nanotechnology is the study of the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level.

Translated, it is science and technology, which focuses on the special properties of nanoscale materials. Thanks to this, it is possible to create new materials, products and processes based on the ability to see and manipulate atoms and molecules.

Understand what nanotechnology is – Photo: Pixabay/Disclosure/ND

From a scientific point of view, on this scale it is possible to increase some properties of matter, as, for example, in the case of a magnet. Nanotechnologies potentiate certain characteristics of a material or give it other characteristics.

“If a 1 cm magnet can attract a mouse. At the nanoscale, it can pull a giant box,” says scientist Valeria Oliveira of Florianopolis-based Nanoativa.

According to the researcher, each object has a molecular level that has already been studied, and it is necessary to understand how to apply the desired effect so that it can be commercialized and not expensive.

“You need to know how to manipulate the parts in order to work with them individually, and not all together,” notes Valeria.

Nanoativa Luminaire created in Florianopolis

Scientists Valeria Oliveira and Lucilene de Souza with a nano-active light – Photo: Valeria Oliveira/Arquivo

In Florianopolis, in collaboration with Professor Lucilene de Souza, the scientist Valeria Oliveira created a nanoactive lamp used to sterilize air and surfaces. As a side effect, the device helps improve the health of the respiratory system.

Another use of the product is to extend the shelf life of fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, which increases their shelf life by sterilizing their surfaces.

Check the Lamp – Video: Replay/Bruno Benetti

And a third use, still under validation, is in the treatment of wounds and skin conditions. For this purpose, the product is not yet sold. Oliveira says he is looking for partners to make the project viable.

When it decomposes, the molecule becomes just water and oxygen, not another toxic product, the researcher said. During disinfection, the molecule is oxidized (burned) in microorganisms, and only CO₂ and water remain.

Valeria Oliveira explains that nanotechnology lies in plastic, and when connected to electrical energy, it captures water and oxygen in the air, as if it were a reactor, forms a hydrogen peroxide molecule and releases it into the environment.

Capital of Nanotechnology

Florianopolis ‘puts on a show’ for nanotechnology — Photo: Leo Munkhoz/ND

Four years ago, Florianopolis was recognized by the Senate as the National Capital of Nanotechnology and New Materials. At the time, the rapporteur for the project was then Senator Dario Berger, who argued:

“The nanotechnology sector has been included in the main areas of the Florianopolis Development Plan. The municipality already has globally recognized companies, in addition to a significant set of research and projects related to this topic at universities,” who said that Florianopolis was a pioneer in installing the first mechanism to promote nanotechnology innovation in the country.

For Betina Zanetti Ramos, director of the Acate Women’s Working Group and VP of Integration at Acate and founder of Nanovetores, “nanotechnology is a very interdisciplinary science” and can be found in various industrial segments such as healthcare, agriculture, electronics, etc. etc. others.

“There are industries that are already using nanotechnology, such as the healthcare sector, the agro-industrial sector, the veterinary sector and the textile industry, that are benefiting greatly from nanotechnology innovations, in addition to the IT (information technology) field that is starting to take advantage of this technology. “.

May reduce the side effects of medications

Founded by Betina in 2008 in Florianopolis, Nanovetores operates in more than 50 countries and is active in cosmetics, as well as technology applications and developments in textiles, veterinary and dentistry with products available on the market.

According to Betina Ramos, nanotechnology is finding applications in the field of anticancer drugs used to treat cancer, as “nanotechnology manages to direct the active substance to the target of action, reducing the side effects of drugs and dosages throughout the day.” explains.

However, in the field of healthcare, the encapsulation system is one of her company’s activities, she says.

“We use nanotechnology to protect cosmetics, making them more effective, protected from oxidation processes, from interaction with packaging material, from other components of a cosmetic formulation, and another important area is that we improve the penetration profile of these assets, while we have there is a fantastic increase in product efficiency,” he guarantees.

Betina Ramos, Nanovetores – Photo: Betina Ramos/Arquivo

Clean technology: no solvents

The cleantech company’s process is based on green chemistry and water.

“We work with a clean technology based on green chemistry that does not use organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone, which are not as safe as water.”

“The company uses water in these manufacturing processes, which gives us important safety for those who work on the technology and for those who consume the products,” he notes.