Nanotechnology is emerging as a transformative force in global development, revolutionizing key sectors including healthcare, agriculture, energy, and materials science. These views were expressed by Prof Dr M Raza Shah, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), during a two-day workshop on “Uses and Applications of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)” held at the LEJ National Science Information Center, UoK.
The event was a collaborative effort between the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the UNESCO Chair on Medicine and Bioorganic Natural Product Chemistry at UoK, and the Sindh Innovation, Research, and Education Network (SIREN).
More than 30 participants from prestigious institutions, including the University of Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Federal Urdu University, NIBGE, the National Institute of Virology, the LEJ Nanotechnology Center, and the University of Nizwa (Oman), attended the workshop.
Prof Raza Shah emphasized nanotechnology’s pivotal role in shaping the future, notably predicting that military uniforms embedded with nanotech materials could one day protect soldiers from gunshots. He further highlighted its applications in targeted drug delivery, early disease detection, personalized medicine, and the development of nano-fertilizers and pest control systems to boost agricultural output.
On the subject of Atomic Force Microscopy, he explained that AFM is a vital tool for imaging, force measurement, and manipulation at the nanoscale, capable of detecting properties like magnetism, height, and friction with precision beyond the limits of conventional optical microscopy. Its effectiveness extends to both non-biological surfaces and delicate, dynamic cell structures.
The workshop was led by an expert panel including Prof Dr M Raza Shah, Dr Maqsood Ahmed Chotani, Ms Saira Yasmeen, and Ms Tasmina, with coordination by Prof Dr Sammer Yousuf. Welcoming the attendees, Prof Shah noted that the event was designed to equip researchers and academics with a deeper understanding of AFM and its expanding role in scientific discovery.
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The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of the University of Karachi’s commitment to advancing nanotechnology education and research, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing footprint in cutting-edge science and innovation.