Nanotechnology 101

1. What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the art and science of manipulating matter at the nanoscale (down to 1/100,000 the width of a human hair) to create new and unique materials and products.

How small is nano?

http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/nanoscale.html http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/nano/seeforyourself/index.asp Guide to Nanotech Future (BBC) The Twinkie Guide to Nanotechnology link http://www.nanotechproject.org/news/archive/the_twinkie_guide_to_nanotechnology/ 2. Important people and dates in the development of this technology:

1959: Richard Feynman: physicist who first proposed in 1959 the idea of building things at the atomic and molecular level; compared the scale to writing the encyclopedia on the head of a pin. His talk, titled Theres Plenty of Room at the Bottom, was presented to the American Physical Society. 1981 Scanning tunneling microscope (STM)individual atoms could be scanned and even moved. IBM spelled out using 35 xenon atoms.

Patent given to IBM for the STM in 1982 Source: IBM http://www.ieee-virtual-museum.org/collection/event.php?id=3457012&lid=1 Since 1981other kinds of microscopes developed to view atoms: MRIs and atomic force microscopes 1985 Discovery of how to make molecules of carbon shaped like soccer balls, buckeyballs. 1986 K. Eric Drexler wrote Engines of Creation which introduced the term nanotechnology. nicknamed

1991 Scientists rolled carbon atoms into super strong rolls called nanotubes.

3.

What is the science behind nanotechnology?

http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm Special properties of materials at the atomic level, including different chemical and physical properties: May be stronger and more flexible (metals may become more like plastics) May have other special properties, such as antiseptic properties (like silver) Why? Larger surface area in comparison to their volumemore chemically reactive Quantum effectsoptical, electronic, or magnetic qualities may change in unpredictable, unusual ways. Stronger because they are in units too small to be broken 4. What will the future look like? Myths and realities of nanotech (BBC) 5. How will nanotech devices be made? http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/13228-nanotechnology-moving-atoms-video.htm

Bottoms up: block by block or molecule by molecule Some nanomaterials can self assemble (snowflakes, crystals, etc. are natural examples). STM or AFM microscopes used Top down approaches: break down large chunks of materials into smaller units by cutting or etching, a process known as miniaturization Use of molecular machinery such as DNA, proteins, viruses, bacteria, and other micro-organisms. Synthetic biology is the use of advanced science and engineering to make or redesign living organisms, such as bacteria, so that they can carry out specific

functions. Synthetic biology involves making new genetic code, also known as DNA, that does not already exist in nature. The potential BENEFITS of synthetic biology include developing new microorganisms to treat disease, including cancer, more effectively and to create new and less expensive medications. It also could be used to make new organisms that could provide cheaper and cleaner sources of energy than today's oil-based fuels, and to detect and break down environmental pollutants in the soil, air, and water. 6. Advantages of nanotechnology manufacturing: Strength, efficiency, and size Quick design, manufacture, and distribution Cost effective: almost anything will be able to made from raw atoms Products will be stronger, lighter, and more effective. Some examples are food containers that kill bacteria, stain-resistant clothing, high-performance sporting goods, faster, smaller computers more effective skin care products and sunscreens. May be used to clean the environment Enhance national security Provide cheaper energy

7.

What are some practical applications of nanotechnology?

List of consumer projects that use nanotechnology. In the Consumer Products Inventory there are currently 807 products, produced by 420 companies, located in 21 countries. http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/analysis_draft/

7.

Special advantages for medicine Impact on medical instruments: will be smaller and cheaper o Example: a complete surgical robot smaller than a hypodermic needle.

Impact on sensing technologies: o Color changing tattoo for diabetics o Imaging with quantum dots o Chemical sensors small enough to fit inside of a living cell o Low cost of sensors may allow thousands to be used for routine diagnosis o Real-time monitoring (insulin pump tests every 5 minutes) Earlier diagnosis and more detailed prognosis Implantable medical devices which can permanently be implanted to sense and adjust the bodys chemical balance. Earlier, more precise detection of diseases, new pathogens, and environmental changes Direct manipulation of cells inside of the body and the implantation of genetically modified cells. Some organs may be replaceable Synthetic bone and connective tissues (to replace knees, for example)

http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?article_id=218391807&cat=3_4 Belle the telekinetic monkey http://www.nanotech-now.com/images/Art_Gallery/nanoprobe1.jpg Drawing and an explanation of how a nanoprobe will work to diagnose disease http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/13229-nanotechnology-a-hard-pill-to-swallow-video.htm This video shows how a camera is swallowed to make images of the small intestine.

Dangers and risks of nanotechnology: While there has not been conclusive research on the potential RISKS of nanotechnology, there are concerns that some of the same properties that make nanomaterials useful might make them harmful. Here are some of the potential risks: May be harmful as nanomaterials enter our bodies through breathing them or absorption through our skin or organs. The small size may make nano particles cross the blood brain barrier more easily. Might cause harm to the environment. Invisible, nanotechnology-based monitoring devices could pose a threat to national security and personal privacy. Economic disruption if products can be reproduced cheaply and are abundantly available Grey goo fear: Self-replicating nano-robots would take over the world and turn the earth into grey goo. Idea from K. Eric Drexler Engines of Creation, 1986

Drexler has since recanted Man-made organisms might behave in unexpected and possibly harmful ways Environmental harm Use as weapons Moral and ethical questions about creating new life forms.

www.crnano.org/dangers.htm What is being done about the risks? Little regulation No labeling required

http://www.livescience.com/technology/060907_nanotech_food.html