2 nanotimes Content | Editor‘s Letter Content

 Dear Readers,

Again, we are happy to present an amazing nanotimes edition with latest key nanotech news. Nanotechnology, specifically nanosilver remains in the discussion. There is increasing concern about the environmental effects. Over the last ten years, NGOs often created a hostile environment for nanotech entrepreneurs in Germany. That is one reason why German and Austrian nanotechnology companies stopped communicating nanotech in public or emigrated elsewhere. I still remember Samsung‘s washing machine with a so-called Silver Nano Health System and its introduction to the market in Germany in 2006. The announcement led to a heated discussion in the media led by NGO BUND, a German environmental organization. In Sweden, the washing machine had already been introduced to the market. Furthermore, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency EPA had declared it acceptable for use. Now, nanosilver is again coming under attack. A Swedish study concludes that silver can cause long-term damage to agricultural land. This result was published recently by Chalmers researcher Rickard Arvidsson [Contributions to Emission, Exposure and Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials, Chalmers University of Technology]. Mr. Arvidsson conducted a study at Gothenburg‘s waste water treatment plant. His team concludes that the toxic pollution depends on the amount of silver that manufacturers use in clothing.

The capital market situation is becoming increasingly difficult for small nanotech companies incl. the US. For example, the former exemplary company A123 Systems, an electric car batteries manufacturer, filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 weeks ago. It will show in the next few weeks if the engagement of the Chinese Wanxiang Group Corp. is effective. The auto parts maker will provide $50 million loan, a so-called debtor-in-possession financing.

In Europe, politicians will likely have to look for a better legal solution for financing companies via crowdfunding. Last week I was in Vienna. A small shoe manufacturer stirs up the Austrian capital market there. The business founder has received funds up to EUR3 million ($3.8 m) from friends and family. He pays his "investors" interest; however, he has no banking license. That got him into trouble with the financial regulation authorities in Austria. The political Vienna has somewhat backed down after weeks of dispute. Sometimes it is worth to fight for your (business) interests.

Thomas Ilfrich