posted 06-15-2001 12:42 PM            

I did a bit more searching and found a great PDF article on Reactive Nanoparticles (RNP). They want to use them just like you mentioned, for disabling biowarfare agents.

http://www.unh.edu/ntar/PDF/Klabunde.pdf

quote:

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Non- Lethal Nanotechnology Solutions to Weapons of Mass Destruction Threats
Kansas State University
Nantek, Inc.

Information Restrictions
The material in this briefing is for official
use only under the following restrictions:
No Contractor Dissemination (NOCON)
No Foreign Dissemination (NOFORN)
Contains Proprietary Information (PROPIN)

What is a Nanoparticle?
Small particles of reactive material no more than 100 billionths of a meter in size.
Nantek’s patented production process results in the particles having unparalleled surface area.
Size and surface area result in particles having unsurpassed reactivity.
This reactivity results in the particles having the ability to destructively adsorb selected biotoxins.

Concept: To Use Reactive Nanoparticles (RNPs)
To Adsorb and Detoxify – On Contact – Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents
Immediate (on contact) efficacy in destructively adsorbing chemical agent mimics plus: VX, GD, and HD
Demonstrated efficacy against biological agents:
Spores of Bacillus cereus and B. Globigii (anthrax simulants); plus Escherichia coli, Erwinia herbicola, and human virus simulants

What do we know?

We have developed reactive nanoparticles
(RNPs) that are unique in the industry.
RNPs have demonstrated reactive properties
against known chem/ bio agents.
We have the know- how to produce RNPs in
industrial quantities.
Nanotechnology has significant potential
applications in the chem/ bio environment.

What do we need to know?

Identify and assess the potential risks of
RNP use.
Safety and toxicity data in humans.
Do RNPs penetrate masks or other protective systems?
Do RNPs affect mechanical systems?

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