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Thursday, 26th March 2009 (1536 views)

A new technique of using nanotechnology to preserve crumbling old books has been developed by scientists at the University of Florence.

According to the Scientific American, researchers from the university have suggested that nanotechnology, which often involves the use of gold, can help to preserve books without resorting to the deacidification method currently in use, which changes the feel of paper.

Lead scientist Piero Baglioni told the news source that books "feel different to the touch" after deacidification treatment, but a new method of adhering nanoparticles to the cellulose fibres found in paper can negate the need for the current treatment technique.

However, he also warned that it is difficult to predict the success of the nanotechnology preservation, as although scientist have created simulations to measure the effects of ageing, firm conclusions have not yet been reached.

Elsewhere in the nanotechnology sector, scientists at the University of Missouri have suggested combining gold with tea could help cancer treatment.

 

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