Nanotechnology Significance

Nanotechnology's versatility is evidenced by the numerous terms with the nano prefix, such as nanomaterials, nanomachines, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, nanoelectronics and nanorobots among others. Let us look at some background.

Nanotechnology started with a molecule, the buckminsterfullerene, a carbon molecule with 60 carbon atoms. The molecule, discovered in 1985 by three professors working in Rice and Sussex universities, was visualized as a closed cage structure resembling the Buckminster Fuller Dome that was displayed at the Montreal Expo 67.

The electrically active molecule, called buckyball, aroused the interest of physicists and numerous developments related to it led to nanoscience and nanotechnology. This technology has applications in many fields, cutting across the fields of different sciences. For example, we have nanobiotechnology, nanoelectronics, nanomedicine and nanopower.

The significance of nanotechnology lies in its theoretical potential to create engineered molecules. Molecules are assembiles of atoms and presently the assembling is done by nature. When nanotechnology advances sufficiently, it should be possible to control this process in a purposeful manner.

By assembling atoms in specific ways, we can create materials with specific properties. This can lead to creation of custom materials to meet specific requirements.

While molecular engineering of custom materials is still probably a decade in the future, nanomaterials derived from existing materials are already in use.

Nanotechnology Resources

Nanotechnology resources are plenty on the Web. The following are some high value resources:

How Nanotechnology Works
Center for Responsible Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology Applications

Bionics involves creating interfaces between living organisms and electronics. Cochlear implant for deaf persons and heart pacemakers for people with heart problems are examples. Nanotechnology researchers are now attempting such things as BioPrinter systems that can print living cells onto artificial limbs.

Morphing Metal Technology involves changing the properties of materials "on the go" to meet changing environments and requirements. Aeroplane wings made of such a material could theoretically mimic bird wings and unfurl, bend and shape themselves in response to changing demands.

Alchemy involves converting one material into a more valuable material. When nanotechnology achieves the capability to work at atomic levels, making it possible to rearrange the atoms in a molecule, it will be quite possible to convert coal into diamonds.

One factor that prevents faster progress in nanotechnology is the potential risks involved. At nanoscale, properties of materials change and materials that are non-toxic can become toxic when reduced to nanoparticles. The invisibly small nanomaterials can also permeate our skin and enter bloodstreams and lungs. The results are unpredictable.

Nanotechnology can also cause social disruptions. For example, if commodities can be made synthetically, people of poorer countries who depend on these commodities for their livelihood might suddenly lose their incomes.