CHAPTER When Technology and Humanity cross

LESSON 3: NANOTECHNOLOGY

Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

o Discuss the ethics and implications of Nanotechnology.

o Discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized) of Nanotechnology.

ENGAGE

NANO FACTS

o The word nano is from the Greek word 'Nanos' meaning Dwarf. It is a prefix used to describe
"one billionth" of something.
o A nanometre (nm) is a billionth of a metre, or a millionth of a millimetre.
o 1 nanometre is about 8 times the radius of an atom and 100 times smaller than a bacterial
cell. At this scale matter reacts differently, for example, a material's melting point may
change or it may become more reactive.
o A human hair is 80,000 nm in diameter.
o Nanoscience works on a scale 1000 times smaller than anything that can be seen with an
optical microscope.
o We are already surrounded by billions of nano-particles, such as wind borne sea salt and
chemicals generated by oceanic plankton.
(https://www.tcd.ie/nanoscience/whatisnano/nanofacts/)

DISCUSSIONS

Nanotechnology refers broadly to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying
theme is the control of matter on the molecular level in scales smaller than 1 micrometer, normally 1
to 100 nanometers, and the fabrication of devices within that size range. It is a highly multidisciplinary
field, drawing from fields such as applied physics, materials science, colloidal science, device
physics, supramolecular chemistry, and even mechanical and electrical engineering.
Nanotechnology can be seen as an extension of existing sciences into the Nano scale, or as a
recasting of existing sciences using a newer, more modern term.
Examples of nanotechnology in modern use are the manufacture of polymers based on
molecular structure, and the design of computer chip layouts based on surface science. Despite the
great promise of numerous nanotechnologies such as quantum dots and nanotubes, real
commercial applications have mainly used the advantages of colloidal nanoparticles in bulk form,
such as suntan lotion, cosmetics, protective coatings, and stain resistant clothing
Nanomaterial can be viewed through the following technologies

1. ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
 Utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up a specimen and develop a well
magnified image.
 Produce higher and resolution and can magnify objects up to a million times.
 Developed by ERNST RUSKA and MAX KNOLL during the 1930s.

2. ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE

 Uses mechanical probe that gathers information from the surface of a material.
Developed by GERD BINIG, CALVIN QUATE, and CHRISTOPH GERBER in 1986.

3. SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPE

 Used to view manipulate nanoparticles, atoms, and small molecules. Develped by
GERD BINIG and HEINRICH ROHRER in 1986 and won a NOBLE PRIZE IN PHYSICS.
NANOMANUFACTURING

1. BOTTOM- UP FABRICATION: manufactures products by building up from atomic and molecular

scale components. This method is time consuming

2. TOP- DOWN FABRICATION: Trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale. This process
needs larger amounts of materials and discards excess raw materials.

3. DRY NANOTECHNOLGY: It is used to manufacture structures in coal, silicon, inorganic materials,

metals and semiconductors that do not work with humidity.

4. WET NANOTECHNOLOGY: It is based on biological systems present in an aqueous environment

— including genetic material, membranes, enzymes and other cellular components —.

DISTINCT FEATURES OF NANOSCALE

1. SCALE AT WHICH MUCH BIOLOGY OCCURS: Various activities of the cells take place at the
nanoscale. The DNA is only about 2 nanometers in diameter. Hemoglobin is 5.5 nanometers in
diameter. Ex. Bio-barcode assay (identification of specific disease markers in the blood
despite their small number in a particular specimen.

2. SCALE AT WHICH QUANTUM EFFECTS DOMINATE PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS: Particles with

dimensions of 1-100 nanometers have properties that are significantly discrete from particle of
bigger dimension. The properties of materials are highly dependent on their size. Ex. Nano
scale Gold (restricted motion in the Nano scale and build up in tumors, where they promote
precise IMAGING AND TARGETED LASER DISTRUCTION to the tumor while avoiding damage on
healthy cells.

3. NANOSCALE MATERIALS HAVE LARGER SURFACE AREAS THAN SIMILAR MASSES OF LARGER
SCALE MATERIALS: As we increase the surface area per mass of a particular material, a greater
material comes in contact with another material and can affect its reactivity.

EXAMPLES AND APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLGY

Nanotechnology and nanomaterial can be applied in all kinds of industrial sectors. They are usually
found in these areas:

Electronics
Carbon nanotubes are close to replacing silicon as a material for making smaller, faster and more
efficient microchips and devices, as well as lighter, more conductive and stronger quantum
nanowires. Graphene's properties make it an ideal candidate for the development of flexible
touchscreens.
Energy
A new semiconductor developed by Kyoto University makes it possible to manufacture solar panels
that double the amount of sunlight converted into electricity. Nanotechnology also lowers costs,
produces stronger and lighter wind turbines, improves fuel efficiency and, thanks to the thermal
insulation of some nanocomponents, can save energy.

Biomedicine
The properties of some nanomaterials make them ideal for improving early diagnosis and treatment
of neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. They are able to attack cancer cells selectively without
harming other healthy cells. Some nanoparticles have also been used to enhance pharmaceutical
products such as sunscreen.

Environment
Air purification with ions, wastewater purification with nanobubbles or nanofiltration systems for heavy
metals are some of its environmentally-friendly applications. Nanocatalysts are also available to
make chemical reactions more efficient and less polluting.

Food
In this field, Nano biosensors could be used to detect the presence of pathogens in food or Nano
composites to improve food production by increasing mechanical and thermal resistance and
decreasing oxygen transfer in packaged products.

Textile
Nanotechnology makes it possible to develop smart fabrics that don't stain nor wrinkle, as well as
stronger, lighter and more durable materials to make motorcycle helmets or sports equipment.

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. ICT and semiconductors

2. Health and Medicine
3. Energy
4. Food and Agriculture
5. Environment

BENEFTS AND CONCERNS OF USING NANOTECHNOLOGY

1. Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive.
2. Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific properties
3. Nanotechnology may introduce new efficiencies and paradigms which may make natural
resources and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete.
4. It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of
nanotechnology.
Name: ____________________________________________
Program, year, and section: _______________________

Activity 17: Create your own info graphic on the advantages and disadvantages of
Nanotechnology? Detach the worksheet once finished.
 Activity 18: Answer the following questions in 3-5 sentences. Detach the worksheet once
finished.

1. Do you think there are sufficient understanding and regulation of nanotech-based materials to
avoid harming people or our environment? If yes, defend your answer. If no, defend your
answer.
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2. If nanotechnology helps us to live longer or produce manufactured goods from inexpensive

raw materials, what are the moral considerations about making such benefits available to all?
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References:

Macnamara, D., Valverde, V., & Beleno III, R. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Quezon City:
C&E Publishing, Inc.

Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N., & Alata, E. P. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society.
Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.

Taguiling, M. (2019). Science, Technology and Society. Plaridel, Bulacan: St. Andrew Publishing House.

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/therapy/ethics/

https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gene-therapy

https://www.iberdrola.com/innovation/nanotechnology-applications