DAYTON — Nanotechnology — the science of creating and manipulating tiny particles one-billionth of a meter in size — holds tremendous promise but may also pose risks.

Because of their microscopic size (larger than an atom but smaller than a cell) and their distinctive molecular composition, nanomaterials can possess new chemical, electrical and thermal properties with potential commercial applications. They already are in use in a growing number of products, including wrinkle-free clothes, body armor, food packaging, shampoos, sunscreens and cosmetics.

But those new properties raise questions about their effects on the environment and the human body.

"We have to come up with answers as to how they will interact with biological matter," said Saber Hussain of the Air Force Research Lab's Human Effectiveness Directorate.

At least one environmental group, the Natural Resources Defense Council, has called for government regulation of nanotechnology until more studies are done on its biological and environmental impact. States like Ohio, where businesses already have invested $9 billion in the promising new technology, have a lot riding on the outcome of those studies.

A partnership between UD and AFRL to study the safety of nanomaterials makes sense, Hussain said. UD is one of the nation's leaders in exploring new nanomaterials, ranking second among universities in funding for materials research. AFRL can lend its facilities and expertise in toxicology.

"I think this (study) will open the way to further collaboration in research with UD," Hussain said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2437 or jdebrosse@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Nanodiamonds

What: Manufactured diamonds so small that 8,000 in a row match the thickness of a human hair. They are the latest entry in the growing family of carbon nanomaterials in the field of nanotechnology — the science of creating and manipulating tiny particles one-billionth of a meter in size.

How they are made: Synthesized under water through detonation of carbon-containing explosives. The nanodiamonds are extracted from the soot after several purification steps.

Possible uses: Grinding, polishing, hardening agent for stronger metal platings, fuel storage, precise carriers for drugs or genes, new imaging techniques, tougher coatings for artificial limbs and bones, tiny robots for repairing damaged cells.

Safety: A study conducted by the University of Dayton and Wright-Patterson's Air Force Research Laboratory found no toxicity to rodent cells. Human and more animal trials are the next steps.