Katharine Sanderson/London, UK

The UK government's response to a Royal Society report on nanotechnology calls for close regulation of nano-products but offers no extra funding for research into product safety.

Science minister Lord Sainsbury gave the response at the launch of an exhibition Nanotechnology: small science, big deal at the Science Museum.

The exhibition organisers plan to bring nanotechnology to the public, which Sainsbury agrees is essential to ensure acceptance and effective regulation. 'Public engagement is absolutely essential to our response to this report,' he said.

The Royal Society, which commissioned the report Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties with the Royal Academy of Engineers (RAE), was disappointed by the absence of specific funding. 'The UK has shown international leadership on the responsible development of nanotechnologies,' said Lord May, president of the Royal Society. 'It must not squander this by failing to properly fund the research which will underpin appropriate regulation.'

Robert Kwan, from technology firm JR Nanotech, London, was at the exhibition launch. His company makes one of the exhibits on show: SoleFresh socks. The socks are coated with antimicrobial nanosilver particles, and were initially marketed to help prevent smelly feet and athlete's foot. 'This condition is a nuisance but it would not kill anyone,' conceded Kwan, who subsequently re-marketed the product as antimicrobial socks. People with diabetes are particularly prone to foot infections, he says.

Kwan, a member of the Nanotech Association set up by leading nanotech companies, hopes that increased public exposure to nanotechnology will lead to more publicity and allow him 'to work with strategic partners on nano-silver healthcare applications'.