Nanotechnology: overview and applications

nanotechnology DEVELOPMENT AND USES

The objective of this work is to research and examine the development and uses of Nanotechnology.

The basic definition of 'nanotechnology' is: "Engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale." (Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, 2006) According to the Center for the Responsible Nanotechnology "Molecular manufacturing means the ability to build devices, machines, and eventually whole products with every atom in its specified place." (2006) In 1959 an after-dinner talk described molecular use of machine building thorough means that were atomically precise. Nanotechnology was referred to again in 1974 by Taniquichi in a paper relating to the ion-machining process. In 1977 concepts of molecular nanotechnology are formed by Drexler at MIT. In 1982 the first technical paper on molecular engineering was presented. The first 'Think Tank' report was published and the first nanotechnology company 'Zyvex' was founded. The first nanotech industry report was released in 2001 jut one year after President Clinton had announced the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative. Congressional hearings on the societal implications took place during the year 2003.

SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES THAT UNDERPIN NANOTECHNOLOGY

According to the article entitled: "Small Wonders" (2004) published in The Economist: "Nanotechnology does not derive from a single scientific discipline. Although it probably has most in common with materials science, the properties of atoms and molecules underpin many areas of science, so the field attracts scientists of different disciplines." (Ibid) Some of the developments and uses of nanotechnology are manufacture of burn bandages which are made antimicrobial through an "addition of the nanoparticiles of silver." (Ibid) further stated is that."..fabrics have been stain- and odor-proofed by attaching molecules to cotton fibres that create a protective barrier. Tennis rackets have been strengthened by adding tiny particles that improve torsion and flex resistance. Other applications include coatings for the hulls of boats, sunscreen, car parts and refrigerators. In the longer term nanotechnology may produce much bigger innovations, such as new kinds of computer memory, improved medical technology and better energy-production methods such as solar cells." (Ibid)

RESULTS/BENEFITS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

Those who support nanotechnology state a claim that."..it will lead to clean energy, zero-waste manufacturing and cheap space travel, if not immortality..." while those opposed state a fear that it."..will bring universal surveillance and harm to the poor, the environmental and human health through self-replicating 'grey goo'." (Ibid) Nanotechnology is in its infancy but promises to all areas of life because it."..cuts across many scientific disciplines and industries..." And stated benefits include positive impacts in the areas of medicine, health and safety products as well as in the area of information technology and the entertainment industry. Furthermore nanotechnology has enabled technologies that allow the storing of energy as well as distribution, sensoring, processing and display technologies and as well "bioanalysis and drug delivery, robotics, and medical devices..." (Ibid) Research on the particles of nanotechnology reveal that since "fine particles of dust can easily penetrate into the lungs" the nanoparticle is able to "bypass or damage the lungs' clearing mechanisms...due to their minute size." (Netherlands Research Council Report, 2006) Legislative and regulatory bodies are preparing for the many issues that will arise due to the development and use of nanotechnology. The Health Council of the Netherlands states that: "Applications that involve the insertion of ICT implants into the brain touch the very core of being. They give rise to questions about the possible implications for concepts such as 'what it means to be an individual', 'freedom' and 'responsibility'." (Ibid) The societal implications are endless as well as are implications of application in the defense industry. (Ibid)