7th International Conference on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies (NN10) & 4th International Summer School on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies (ISSON-10), 10-17 July, Ouranoupolis, Halkidiki, Greece

Varvara Karagkiozaki, Stergios Logothetidis^*

Lab for Thin films, Nanosystems & Nanometrology (LTFN), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

^*Corresponding author: E-mail: logot@auth.gr, tel: +30 2310 998174,

Fax: +30 2310 998390, Full Mailing Address: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Physics Department, Laboratory for Thin Films - Nanosystems & Nanometrology (LTFN), GR-54124, Greece.

Recent advancements in the field of nanotechnology in the aspects of biomedical applications, nanomaterials, nanoscale characterization and organic electronics were presented in the 7th International Conference on Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (NN10) and in the 4th International Summer School on Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (ISSON-10) that were held in Ouranoupolis, Halkidiki, Greece on July 10-17. With 205 presentations from participants from different fields and 40 countries it lived up to its reputation as one of the leading nanotechnology forum in the world. The Conference included 2 plenary and 38 invited presentations from leading scientists and industry experts, more than 40 oral and 125 poster presentations, and nanotechnology instrumentation exhibition and surrounding events. It focuses on the latest advances on N&N and promotes profound scientific discussions between scientists and researchers from different disciplines. NN10 key objectives were also to promote networking and collaboration between different academia, research and industry players in the field and to stimulate the exchange of educational concepts. The NN10 has been established since 2004 and it is it is the annual meeting gathering the front-line researchers, scientists, engineers and industry experts specialized in the fields of N&N. It had been organized by the Lab for Thin films, Nanosystems & Nanometrology (LTFN, http://ltfn.physics.auth.gr/), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and the NANONET research thematic network. The organizer and chairperson of the events is Prof. Stergios Logothetidis, the director of LTFN lab and the founder of the NANONET.

This year, the NN10 conference had been focused onto cutting-edge scientific subjects and they had divided in three specific workshops in the emerging areas of:

Workshop 1 - Organic Electronics - Photonics and Nanoelectronics

Workshop 2 - Nanomaterials, Nanofabrication and Nanoconstruction

Workshop 3 - Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology

The Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology Workshop focused on the latest nanomedical advances in the prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases. It featured the state-of the art scientific development in the emerging Nanomedicine & Nanobiotechnology field with the goal of fostering research and collaborations. The participants attended a Plenary Talk on “Cell Mechanics”, by Prof. K. Komvopoulos from Univ. of California at Berkeley, and 15 Invited Presentations given by frontline researchers and professors on the current trends in the field of Nanomedicine. An introduction in Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine principles and their synergy was demonstrated by Prof. Lajos Balogh in his plenary talk. Presentations involved nanomaterials with novel physical, chemical and biological properties can be used for potential applications in drug delivery systems, medical diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, AIDs and neurological disorders.

Prof. J. Mollenhauer (Center of Excellence NanoCAN, Univ. of Southern Denamark) presented how streamlining genomics, synthetic biology and nanobiotechnology can be applied for cancer drug delivery. The determination of molecular fingerprints of tumors is feasible at the level of mRNA. Thus, he presented a synthetic biology approach that allows for the rapid construction of cancer cells with defined molecular fingerprints. Via a scan of 120 candidate genes for melanoma, the feasibility to operate a substantial large scale was presented as well as with strategies that convert it into the design of a molecular- fingerprint matched RNAi devices as one component of a prospective nanodrug.

Dr. J. Lisziewicz (CEO of Genetic Immunity) presented the DermaVir pDNA/PEIm-based immunotherapeutic nanomedicine for HIV/AIDS. The Dermavir shown an excellent safety and tolerability profile at Phase I and II clinical trials and were capable to boost HIV-specific T cell precursors and induced suppression of virus replication. Dr. J. Vettukatil (Paediatric Cardiology Dept. Southampton University Hospital, UK) gave a lecture on advanced cardiac imaging and interventions in children that have heart problems and stressed that miniaturization is the key for innovations in small children with complex heart defects.

Dr. V. Karagkiozaki (LTFN, AUTh) presented cardiovascular therapies by stents based on nanostructured biomaterials. Carbon and titanium based stent nanocoatings with tailored properties were manufactured, characterized by nanoscale techniques and assessed in terms of their thrombogenicity for biocompatibility improvement.

