Nanotechnology

Concept- a nanometer is 10-9 (a billionth) of a meter  

The prefix nano is Greek for dwarf. 

Definitions

Nanotechnology is the art and science of manipulating matter at the nanoscale to create unique materials and products.

Nanotechnology is the study and use of structures between 1 nanometer and 100 nanometers in size.

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of structures at the atomic and molecular scale. This gives substances new properties with huge economic potential.

How many nanometers is…

Approximately The width of a hair100,000nm The width of a red blood cell10,000nm The length of a typical bacterium1,000nm The width of a dust particle 800nm The width of a computer chip wire100nm The width across the helix of DNA 2nm The width of a carbon atom 1nm

Applications

Nanomedicine

The biological and medical research communities have exploited the unique properties of nanomaterials for various applications: contrast agents for cell imaging and therapeutics for treating cancer.

The integration of nanomaterials with biology has led to the development of diagnostic devices, physical therapy applications, and drug delivery vehicles.

Chemistry and environment

Chemical catalysis and filtration techniques are two prominent examples where nanotechnology already plays a role.

A strong influence of nanochemistry on waste-water treatment, air purification and energy storage devices is to be expected

Energy

The most advanced nanotechnology projects related to energy are: storage, conversion, manufacturing improvements by reducing materials and process rates, energy saving and enhanced renewable energy sources.

Information and communication

Nanotechnology has already been introduced silently. The critical length scale of integrated circuits is already at the nanoscale (50 nm and below) regarding the gate length of transistors in CPUs or DRAM devices.

Heavy industry

Aerospace-Lighter and stronger materials will be of immense use to aircraft manufacturers, leading to increased performance

Construction Nanotechnology has the potential to make

construction faster, cheaper, safer, and more varied. Nanotechnology construction can allow for the creation of structures from advanced homes to massive skyscrapers much more quickly and at much lower cost.

Consumer goods

Foods-Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensing biochemical changes in foods

Optics Nano-optics could allow for an increase in

precision of pupil repair and other types of laser eye surgery.

Nanopatches join fight against swine flu. Australia

At University of Queensland a team is applying nanopatch technology to potentially solve the problems associated with vaccinating millions.

Professor Kendall said this research used new nanopatch technology which does away with the needle and syringe and stimulated a potent immune response with a reduced dose.

Sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nanotechnology_applications

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jqQxuVncmc video

http://www.nbtc.cornell.edu/ (Nanobiotechnology center-Cornwell University)

ww.rcentre.utm.my/files/nanotech-edit.jpg

http://www.uq.edu.au/news/index.html?article=18854 University of Queensland