Nanotechnology Nanotechnology concerns materials and working devices that are engineered at the scale of atoms and molecules.

Advances in nanotech will affect electronics and computing, medicine, cosmetics, foods, the military, energy all walks of life.By 2020, $1 trillion worth of products could be nano-engineered in some way. "Nano" comes from the Greek "dwarf". It is used in the metric system to refer to "billionth" - a nanometre (nm) is a billionth of a metre.Put another way, this is about 1/50,000th the width of a human hair. Normal office paper is about 100,000nm thick. Nanotechnologists will typically work in the range 1-100nm. Nanotech should not be confused with miniaturisation although it will lead to smaller components in chips, for example. Nanotech exploits the novel properties seen in materials when their atoms and molecules are very carefully arranged. These properties are not generally seen in large-scale solids of the same chemical composition. Although there has been much hype about the potential applications of nanotechnology, most current commercialized applications are limited to the use of "first generation" passive nanomaterials. These include titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sunscreen, cosmetics and some food products; silver nanoparticles in food packaging, clothing, disinfectants and household appliances; zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens and cosmetics, surface coatings, paints and outdoor furniture varnishes; and cerium oxide nanoparticles as a fuel catalyst. The use of nano particles in cosmetics is relatively transparent. Substances on this scale are used for specific purposes in hair care products, skin creams and sunscreens. Nano pigments made of titanium dioxide or zinc dioxide used as UV filters in sunscreens are the most widespread. The pigments protect the skin by functioning like tiny mineral mirrors which reflect or absorb the UV rays. Processing Foods Nanotechnology is already making an impact in processed foods. Nanoparticles and nanocapsules are being added to various foodstuffs to increase shelf life, alter properties, enhance nutritional values and change taste. Tuna oil (a source of omega 3 fatty acids) in nanocapsules is being added to some types of bread. The capsules break and release the oil in the stomach so there is no unpleasant taste. In other areas nanotechnology enhanced emulsifiers are being developed to give low fat ice creams the flavour and texture of full fat ice creams. Some of the potential uses of nanotechnology in food packaging include modifying the permeation behaviour of foils, increasing barrier properties, improving mechanical and heat-resistance properties, developing active anti microbic and antifungal surfaces, and sensing and signalling microbiological and biochemical changes. One aim of innovative packaging solutions is the reduction of spoilage, the team stated. Production, processing and shipment of food products could be made more secure throuh the use of nano sensors for pathogen and contaminant detection. 1. No spots The clothing industry uses nanotech to make stain-repellent fabrics. A chemical process during manufacture forces liquids to bead up when spilled on a garment for easy wiping away.Socks that are made with nano1

silver particles give anti-microbial protection, preventing bacteria and fungus that cause itchiness and smells. 2. Tuning tubes Carbon nanotubes are sheets of graphite (carbon) that are rolled up on themselves. Just a few nanometres across, these ultra-strong cylinders can make composite coatings for car bumpers that better hold their shape in a crash.The tubes can also absorb hydrogen, which should enable more efficient storage of future fuels. 3. Easy clean Pilkington coats the surface of its Activ glass with titanium oxide nano-particles.Sunshine on these special windows triggers a chemical reaction which breaks down dirt.When water hits the glass, it spreads evenly over the surface, instead of forming droplets, and runs off rapidly taking the dirt with it. Potential risks Potential risks of nanotechnology can broadly be grouped into four areas: Health issues - the effects of nanomaterials on human biology Environmental issues - the effects of nanomaterials on the environment Societal issues - the effects that the availability of nanotechnological devices will have on politics and human interaction "Grey goo" - the specific risks associated with the speculative vision of molecular nanotechnology