Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nanometer?
A nanometer represents one billionth (10 -9) of a meter.  To better understand just how small a unit of measurement this is, the diameter of a single human hair is the equivalent of 125,000 nanometers.

What is nanoscience?
Simply defined, nanoscience is the study of unique properties of matter that occur at the nanoscale (roughly between 1 to 100 nanometers).  The application of nanoscience  is called nanotechnology.

What is a nanoparticle? 
Nanoparticles are less than 100 nanometers in length.  They generally possess dramatically different physical, chemical, and biological properties than larger quantities of the same material.  This is due, in part, to the difference in surface area per unit of volume at the nanoscale.  A nanoparticle has a higher proportion of atoms on the surface compared with the number of internal atoms.  These surface atoms often behave differently than their internal counterparts since they have a higher energy state.  The result is that reactions take place between atoms and molecules at surfaces.  Essentially, nanoscale particles act as miniature chemical reactors.

What is NEFT™?
NEFT stands for Nanoparticle – Enhanced – Filtration – Technology.  It refers to a proprietary, patented platform owned by Applied Nanoscience Inc.  The technology can be customized for specific applications and provide competitive advantage to companies in major consumer markets.

How does the NEFT™ platform differ from other high efficiency filtration systems?
The unique performance characteristics of the NEFT platform enable it to not only filter bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, and other pathogens from the air but act as a destructive adsorbent to destroy harmful microorganisms that come in contact with the filtration media.  The filter efficiency is 99.99% at 0.03 microns, which is believed to be the most effective filter available on the market today. 

What is the mechanism by which the NEFT™ platform achieves its claimed performance capabilities?
There are a number of chemicals that can be useful in destroying harmful microorganisms, but it is critical to find chemical agents that are not harmful to humans.  The main mechanism for destroying bacteria involves attacking the ability of bacteria to produce vital proteins that are required for life.  The customized nanoparticles incorporated in the filters function in this capacity, breaking specific bonds to render the target organism harmless.

What are some common applications for your technology platform?
• Personal Protection – ( Infection containment)
• a. healthcare personnel – hospital, emergency response
• b. civilian – airline/subway/train travelers
• c. disease outbreak preparedness – general population
• Transportation Industry
• Building/Shelter ventilation systems
• Home Air Quality
• Home Appliances
• Food processing

What nanoparticles are used for these applications and how are they applied?
The nanoparticle selected or “engineered” is dependent on the specific target organism(s) that would enhance or improve an existing application.  The type of nanomaterial that successfully meets a Customer’s needs allowing them to gain a competitive advantage and the process of incorporation remains proprietary and confidential to the licensee.