Bionanotechnology Laboratory:
Water Energy and Materials (BioNanoTech)

Bionanotechnology is a new interdisciplinary R&D field that integrates engineering, physical sciences, molecular engineering, biology, biochemistry and biotechnology through the development of physical and biological devices/processes using nano-fabrication techniques. Bionanotechnology has established itself as a very fertile research field as the paradigm-shifting science and technology that lead to innovative multifunctional nanosrtuctured devices and nanobiosystems for biological and chemical analysis, energy, novel materials and renewable resources.

BioNanotechnology Laboratory: Water, Energy and Materials (BioNanoTech) is a specialised national unique R&D group at the University of Adelaide, focusing on water/wastewater reuse, sustainable resource recovery, and production of renewable energy and functional materials. The BioNanoTech aims to provide a mechanism for training postgraduate and junior researcher, and generating the commercial technology, and promotes the sustained growth of the high-tech-based industry.

The BioNanoTech specialises in four main research themes: Water and Energy Technology, Nanotechnology and Polymer, Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience, and Biochemical System and Process. The vision of the BioNanoTech is to capitalise the R&D outcomes of fundamental and applied research to develop advanced innovative bio/nano-technological devices and processes for

• Production of renewable energy and renewable biomaterials from waste sources,
• Reclamation of reusable water from recycled water and wastewater,
• Development of functional materials and nanotechnological devices, and
• Development of novel industrial biochemical technologies and processes.

The BioNanoTech research program has extended the established R&D strength and capacity of Water Environment Biotechnology Laboratory (WEBL), which was initiated by Dr Bo Jin at University of South Australia in 2004, and was transferred to the University of Adelaide in 2007. The BioNanoTech collaborates with research groups and individuals in the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide, and Australian Water Quality Centre, SA Water. The BioNanoTech is located on the North Terrace Campus of the University of Adelaide.