Nanotechnology in Mississippi, USA: Market Report

Mississippi, located in Southern United States, covers a total area of 125,443 km² and has a population of 2,978,512 as of 2011.

Mississippi’s total state product in 2010 was $98 billion based on estimates by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Industrial manufacturing is an important part of their economy with petroleum and transportation equipment being the largest manufacturing sectors. The manufacture of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals is also a significant contributor to the Mississippi economy.

Mississippi welcomes and supports business ventures that open opportunities through incentives and tax advantages. It is strategically located in relation to North and South American markets and possesses a strong workforce and solid infrastructure.

Nanotechnology Organizations

A brief introduction to the key nanotechnology-related organizations in Mississippi is given below:

Innovate Mississippi: A nonprofit organization that focuses on strengthening the technology-based economic development for Mississippi. Their services are extended to students, investors, teachers, communities, biomass companies and entrepreneurs.

Nanotechnology Companies

The key nanotechnology-related company in Mississippi is given below along with a brief introduction:

Hybrid Plastics - Hybrid Plastics® is one of the top 10 nanotechnology companies in the United States.  Hybrid Plastics® is unique among nanotech companies because it actually manufactures its nano-products on a multi-ton scale at its 35,000 sq. ft. facility. Hybrid Plastics manufactures POSS® Nanostructured® Chemicals, Flow Aids, Dispersion Aids and Thermoset resins.

Nanotechnology Research and Education

Given below is the leading academic institute in Mississippi offering courses and research programs in nanoscience and nanotechnology:

Jackson State University: Promotes the study of nanotechnology through the following research centers and departments:

• Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity - Conducts research on the development, production and toxicity of nanomaterials.  The center’s nanotechnology-based research subprojects are listed below:
  • Modeling and prediction of physical properties and toxicity of nanomaterials.
  • Nanomaterial based sensing of environmental toxin using hyper – Rayleigh Scattering Spectroscopy
  • Nanomaterials: A study of toxicity mechanism, bioaccumulation potential, and application for prediction modeling.
  • Environment-specific issues in nanoparticle physics: optical, energy transfer and relaxation processes.
  • Silver clusters: A theoretical study of structure, spectra, paramagnetism, and chemisorption.
  • Nanomaterial based sensing of environmental toxin using hyper – Rayleigh Scattering Spectroscopy.
• CSET Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - Provides training and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in nanoscience and nanotechnology. This center also aims at creating a research environment allowing individuals to share their innovative ideas to help in commercialization of nanotechnology.
• Department of Civil Engineering- The department of Civil Engineering conducts research on nano-structured materials.
• Department of Physics and Astronomy - Conducts research on ‘Acoustic waves in ferroelectric solids with nano-structures’ in order to develop tools that can be used in experiments to characterize and measure nano-structures.

The Mississippi Polymer Institute - Carries out contract research and development into such things as nano-emulsions.

Recent Developments

Scientists from the Mississippi State University recently discovered a technique to change wood into magnetic charcoal, high-crystal carbon fibers and other kinds of carbon-based materials using nanotechnology.  This new technique can also be used to develop antiradiation materials that prevent nuclear accidents and detoxification materials that are used for environment cleaning purposes.

With researchers exploring the use of nanotechnology in engineering, medical, environmental and educational fields, Mississippi is likely to see new and innovative discoveries starting from eco-friendly nanotechnology-based products to various scientific processes that use nanotechnology.