EmeraldInsight produces the Foresight journal. In issue 6 of volume 6 of the journal, there is a conceptual paper that takes a comprehensive look at nanotechnology, tagged as the technology of the twenty first century.
Did you know that nanotechnology is a convergence of physics, chemistry and biology? It has already developed applications in all these fields, e.g. microelectronics (physics) that can lead to extremely small computing devices; new catalysts, membranes, sensors and coatings (chemistry) that involve tailoring atoms and molecules to customized needs; and working with micro and nano sized sub-units of living systems (biology) to create new devices.
The interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology poses problems to researchers and changing traditional researcher mindsets is considered a significant issue in nanotech research. Nanotech researchers typically need interdisciplinary skills.
The innovative applications potential of this new technology can be illustrated with a few examples. In biotechnology, nano-sized enzymes, which are living organisms, can be combined with inorganic devices such as silicon chips to produce an implantable device that can monitor the health of the organism, human or animal. Quantum computers using quantum dots (a nanostructure) can provide a solution to the physical limitation of miniaturization of chips.
Read about these and other potential applications of nanotechnology at Emerald Insight Nanotechnology Concept Paper.
