The Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Greenhouse Gases at Alexandria University offers a comprehensive suite of services, including the preparation and characterization of nanomaterials from natural resources through green synthesis methods; safety assessments and aflatoxin detection in food and feed; complete chemical analyses of foods and feeds, identify active components; specialized instruments for greenhouse gas measurement and analysis; research collaboration and consultancy with academic institutions, industry, and government agencies; educational workshops and training programs in nanotechnology practices; and guidance on safe laboratory practices to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. These services align with the objectives of Alexandria University's Technology Park by fostering innovation, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting sustainable development through cutting-edge research and collaboration.
The Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Greenhouse Gases at Alexandria University aspires to be a globally recognized center of excellence in nanotechnology research, focusing on developing innovative solutions for greenhouse gas mitigation and environmental sustainability. This vision aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Alexandria University's Technology Park, which aims to localize and transfer technology and knowledge, thereby enhancing the quality of domestic industries and attracting international investment.
The mission of the Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Greenhouse Gasses aligns with the objectives of Alexandria University's Technology Park through: 1) Promote Innovation and Technological Advancement: 2)By developing advanced nanotechnologies, the laboratory contributes to the park's goal of fostering innovation and technological progress. 3)Enhance Academic and Professional Excellence: Through student education and training, the laboratory supports the park's objective of achieving academic excellence and preparing a skilled workforce. 4)Facilitate Industry Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: 5)The laboratory's partnerships with various industries and institutions align with the park's mission to link academic research with industry, facilitating technology transfer and the development of economically valuable products. 6) Support Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility: The laboratory's focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability reflects the park's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and contributing to societal well-being.
List Specialized Equipment
1. Nano Particle size Analyzer for measuring in micro and nano size distribution
2. Specific Surface Area analyzer for micro and nano particles (Bettersizer 2600).
3. Gas Analyzer (Gas-Pro- IR-W368334/01-001, Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd, Abingdon, United Kingdom) for Determination of CH4, CO2, H2S, O2 gases in gas samples).
4. High-energy planetary ball mill for transforming the natural materials into nano scale.
5. Probe sonicator (Model USY2500-1, 2500 W, Bioevopeak, China) for preparing the nano marital
6. Complete semi-automatic gas production (GP) technique for testing the nutritional and biological evaluation of feeds and feed additives.
7. Gas pressure transducer and data logger (model PSI-V2, SmartLab Inc., Cairo, Egypt) for measuring gas pressure.
8. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Agilent 1260 Infinity II system with a Quaternary Pump (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, California, USA).
9. Spectrophotometer (E-2100 model; PEAK Instruments; Houston; USA)
10. Fat Analyzer for Determination of crude fat content
11. Kjeldahl System for Protein and nitrogen determination
12. Balances (0.0001 g and 0.001 g)
13. Water Distillation System for Water distillation
14. pH and electrical conductivity Meter for Determination of pH (hydrogen ion concentration) and the ions.
15. Refrigeration Cycle Unit
16. Camera Microscope for Sample examination with imaging capability
17. Magnetic Stirrer
18. Oven for drying
19. Smart fiber analyzer for measuring carbohydrate concentrations.
20. Centrifuge.
unique expertise/technologies
The Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Greenhouse Gases at Alexandria University is renowned for its unique expertise in developing safe, natural alternatives to ionophore antibiotics using local resources and green synthesis methods. Additionally, the laboratory employs specialized instruments to measure and analyze greenhouse gases, supporting research in emission reduction strategies and environmental impact assessments.
University researchers;Industry partners;Entrepreneurs;Startups;Research centers ;
beneficaiaries access the services
Fee-based services
List any past collaborations with industry or any other institution
1- City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (Egypt).
2- Sao Paulo University, Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (Brazil).
3- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences (Oman)
Key Outcomes
These partnerships have led to several key outcomes:
Advancement in Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Collaborations with SRTA-City have facilitated the development of innovative agricultural technologies, enhancing sustainable practices and contributing to food security.
Nuclear Energy Applications in Agriculture: Engagements with CENA in Brazil have provided insights into the use of nuclear technology for agricultural applications, promoting research in this area.
Marine and Agricultural Research Enhancement: Partnerships with CAMS have strengthened research capabilities in marine and agricultural sciences, fostering innovation and contributing to sustainable development.
These collaborations have significantly impacted the laboratory's research capabilities, fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to the advancement of nanotechnology and environmental science, we got a new research line by preparing the modified clays and biochar as well as natural plant extracts from the local resources as alternatives for the dietary antibiotics in animal feeds.
The "Unit" currently holds partnership(s)
Academia;International Organizations;
Some Questions & Answers
What are the opportunities for collaboration?
The opportunities can be:
Research Partnerships: Collaborate on projects focusing on nanotechnology applications in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and greenhouse gas mitigation.
Educational Initiatives: Develop joint workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills in nanotechnology and environmental sciences.
Technology Transfer: Engage in the exchange of technologies and methodologies, facilitating the commercialization of innovative solutions developed through collaborative efforts.
What are the funding sources to operate the "Unit"?
National (STDF,Academy of Scientific Research and Technology) and international projects (IAEA)
Is the "Unit" charging fees against its services?
Sometimes;
What are the major operational challenges?
Funding gaps;Equipment maintenance;
activities that Unit can contribute to, in the Technology Park
Research and Development;Technology Transfer;
List planned upgrades/expansions of the "Unit"
We plan to commercialize the products developed by the Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Greenhouse Gases at Alexandria University. Enhance its research facilities by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment to support advanced nanotechnology and environmental science research. We aim also to strengthen partnerships with international institutions to foster joint research initiatives and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the laboratory plans to establish specialized training and certification programs in nanotechnology and greenhouse gas management to equip students and professionals with cutting-edge skills. Investing in sustainable infrastructure, including energy-efficient systems and green building technologies, aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
What additional services can the "Unit" offer?
Consultancy Services: Offering expert advice on nanotechnology applications and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.
If needed, what is the support expected from the Technology Park?
producing and commercializing feed additives such as modified clays, biochars, green-synthesized metal oxides, and fiber-degrading yeasts present a promising opportunity to enhance livestock and poultry production. These natural additives can improve animal health and productivity by enhancing nutrient absorption and digestion, increasing weight gain, and improving feed efficiency. Additionally, they can reduce the need for antibiotics, thereby minimizing antibiotic residues in animal products and contributing to the production of organic milk, meat, and eggs. This approach aligns with consumer demands for safer, residue-free animal products and supports public health by reducing exposure to antibiotic residues and mycotoxins like aflatoxins. Furthermore, it is in line with Egypt's Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy towards 2030, which emphasizes improving animal feed quality and safety standards.