Nanoscale medical imaging, nanobiosensors & diagnostics, regenerative medicine and monitoring of bio and non-bio interactions at nanoscale were addressed. Professor Silke Krol (European Center for Nanomedicine, Milan, Italy) brought the audience through strategies towards gold nanoparticle distribution in brain and in its vivo multimodal imaging for the fight against neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. H.Schmid (Fraunhofer Institute, Germany) explained in his lecture that nanoparticles in the order of 10nm show the best effectiveness as derived from experiments. Nano-silver is used as an antimicrobial agent and nano-magnetite can be used for cancer thermotherapy. Their nanostabilization is needed by chemical additives whereas their characterization by nanoanalytical methods is essential to ensure nanosafety. The cell-materials interactions and the contractile force measurements of fibroblasts was picked up in a lecture given by Prof. B. Muller (Biomaterials Science Center, Univ. Basel, Switzerland).

Nanotechnology challenges in biopharmaceutics and the impact of nanodrugs in the immune system were significant sessions of the Nanomedicine Workshop. Prof. I. Vizirianakis (Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, AUTh) presented the improvement of drug delivery outcomes by pharmacogenomics leading to pharmacotyping in clinical practice in order to achieve persponalized medicine. Dendrimers characterized by a highly branched 3D structure, possess unique properties such as a high degree of surface functionality and versatility. This theme was picked by Prof. P. Papaioannidou (Faculty of Medicine, AUTh) who gave a lecture on dendrimer based nanodrugs with antibacterial and antiviral activity.

Dr. R. Urbanics (SeroScience Ltd, Budapest, Hungary) focused on his presentation in in-vivo immunotoxicity testing of nanodrugs-nanocarriers. The Complement Activation Related Pseudoallergy (CARPA) arise at first application of nanomaterials and are less severe or complete absent upon repeated exposures. A pig model was demonstrated for evaluation of CARPA reactions in case of intravenous application of liposomal drugs like Doxil. Nanotoxicity session was strengthened by the lecture of Prof. J. Szebeni (Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Semmelweis Univ. & SeroScience Ltd, Budapest) who demonstrated the best known examples of nano-drug induced CARPA and immunogenicity, their mechanisms, clinical consequences and current approaches for prevention and treatment.

Dr. V. Karagkiozaki, a coordinator of the Nanomedicine Workshop, organize a round table (together with Prof. L. Balogh) with the theme “Debate on nanomedicine: unsolved medical problems waiting for nanosolutions” that become the highlight of the workshop, as it converted into a fruitful and exciting scientific discussion. On one side, 10 clinicians from different medical fields presented the unsolved medical problems (in cardiology, cancer, AIDs, hematology, neurosurgery, diabetes, orthopaedics, congenital diseases, embryology) and from the other side, 9 nanotechnologists addressed the challenges for nanomedicine to overcome the clinical hurdles.

The needs for oral insulin, non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose, regeneration of pancreatic tissues in the field of diabetes were presented by Prof. K. Kotsa (Endoncrinology Dept., University Hospital of Ahepa, Thessaloniki) and the demand for neuron regeneration and improvement of neurosurgical implants was expressed by Prof. P. Selviaridis (Neurosurgery Dept., Ahepa Hospital). The drawbacks of orthopaedic implants in terms of mechanical stability, osteointegration and biocompatibility were presented by Prof. F. Sayegh, (Orthopaedic Dept. Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki). The need for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the fight against blood diseases and cancer was stressed by Dr. E. Papadakis, (Hematology Dept. Papageorgiou Hospital). Prof. E. Emmanouli-Nikolousi (Medical Faculty, AUTh) gave the stimuli by her presentation, for discussion on how nanomedicine can influence embryological development and inhibit teratogenesis. Nanodentistry was covered by a short presentation of Prof. B.Muller (Univ. of Basel) whereas regenerative medicine and stem cells were presented by Prof. K. Kolliakou (Medical Faculty, AUTh). The detection of vulnerable atheromatic plaques, the early detection of blood biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome, the nanotechnology strategies for enhancement of thrombo-protectivity of vascular stents were a few of the issues in cardiology field that addressed by the cardiologist, Dr. V. Karagkiozaki. The problems in diagnosis of congenital cardiac diseases and the need for development of nanodevices for monitoring and treatment of congenital cardiac defects were expressed by Dr. J. Vettukatil, a paediatric cardiologist from Southampton University Hospital. Nanotoxicology and ethical issues were also presented by Prof. J. Szebeni.

