The Government has published a strategy for supporting the UK's nanotechnology industry.
Called UK Nanotechnologies Strategy - Small Technologies, Great Opportunities, it is the work of five Government departments and agencies, following consultation with industry and consumer groups.
"The UK's economy and consumers will benefit from the development of nanotechnologies through Government's support of innovation and promotion of the use of these emerging and enabling technologies in a safe, responsible and sustainable way reflecting the needs of the public, industry and academia," said the Government.
Although significant parts of the report are dedicated to cosmetics and food, it also covers uses in sensors, chips, optical fibres, solar cells, fuel cells, and data storage; as well as referring to carbon nanotubes and graphene.
There is also a call for safety research, as little is known of the effects of molecule-sized particles on animals.
A number of actions are called for, including:
Chief Scientific Advisers to review coordination of nanotechnology research across Government including research on safety issues.
A new website to keep the public informed about Government work on nanotechnologies.
A Nanotechnologies Collaboration Group to facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration between Government, academia, industry and other interested parties.
A ministerially led Nanotechnologies Leadership Group to address barriers to commercial growth in this area.
Government to explore an industry reporting scheme with a broader scope covering nanomaterials as well as products containing them.