LESSON-9-NANOTECHNOLOGY

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NANOTECHNOLOGY

NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Nanotechnology is the branch of
technology that deals with the
manipulation and study of matter at the
nanoscale.
• It covers all types of research and
technologies that deal with the special
properties of matter on an atomic
molecular and supramolecular scale
NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Scientists in the field of chemistry, biology,
physics, materials science and engineering
are all involved in studying matter on the
nanoscale.
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• With scientists and engineers continuously finding ways
to make materials at the nanoscale, more and more uses
of nanotechnology arise.
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• In medicine, nanotechnology has numerous applications in
the development of more effective drugs.
• Assisted by the view of molecules afforded by X-ray lasers,
biological mechanisms can be simulated to destroy a cancer
cell while it is treated by drug-bearing nanoparticles
• It is now possible to diagnose prevalent contagious diseases
like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, among others, with
screening devices using nanotechnology.
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Water purification systems containing nanomaterials
and utilizing new membrane technologies containing
variable pore-sized filters are now available.
• Nanoparticles are also used to prepare heat-resistant and
self-cleaning surfaces, such as floors and benchtops.
• Nanoparticles of silicon dioxide or titanium dioxide can
also make a surface repel water, thus preventing stains.
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• In agriculture, novel techniques of nanotechnology applications
are applied to breed crops with higher levels of micronutrients to
detect pests and to control food processing (Heckman, 2005).
• Ultra-small probes on earth surfaces for agricultural applications
and control of soil, air, and water contamination are also developed
using nanotechnology (Zhang et al., 2011)
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• A nanotechnology-inspired detector from Washington, which can
sense the smallest amount of radiation, located a nuclear leak
faster and more accurately at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Plant (Zhang et al., 2011)
APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Bionanotechnology can support cleaner production methods and
provide alternative and renewable energy sources to enhance the
sustainability of factories (Colvin, 2003)
CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

• The advantages brought by innovations in nanotechnology come


with a price.
• With rapid developments in nanotechnology, its adverse effects
become more visible.
CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

• The environmental effect of mineral-based nanoparticles found in


cosmetics, paints, clothing, and other products are questioned as
they go through sewerage treatment plants untreated due to their
undetectable size.
CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

• Carbon nanotubes used in the manufacture of memory storage,


electronics, batteries, etc. were found to have unknown harmful
impacts to the human body by inhalation into lungs comparable to
asbestos fiber 11.
• A pulmonary toxicological evaluation of single-wall carbon
nanotubes indicated that it is more toxic than carbon black and
quartz.
CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

• Due to its size, a nanoparticle is not easy to analyze.


• Lack of information and methods of characterizing nanomaterials
makes it a challenge to detect its concentration in air or in any
matrix of the environment.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Issues raised regarding nanotechnology should be further studied
and nanotechnology methods should be modified.
• It is imperative, therefore, that experts and governments support
themselves with enough knowledge on how nanomaterials work for
the benefit of society.
NANOTECHNOLOGY

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