All these clinical hurdles gave the stimuli for almost three hours discussion by nano-technology and medical experts in order to provide solutions based on nanomedicine. The participant feedback was very strong, leading to innovative remarks. Prof. S. Logothetidis, pointed out that many diseases initiated by the conformation changes of a single protein such as neurodegenerative disorders correlated with ß-amyloid. Nanoscale techniques combining imaging and chemical analysis at nanometer size (e.g AFM, Raman Spectroscopy, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry etc) to accurately measure protein misfolding therefore provide important insights into early changes in disease pathogenesis and treatment. In general, this round table gave the opportunity to nano-bio-technologists and medical doctors to exchange knowledge and expertise for advancing the medical and biological research and foster collaborations.

The NANONET which is non-profit network (http://www.nanonet.gr), an initiative for the promotion of communication and collaboration between research and business organizations activated in the fields of Nano-bio-technologies was presented by Prof. Logothetidis. Its' main purpose is to reinforce and promote Nano -Biotechnologies in Greece, Europe, USA and the rest of the world, through an interscientific approach. Today more than 250 Organisations (University- Labs, Research Centres and Companies) participate in NANONET from Greece, Europe and USA. The Nanobiotechnology & Nanomedicine Cluster is comprised of more than 80 members.

The ISSON-10 Summer School reviewed the current state of knowledge in the several fields of NN for the training of the next-generation researchers and scientists in the multidisciplinary fields of NN. The ISSON-10 lectures were given by exceptional lecturers from Universities, Research Institutions and Industry coming from Europe and USA and focused on cutting-edge scientific subjects, divided in three emerging areas : a) N&N (Nanomaterials, Nanoscale Characterization, Latest applications b) Organic Electronics (Devices, Materials, Manufacturing, applications c) Nanomedicine. The attendees were undergraduate, graduate, PhD students, Post Doctoral Fellows and researchers who wished to be introduced and apply nanotechnology in their research activities. The successful organization of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd International Summer School on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies in the last three years resulted in the participation of students in ISSON10, from more than 15 countries. The ISSON-10 became a gateway for innovative high-tech ideas coming from enthusiastic young researchers that got the stimuli for discussion with the lecturers.

The conference and summer school gained strong media attention, including TV interviews and newspaper articles. The NN10 satellite events organized in the beautiful, sunny Ouranoupolis, filled with sightseeing sites, ancient ruins & temples and beaches in the surrounding area that leave memorable impressions to all participants. But the most impressive sightseeing was a cruise tour in Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic region, with a plethora of monasteries that are considered masterpieces of ecclesiastical architecture. This sailing tour enabled the participants to see many of these beautiful monasteries and to admire the spellbinding natural beauty of the area.

Next year, the NN11 conference and ISSON-11 (Summer School will be held in the area of Thessaloniki between 9-15th July 2011 (more information will be announced at: http://nnconf.physics.auth.gr, http://ltfn.physics.auth.gr ).

What is the best way to conclude rather than by the closing remarks of T. Moustakas, Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering (Boston University):

“I loved the collegial atmosphere, the diversity of the forum which gave me the opportunity to interact with people from areas that are usually less accessible to my discipline and the high quality of the talks and posters. The diversity of the topics addressed, together with the festive and hospitable atmosphere made the attendance productive and enjoyable. The idea to organize the Round-Table discussion by Medical experts was innovative and necessary so that the communities of the people who are developing nanomaterials and those who applying them in medicine understand each other's language and limitations”.

Fig. 1: NN10 Opening Ceremony by Prof. S.Logothetidis.	Figure 2: ISSON10 Closing Ceremony
Figure 3: Panel of Nanomedicine Round Table. Left to right: Prof. L. Balogh, Dr.V Karagkiozaki, Prof. E. Emmanouli-Nikolousi, Dr. E. Papadakis.	Figure 4: Invited Medical Experts to the Nanomedicine Round Table.