DOST 'Balik Scientist' banks on nanotechnology to advance Western Visayas R&D

Bringing with him to the Philippines the expertise he honed overseas, Dr. Noel Peter Tan is leaving an indelible mark in the Research and Development (R&D) landscape of Western Visayas through nanotechnology.

Tan is a medium-term Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist who is currently leading the Center for Advanced New Materials, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (CANMEET) at the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo.

There, he is imparting his knowledge and extensive experience in Applied Chemistry, specifically in the field of nanotechnologies which he honed for more than 10 years.

CANMEET is the the first material science and emerging technologies research center in Western Visayas. The research center houses two laboratories, the Smart Packaging Laboratory, and the Membranes Laboratory.

Bioplastics from plant waste

With the assistance of industry partners, CANMEET aspires to be the forerunner in Western Visayas R&D for the creation of innovative materials and their applications.

One of the projects Tan is working on is the development of a plant-based, biodegradable packaging from waste materials.

He discussed more about his project on biodegradable packaging during his Exit Report Presentation held in Iloilo City on Friday, April 19.  Tan leads the research on Nano-enabled bioplastics from regenerated cellulose aimed at producing an alternative source of biodegradable bioplastic with an improved mechanical property suitable for packaging materials.

While traditional plastic is made from petroleum-based raw materials, bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable sources.

“Contributions of Balik Scientists, like the work of Dr. Tan enriches the country through innovations geared towards solving national concerns like environmental protection and management,” said DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia.  

“As a nanoscience and nanotechnology expert, we are confident that Dr. Tan has successfully led the development of an R&D active environment for the USA, particularly in the fields of nanoscience, nanotechnology, and chemical engineering,” she added.

Desalination program

Dr. Tan also leads The Membrane Technology for Seawater Desalination Program at CANMEET study on improving a passive membrane-distillation system powered by solar energy. This shall develop a more productive desalinator through surface functionalization of its membrane layers.

The preliminary data generated in this proposal will have significant impact on the development of a functional prototype of a desalinator for community-based applications in the future. Sustainable domestic water generation through seawater desalination is one of the promising alternatives to providing sufficient water access in the country.

It was just last year when DOST- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology, Research, and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) inaugurated the Hub for Sustainable Smart Nanomaterials.

Housed in the USA, DOST-PCIEERD said that the hub will enable researchers to create active and intelligent packaging systems using cutting-edge tools, composite polymeric functional films, and nanoparticles that are appropriate for smart packaging technologies.

Asked why the hub was created in the Western Visayas region, DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Enrico Paringit said that numerous factors have come together to come up with a solution or a system moving forward.

"They have the expertise, they have the right kind of industry that they want to partner, and they have a very good problem statement to deal with. I think if you combine all these together you will really see that this is the best place to actually do this kind of research," he added.

Paringit has already expressed his admiration for the researchers before, who according to him, saw the potential in using residues even, stating it's a "double whammy" since they'll be utilizing the waste products to produce something that has additional value.

DOST's Balik Scientist Program

DOST's BSP was established as early as 1975 to strengthen the scientific and technological human resources of both public and private institutions, academe included.

The program aims to promote continuous knowledge sharing and accelerate the flow of new technologies amongst our local researchers by seeking support from Filipino experts and professionals to avail of the program and return to the Philippines.  Such expertise is seen to address specific STI challenges the country faces.

“We are confident that his influence (Dr. Tan) will continue to drive innovation and inspire future scientists. We are honored to have him as part of the Balik Scientist Program and look forward to his future endeavors,” Paringit said.

Dr. Tan also crafted a new course syllabus, the Methods of Research 101 (MR 101), and new elective courses on Introduction to Nanotechnology, and Plastics Products Manufacture. During his tenure as Balik Scientist at the University of San Agustin, Dr. Tan provided invaluable mentorship to the students and facilitated a comprehensive series of training on nanoscience and nanotechnology.  

In his one-year term, Dr. Tan's dedication and expertise have already made a considerable impact on enhancing USA's research capabilities while also igniting a passion for STEM among the students.