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Nanotechnology: An Introduction
By Jerry Flattum
Nanotechnology might seem somewhat cartoonish, simply because of the funny word
"nano." However, nanotechnology is neither a cartoon nor science fiction.
In 2004, individual states collectively poured more than $400 million into
nanotechnology research, facilities, and business incubation programs. US Government
spending was greater than $1 billion, making nanotech the largest publicly funded
science initiative since the space program.
On a global scale, these figures multiply exponentially.
But it’s not all research and good ideas. Numerous products are already the result of
nanotechnology, from cell phone battery boosters to tennis racquets, from indoor air
purifiers to self-cleaning glass. In the near future, every industry will be dramatically
changed by nanotechnological applications. In addition to tennis racquets, many of the
newest nano-based products are in sports: long-lasting nanoparticle tennis balls, foot
warmers, athlete skin care and ski wax, to name a few.
Understanding nanotechnology means learning how to think small. This paradigm is a
180-degree turnaround from a world that up until now was built on thinking big. In the
battle of the telescope versus the microscope, the stars always win out over the atoms.
After all, we can see the stars with our own eyes. It takes tremendous imagination to see
what something might look like at the molecular level.
Nanotechnology takes place at the atomic level, in the length scale of approximately 1100 nanometer range. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. By comparison, the
diameter of an average human hair is around 20,000 nanometers (10,000-80,000).
Actually, a nanometer isn’t the smallest thing on the planet or in space. Electrons and the
family of protons, neutrons, quarks and neutrinos are so small that some scientists say
size is not a property. Protons, neutrons, pions, quarks, and other sub-atomic particles are
smaller than electrons. The smallest particles known are quarks and leptons.
Nanotechnology is primarily about building machines at the molecular level, machines so
small, they can travel through the blood stream. Hollywood movies are notorious for
scaring audiences with creepy-crawly critters like ants and spiders. But what could be
scarier than “nanorobots” traveling on highways just behind our eyeballs?
It is precisely such fear that will hinder nanotechnological development, and for good
reason. The thought of nanorobots on a search and destroy mission to seek out mutated
bacteria and viruses in the body is enough to make most sci-fi stories up until now look
like Disney cartoons. What’s to prevent one of these nanorobots from going "mad"? If
that’s not enough, imagine these nanorobots as weapons of mass destruction. Many
scientists and other socially concerned individuals are, in fact, imagining such scenarios.
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Nanotechnology also involves the manufacturing of electronic circuits and mechanical
devices at the molecular level. At this level, scientists can create materials and structures
atom by atom, with fundamentally new functions and characteristics. But for as small as
nanotechnology might be in design, its scope dramatically affects every other field, from
the biosciences to medicine, from physics to DNA manipulation.
To differentiate, nanoscience is the study of effects while nanotechnology is more about
fabrication.
Nanotechnology promises many new benefits in medicine. The National Cancer Institute
is funding a project that uses nanotechnology to develop a targeted delivery system for
anti-cancer drugs. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is funding researchers
at Biomod Surfaces in Salisbury, MA, using nanofiber technology to create blood vessel
replacements for vascular disease and heart bypass surgeries. The National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and Howard University, Washington D.C., are creating
injectable nanoparticles that control delivery and availability of naltrexone, a medication
for treatment of alcoholism and other addictive disorders.
Because of its ability to operate at the same level as biological processes,
Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly improve the prevention, detection,
diagnosis and treatment of diseases, repair damaged tissues, and monitor electrical
measurement and stimulation. The fear factor is reduced or eliminated all together since
such nano-materials would not irritate or damage surrounding tissues and would simply
be absorbed and/or excreted when no longer useful.
"Quantum dots” are semi-conducting nanocrystals that, when illuminated with ultraviolet
light, emit a vast spectrum of bright colors that can be used to identify and locate cells
and other biological activities. These crystals offer optical detection up to a thousand
times brighter than conventional dyes used in many biological tests, such as MRIs
(magnetic resonate imaging), and render significantly more information.
Nanoscale materials are used in electronic, magnetic and optoelectronic, biomedical,
pharmaceutical, cosmetic, energy, catalytic and material applications. So far, the greatest
revenue generation for nanoparticles is taking place in chemical-mechanical polishing,
magnetic recording tapes, sunscreens, automotive catalyst supports, biolabeling,
electroconductive coatings and optical fibers, non-volatile magnetic memory, automotive
sensors, landmine detectors and solid-state compasses. The size of computer chips can
go only so far before reaching nano-level. Computers based on nanotechnology will have
unimaginable storage capacities and operate at “nano-speed.”
Nanomaterials in dry powder form or in liquid dispersions, when combined with other
materials, will improve product functionality, strengthen existing materials and change
conductive properties.
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Other products already available include: Step assists on vans, car bumpers, paints and
coatings for eyeglasses and cars, metal-cutting tools, sunscreens, cosmetics, stain-free
clothing and mattresses, dental-bonding agents, burn and wound dressings and ink
products. Stronger polymers will make plastics more widely used to reinforce materials
and replace metals, from the building material to the semi-conductor level.
Nanostructured polymers are being used in display technologies for laptops, cell phones
and digital cameras. The benefits are brighter images, lighter weight, less power
consumption and wider viewing angles.
Eric Drexler popularized nanotechnology in the 1980's. At that time, he talked about
building machines far smaller than a cell. His vision is now reality.
But along with the many benefits for humankind, nanotechnology also carries serious
risks.
A nanofactory--a manufacturing system capable of self-producing more manufacturing
systems--is a frightening concept in the hands of terrorists. Such factories would be
capable of producing weapons of mass destruction at the nano-scale, with no limit as to
the number of factories building factories.
With nanotechnology, the entire contents of the Library of Congress can fit into a box the
size of a sugar cube. The purpose of medical devices and nanorobots traveling through
the human body is essentially a positive one of searching out and destroying clusters of
cancer cells before they spread. But in the wrong hands, such nanomaterials can spread
disease as easily as destroying it.
Nanoscience and nanotechnology is currently in the hands of scientists and has yet to
become an issue of national debate. Who will own the patents? How will they be
regulated? Will there be ramifications in terms of Haves and Have-nots? Could a nanoarms race ensue? What about a black market?
Speculation on nanofactories goes so far as small appliances being fed by chemicals,
producing dozens if not hundreds of products. The machine breaks down molecules then
reassembles them into virtually any product imaginable. A few dollars worth of
chemicals can be converted into an unlimited number of everyday items like shoes,
shovels or cell phones. Not only will such products be produced for pennies, but there
will be no labor costs.
As far-fetched as it might sound, the technologies that will make nanofactories a reality
already exist. Will anyone be able to own such a machine? How will this affect the
global economy? In terms of peace, such technology could end poverty and disease. In
the wrong hands, such devices can also produce weapons, poisons and nano-sized
surveillance cameras.
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How nanotechnology will influence national security, the environment, human rights and
other socio-cultural issues will become a major concern in the next few years, especially
with nano-based products already flooding the market.