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The NanoWatch Working Group

Nanotechnology, and its potential benefits (and risks), has been very much in the news recently.

NanoWatch© is a Working Group which has been running since 2007 at Leatherhead Food Research. It provides information on current developments in nanotechnology for members of the group in two ways.

The first is to deliver information on current publications and patents in applications of nanotechnology for the food and drinks industry as well as information on the regulatory status. This is provided in the form of an electronic review, which is delivered to the group three times a year. The review also includes an overview of the media and government reports on nanotechnology. Furthermore, NanoWatch© members are offered an opportunity to attend the annual conference on nanotechnology and food applications where noted scientists are invited to speak.

The second aspect to the group is the provision of small, practical proof-of-principle studies in areas of interest to those members who select this option. These studies, where possible, involve collaboration with universities and companies which possess cutting-edge science in the area of nanotechnology.

The unique aspect of the NanoWatch© Working Group is that as well as providing a wide span on applications, it focuses down on food product applications and potential.

Project objectives

The aims are to provide:

• A platform for the ingredients, food and drinks companies on which technical opportunities for the use of micro- and nanotechnology in food and drink products can be identified and assessed
• A forum for discussions on the use of micro- and nanotechnology in the food and drink industry
• A watching brief on the potential emerging technologies that can bring benefits for both the industries and consumers
• Pre-competitive collaboration projects to demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of micro- and nanotechnology in food and drink science 
• A Focus Group for representation of Industry views, needs and concerns to Government and EU

Benefits to participants

Participation will allow companies to:

• Utilise the NanoWatch© Working Group’s valuable knowledge which has been developed and acquired by being at the forefront since 2007 
• Access Leatherhead Food Research’s specialist regulatory department for the latest updates on the development of regulations for the use of  nanotechnologies in food and drink applications
• Obtain access to Centres of Excellence, such as NanoKTN and NanoCentral, where emerging technologies are being developed
• Access relevant and beneficial emerging technologies that are either specifically developed for the food and drink industry or transferred from other industries such as the pharmaceutical and electronics industries
• Gain updates from the Parliament through NanoWatch© Working Group’s link to the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee 
• Obtain a balanced overview on the safe usage of nanotechnologies through the NanoWatch© Working Group’s involvement with Responsible Nanoforum
• Obtain anonymity through the umbrella of the NanoWatch© Working Group

Participants will access:

• A forum for discussions with nanotechnology experts
• Updated electronic reports on new publications in nanotechnology-related science, legislation and regulations
• “Proof of Principle” Feasibility Trials

Project overview and approach

Companies may participate in NanoWatch© in one of two ways:  

• Option A: A Review Report, Electronic Updates on Nanotechnology Applications in the Food & Drink Industries and “Proof of Principle Feasibility Studies” with the ability to use the IP generated
• Option B: A Review Report and Electronic Updates on Nanotechnology Applications in the Food & Drink Industries

Please contact either Dr Pretima Titoria or Kathy Groves for details of the project costs and for a copy of the NanoWatch© proposal.

Project timescale

Duration
The Project will commence in June 2010, and will be completed in June 2011 (companies may join at any time). It is anticipated that the Project will then progress to further years with an annual cost.

Working Group Meeting
A Review Meeting will be arranged in November 2010 for those who have opted for Option A. The Minutes and copies of Presentations will be made available to NanoWatch© members.

Reports

• 1 Review Report/Electronic Update and 2 Electronic Updates will be emailed to all Participants in July 2010, January 2011 and June 2011 to those Companies taking Option A and Option B
• An Interim Report on the “Proof-of Principle” Feasibility Studies will be issued in November 2010 and a Final Report issued in June 2011 only to those Companies taking Option A

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