Scientists in Bradford who lead the world in cutting edge research into new materials are to share more than £3.3 million in new grants.

The money from regional development agency York-shire Forward is designed to keep the University of Bradford at the forefront of research into micro- and nano-technology.

These are specialist areas of science and technology which deal with ultra-small products less than one millionth of a metre. The technologies have led to dramatic changes in communications, health, security, manufacturing and energy production.

Bradford already leads the way, manufacturing the smallest components in the UK.

The university already occupies a unique position as part of a "world hub" in this technology which experts believe will develop into $1 trillion global market.

Micro-technology is already widely used for such products as hard drive coatings for computers, mobile phone chips and sensors for car air bags.

The newer nano-technology is used for sunblock creams and bone implants.

Yorkshire Forward wants to ensure that it backs products with commercial potential from the development stage to market.

Bradford picks up a share of £2.121 million for its role in The Nanofactory which is run in partnership with the Univer-sities of Leeds and Sheffield. The money will be used to create the UK's first nano-manufacturing centre in Bradford to focus on consumer products.

The Polymer Interdiscip-linary Research Centre (PIRC) based at Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield Universities has received £1.212 million. The new micro- and nano-moulding centre is also based in Bradford.

The funds will be used to upgrade key equipment and assist the centre to concentrate on the commercial development of nano-technology.

Professor Phil Coates, a director of the PIRC and pro vice-chancellor of Bradford University, said the centre was developing bio-materials for repair or replacement work in the body. He said many of the products being developed in Bradford were confidential and commercially sensitive but included bone-compatible materials for grafts after cancer treatment and mobile phone technology.

"We have unique technology in the UK," said Prof Coates. "We have special equipment for the manufacture of very small devices like gear wheels small enough to sit on a grain of rice.

"The money we have from Yorkshire Forward isn't a research grant. It pays for some of the unique equipment already installed. These facilities are available for British companies to see if they can get into this market area."

Susan Johnson, executive director of business development at Yorkshire Forward, said: "There is already a substantial presence in micro- and nano-technology in our region but this investment will help businesses to really exploit this expertise. The potential market is huge and we want to make sure that we're at the forefront of its commercial development."