Date: 2009. 1. 21, 9:00 AM ~ 1:00 PM Place: Bldg 500, Mok-Am Hall Traditionally, nanotechnology has been motivated by the growing importance of very small (d < 50nm) medicinal, computational, and optical elements in diverse technologies. Our effort has considered broadly how these features can be leveraged in environmental technologies. We consider how the nano/bio interface manifests itself in cell culture systems, thus giving an indication of the toxic effects of a nanoparticle. For example, we consider the environmental chemistry and biological interactions of a model nanostructure, carbon-60 (C₆₀). It is the structure of the C₆₀ aggregate that determines its function in a biological entity. Specifically, the more water-soluble derivatives are covalently attached to the surface of the C₆₀ cage, the less toxic it becomes. The ability to change the structure of the nanomaterial, thus tune its toxicity, will indeed greatly advance the current research in drug delivery, diagnosis, and patient recovery. Standard methods which provide measure of chemical and physical properties are essential to develop and adapt nanoparticle biocompatibility.