Cognoscis

The study of nanotechnology is concerned with study of material or “manufacturing and controlling matter” at nano-scale; meaning about 200 nanometer (nm) scale which is 1/1,000,000,000 times 1 metre or generally represented as 10^-9 m. It basically considers the manipulation of materials at atomic and molecular level. It concerns itself on how will a material at such a small scale react, what will be its properties, what can it be used for and how can it be produced or manufactured for the use by humans (which ultimately is the cause for almost any science).

To speak of the process itself, it is very complex and technical and I will not go into the details of it. For our understanding it is crucial to note that this field is still in its infancy. Meaning, it is still under its initial development and a lot of work is being done in almost all parts of the world simultaneously. What might be the applications of such a field? Most applications are limited to the “first generation” applications where only passive nano materials are used and not actually modified ones. Such applications include, titanium dioxide in sunscreens, cosmetics and food materials, silver in food packing, disinfectants, zinc oxide in paints, varnishes and many other such applications have been found and are being commercialized.

As mentioned, Nanotech is still under development and hence, applications requiring very precise and large scale manipulations of materials at nano-scale are still under research. One of the most widely known substance that is under research is Carbon nanotubes. These are microscopic tubes made by specific arrangements of carbon atoms and have incredible strength, special electrical thermal properties. It is about 300 times stronger than steel BUT they are not yet developed at macro levels. At macro level, this might not hold true, but since these nanotubes are very light, they can be woven together into ropes and cables can be formed that will be very light and very strong. But, till now they have not been developed at macro scale. These can be used in solar cells, as electrodes in circuits or in paper batteries and in structural materials in sports gear, jets and the ever popular Space Elevator.

Carbon nanotube. Source : wikipedia

Second most important outcome that is desired is in the drug delivery system. Since this technology deals with controlling the material at the most fundamental level it will be really handy in controlling them so that they supply drugs to specific areas on the body and cells. In this wake nanobots or nano robots are in the making. These are the most unnerving and yet exciting concept in the nanotech. The implications of such a technology will be huge both in terms of constructive and destructive use. Some of the very first nanobots being made from the bacteria by modifying their DNA to perform some specific functions. Actual mechanical part-building has not yet been completely developed. Only small structures like pulley, lever and other small structures have been developed. On September 29, 1989 he demonstrated the ability to manipulate individual atoms with atomic-scale precision, and went on to write I-B-M with individual Xenon atoms which gave the boost to nanotech research. Future speculations include autonomous swarm of nano robotic “doctors” which will maintain the health of an individual by specifically targeting the diseased parts.

However, caution must be practiced while we develop these technology. It is widely known how Madam Curie, who discovered radioactivity and even won the Nobel Prize, died of radiation poisoning. The risks involved in this new branch are substantial and subtle. The implications are not very clear on the face of it, but can always be inferred by the mishaps that happen in the industry. The first death where nano-technology was a major cause was reported in a poorly ventilated Chinese factory where a spray paint containing nano particles was used. Over a long period of exposure, two women died due to damaged lung and failed respiratory mechanism and 5 others were hospitalized. A new study shows that nano particles can affect the cells not only directly, the nano particles can also mess with DNA on the far side of a cellular barrier, by creating signaling molecules. Of course, these can be exploited in a constructive way, but precautions have to be taken to make sure that these particles do not affect people just because necessary precautions were not taken to protect those who may be working in such environment. It is needless to say that we need to cultivate cautious approach in our further research