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Facility unveiled for rapid diagnosis of malaria in S. Africa

Xinhua, April 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

A facility for rapid diagnosis of malaria and other illnesses was unveiled at Mintek's Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC) in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The early diagnosis and treatment of such diseases can help to save lives, and having the cleanroom, worth 30 million rand (about 250,000 U.S. dollars), is a major step towards disease control in South Africa, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor said at the launch ceremony.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) was greatly encouraged by the progress government had made since the launch of the National Nanotechnology Strategy in 2005, Pandor said.

"When we launched the strategy, we set ourselves ambitious goals in respect of the provision of clean water, clean and reliable energy, and improved health care. We are committed to doing this cost-effectively, and we remain committed to these goals and focused on their realisation," said the minister.

Commissioned by the DST last December, the facility is designed to enable the NIC and South Africa's researchers to develop and fabricate nanotechnology-based diagnostic devices and tools for application in health and the containment of biological reagents.

The facility will also enable the centre to produce nanotechnology-based devices and systems that meet the most stringent International Standards Organisation requirements. This makes it possible for the NIC to follow good manufacturing practice guidelines and comply with pharmaceutical inspection conventions and cooperation.

Cleanrooms are essential for the fabrication and production of advanced devices and systems that require the concentration of airborne particles to be controlled to ensure that processes are not compromised by unwanted and/or unknown contaminants. Cleanrooms also allow the control of other variables, such as temperature, humidity and pressure.

Pandor said reliable research equipment and research chairs in the field would enhance the generation of nanotechnology knowledge and nanotechnology innovation in South Africa. Endi