By Akshaya Tallapally
Nanotechnology Atom and Molecule - Abstract background GETTY
Introduction
The word nanotechnology is often thrown around in science fiction movies when describing futuristic technologies that most people may believe are just hypothetical. However, nanotechnology is very much present in science as researchers are actively expanding the possibilities nanotechnologies hold in our world. From medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and manufacturing, nanotechnology has significant potential in the future of science.
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the manipulation or engineering of matter on a nanoscale to create new materials and technologies. Nanomaterials are typically sized between 1 and 100 nanometers, or a billionth of a meter, and are not visible to the human eye. At the nanoscale, materials behave much differently than when normal-sized. Because these nanoparticles are so minuscule, scientists can better understand the unique properties these materials hold and more easily manipulate them to behave desirably. By controlling the size of nanomaterials, scientists can change properties such as melting point, conductivity, permeability, fluorescence, or chemical reactivity. Another unique feature of nanoparticles is their massive surface area, which allows the nanoparticles to react more efficiently with their surroundings and quickens chemical reactions. These properties can allow for numerous innovations in a variety of fields.
How is Nanotechnology used?
Nanotechnology can be applied to a multitude of domains with several innovations already in the market. The most notable is the COVID-19 vaccine which contains nanomaterials and relies on advanced nanoscale technologies, unlike the conventional vaccine. Nanomaterials are also found in everyday life such as in fabric and cosmetics with nanoscale additives, and eyeglasses or computer screens with nanoscale films. Along with the creation of nanomaterials, nanotechnology also encompasses nanotools and nanodevices used in equipment with nanoscale components. For example, nanosensors are a nanodevice used to detect information on near-atomic levels. Nanobots are also a form of nanotech used in medicine for targeted and more efficient drug delivery into the human body. There are various applications of nanotechnologies but what are some specific branches of nanotechnology?
Applications of Nanoparticles"COMMERCIAL SCALE PRODUCTION OF INORGANIC NANOPARTICLES"
Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology to medicine to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. As mentioned before, the COVID-19 vaccine contains nanoparticles made of lipids that can carry mRNA to the desired location for an immune response. Another emerging nanotechnology in medicine is nano-gold. These gold nanoparticles can detect specific nucleic acid sequences and could potentially work as treatments for cancer. The development of nanobots also provides safer treatments for cancer as the targeted medication delivery can minimize damage to healthy cells, greatly reducing the risks of chemotherapy. Nanomedicine in general has greatly improved imaging and diagnostic tools, increasing success rates of disease treatments and therapies. Nanotechnology has also seen growth in bone and neural tissue engineering as specific nanoparticles can replicate the mineral structure of bones and other organs. This nanotech could be used for organ transplants and the implementation of bionics and prosthetics in human bodies. 3-D bioprinting is also expanding with nanomedicine as living tissues, organs, and bones can be created with nanotechnologies. Scientists behind this research expect to create fully functioning organs in the next few decades.
Nanotechnology in Computing and Electronics
Nanotechnology is found in almost all current electronic devices and is still expanding its scope. Nanotechnology has allowed for the creation of smaller yet more powerful and faster technology. One example is transistors which are the main components of microchips and are the on and off switches of a computer’s cirucitry. As nanotechnology decreases the size of transistors and microchips, more and more information can be stored in a singular microchip. Nanotechnology also allows for water proof and ultra-definition displays on screens that require less energy consumption. Transportation technology has also been greatly impacted by carbon nanotubes, which are widely used to strengthen airplanes and satellites. Carbon nanotubes are especially useful because they are incredibly strong yet light and immensely flexible.
Nanotechnology is regarded by many as “the next industrial evolution”(Rambaran & Schirhagl, 2022), as it has brought forth numerous opportunities thought before as impossible. Aside from medicine and electronics, nanotechnology is also found in industries such as cosmetics, textiles, energy, agriculture, and even food. Due to the immense support and investments from governments and private companies, nanotechnology is expected to achieve massive global growth in the near future. Although nanotechnology introduces much more effective technology and medicine, it could possibly also introduce new toxins and pollutants that are damaging to the environment. However, nanotechnology promotes renewable energy sources and has enormous applications in environmental science that could help, instead of harm, the planet. As advanced as nanotechnology has gotten today, there are many more technologies and innovations to come, ones that could reach even more impressive and life-altering heights.
References
About nanotechnology. National Nanotechnology Initiative. (n.d.). https://www.nano.gov/about-nanotechnology
Brooks, C. (2022, October 12). 3 key areas where nanotechnology is impacting our future. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2022/05/31/3-key-areas-where-nanotechnology-is-impacting-our-future/?sh=49ff8a496741https%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fchuckbrooks%2F2022%2F05%2F31%2F3-key-areas-where-nhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fchuckbrooks%2F2022%2F05%2F31%2F3-key-areas-where-nanotechnology-is-impacting-our-future%2F%3Fsh
Iberdrola. (2021, April 22). Nanotechnology: A small solution to big problems. https://www.iberdrola.com/innovation/nanotechnology-applications#:~:text=Nanotechnology%20also%20lowers%20costs%2C%20produces,some%20nanocomponents%2C%20can%20save%20energy.&text=The%20properties%20of%20some%20nanomaterials,of%20neurodegenerative%20diseases%20or%20cancer.
Rambaran, T., & Schirhagl, R. (2022). Nanotechnology from lab to industry – a look at current trends. Nanoscale Advances, 4(18), 3664-3675. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2na00439a
Omberg, Kristin. Group Leader. (2023, September 11). Nanoparticles will change the world, but whether it’s for the better depends on decisions made now. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/nanoparticles-will-change-the-world-but-whether-its-for-the-better-depends-on-decisions-made-now-211020