SERDANG, 25 February – Institute of Nanoscience dan Nanotechnology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, successfully organised the Nanomaterials Technology Webinar 2026 online via Google Meet platform. This year’s webinar featured two distinguished experts in their respective fields, namely Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abdul Wahab Mohammad from the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ms. Nur Sabrina Wahid from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute.

The programme attracted 80 participants comprising members of the UPM community, representatives from public and private universities, as well as government agencies and industry players. The two-hour session was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Norizah Abdul Rahman. The webinar aimed to share the latest developments and applications of nanotechnology, particularly in the agriculture and environmental sectors.

In the first presentation, Ms. Nur Sabrina Wahid highlighted efforts to translate nano-platforms such as nanoemulsions and nanoencapsulation into practical agricultural solutions. She focused on the development of an integrated nanobiocontrol formulation based on Bacillus species and chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) as a seed treatment to control Bacterial Panicle Blight. Although the cost of the integrated nano-formulation remains higher than that of conventional copper sulfate, the approach is considered safer and more sustainable as it enhances plant defense mechanisms and improves the stability of active ingredients.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abdul Wahab Mohammad discussed the strategic role of nanomaterials in enhancing reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology, which is crucial for ensuring water security, especially in countries that rely on seawater desalination such as the UAE. The integration of nanomaterials into RO membranes helps address key challenges such as fouling and the permeability–selectivity trade-off. This approach has strong potential to improve performance and energy efficiency in the development of next-generation water filtration membranes.

ION2 hopes that the knowledge shared through this webinar will spark new ideas and foster collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders, and relevant agencies. Such initiatives are expected to contribute to strengthening food security and environmental sustainability, in line with the aspirations of the university and the nation.

Reported by,
Dr. Siti Zulaika Razali
NPTL Research Officer, ION2

Date of Input: 05/03/2026 | Updated: 05/03/2026 | roslina_ar