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Unlike existing genetic engineering methods, the technique Nanocides: Pesticides via Encapsulation developed by Oak Ridge scientists does not pass modified traits Pesticides containing nano-scale active ingredients are already on to further generations because, in theory, the DNA remains on the market, and many of the world's leading agrochemical attached to the carbon nanofibre, unable to integrate into the firms are conducting R&D on the development of new nano-scale plants' own genome. The implication is that it would be possible formulations of pesticides. to reprogram cells for one time only. According to Oak Ridge A more sophisticated approach to formulating nano-scale pesti- scientists, this relieves concerns about gene flow associated with cides involves encapsulation—packaging the nano-scale active genetically modified plants, where genes are transferred between ingredient within a kind of tiny "envelope" or "shell." Both food unrelated organisms or are removed or rearranged within a ingredients and agrochemicals in microencapsulated form have species. If the new technique enables researchers to selectively been on the market for several decades. According to industry, switch on or off a key trait such as fertility, will seed corporations the reformulation of pesticides in microcapsules has triggered use the tiny terminators to prevent "revolutionary changes," including the farmers from saving and re-using har- ability to control under what conditions vested seed—compelling them to the active ingredient is released. return to the commercial seed market According to the agrochemical every year to obtain the activated industry, re-formulating pesticides in genetic trait they need? _ atom-scale technologies will microcapsules can also extend patent This approach also raises a number protection, increase solubility, reduce of safety questions: what if the further concentrate economic the contact of active ingredients with nanofibres were ingested by wildlife power in the hands of giant agricultural workers® and may have or humans as food? What are the environmental advantages such as ecological impacts if the nanofibres multinational corporations. reducing run-off rates. enter the cells of other organisms and cause them to express new proteins? Concerns raised by Where will the nanofibres go when encapsulation the plant decomposes in the soil? ¢ Both biological activity and envi- Carbon nanofibres have been com- pared to asbestos fibres because they ronmental/worker exposure can be longer-lasting; beneficial insects and have similar shapes. Initial toxicity studies on some carbon soil life may be affected. nanofibres have demonstrated inflammation of cells. A study by * Could nano-scale pesticides be taken up by plants and smug- NASA found inflammation in the lungs to be more severe than in gled into the food chain? cases of silicosis,’ though Nobel laureate Richard Smalley, * Pesticides can be more easily aerosolised as a powder or Chairman of Carbon Nanotechnologies Inc. gives little weight to droplets—therefore able to be inhaled and perhaps a greater threat these concerns: "We are confident there will prove out to be no — to human health and safety. health hazards but this [toxicology] work continues."” ici power in the hands of giant multinational corporations. soil life may be affected. * Could nano-scale pesticides be taken up by plants and smug- gled into the food chain? * Pesticides can be more easily aerosolised as a powder or droplets—therefore able to be inhaled and perhaps a greater threat to human health and safety. * Could pesticides formulated as nanocapsules or nano-scale droplets exhibit different toxicity and enter the body and affect wildlife through new exposure routes, for example, across skin? * Potential for use as a bioweapons delivery vehicle. ¢ What other external triggers might affect the release of the active ingredient (e.g., chemical binding, heat or break down of the capsule)? ~ Atomically Modified Seeds In March 2004, ETC Group reported on a nanotech research initiative in Thailand that aims to atomically modify the charac- teristics of local rice varieties.”” In a three-year project at Chiang Mai University's nuclear physics laboratory, researchers "drilled" a hole through the membrane of a rice cell in order to insert a nitrogen atom that THERI would stimulate the rearrangement of the rice’s DNA.” So far, researchers have been able to alter the colour of a local rice vari- ety from purple to green. In a telephone interview, Dr Thirapat Vilaithong, director of Chiang Mai's Fast Neutron Research Facility, told Biodiversity Action Thailand (BIOTHAI) that their next target is Thailand's famous jasmine rice.” The goal H of their research is to develop jasmine vari- | eties that can be grown all year long, with i shorter stems and improved grain colour.* | One of the attractions of this nano-scale - technique, according to Dr Vilaithong, is that, like the Oak Ridge project, it does not - require the controversial technique of genetic modification. "At least we can avoid it," Dr Vilaithong said.* Civil soci- ety organisations in Thailand are sceptical ~— of the benefits. = THERE'S offG Fore EVERY MINUTE ai 4 cK, HERES THE oO... New you she AMO = THE APOLOGY REPAIR gL — — © |e JUNE — JULY 2005 NEXUS = 13 ... atom-scale technologies will further concentrate economic www.nexusmagazine.com