Learning Objectives:

1.Define nanotechnology.
2. Describe the various uses of nanotechnology.
3. Discuss the concerns on the use of nanotechnology.
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and
technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is
about 1 to 100 nanometers.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and

application of extremely small things and can be
used across all the other science fields, such as
chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and
engineering.
It would take eight hundred 100 nanometer particles
side by side to match the width of a human hair.
https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition
Richard Feynman - American Physical Society
meeting at the California Institute of Technology
(CalTech) on December 29, 1959; started the
ideas and concepts behind nanoscience and
nanotechnology with a talk entitled “There’s
Plenty of Room at the Bottom”
Norio Taniguchi – In his explorations of
ultraprecision machining, coined the term
nanotechnology.
It wasn't until 1981, with the development of the
scanning tunneling microscope that could "see"
individual atoms, that modern nanotechnology
began.
Comparison of
Nanomaterials
Sizes
What Can Nanotechnology Do?
 Materials' characteristics, such as their
colour, strength, conductivity and reactivity,
can differ substantially between the
nanoscale and the macro.
 Carbon 'nanotubes' are 100 times stronger
than steel but six times lighter.
 Having the potential to increase the
efficiency of energy consumption, help
clean the environment, and solve major
health problems.
What Can Nanotechnology Do?
 Massively increase manufacturing
production at significantly reduced costs.
 Products of nanotechnology will be smaller,
cheaper, lighter yet more functional and
require less energy and fewer raw materials
to manufacture, claim nanotech advocates.
Benefits and Concerns
Examples of Areas
Affected by Possible Benefits Concerns
Nanotechnology
Environment • Improved detection and • High reactivity and toxicity
removal of contamination • Pervasive distribution in
•Development of benign the environment
industrial processes and • No nano-specific EPA
materials regulations
Health • Improved medicine • Ability to cross cell
membranes and translocate
in the body
•No FDA approval needed for
cosmetics and supplements
Economy • Better products • Redistribution of wealth
• New jobs • Potential cost of cleanups
and healthcare
• Accessibility to all income
levels
Risk Assessment and Concerns Raised
About Nanotechnology
 The toxicity of bulk material, such as solid silver, does
not help predict the toxicity of nanoparticles of that
same material.
 Nanoparticles have the potential to remain and
accumulate in the environment.
 They could accumulate in the food chain.
 They could have unforeseen impacts on human health.
 The public has not been sufficiently involved in
debates on the applications, uses, and regulation of
nanotechnology.
Risk Assessment and Concerns Raised
About Nanotechnology
 'Grey goo': Tiny robots generated with
nanotechnology could acquire the ability to self-
replicate.
 If the rich countries are the main drivers of the
development of nanotechnology, applications which
benefit developing nations will be side-lined.
 Unless rapid action is taken, research into
nanotechnology could progress faster than systems
can be put in place to regulate its applications and
their uses.
Activity
Creative Work (by Group)
Illustrate or design a product or output that is
made up of nanomaterials you want to
create. Explain the raw materials that make
up your product, the steps involves for
developing your product, and the specific
use of the final product. What is the
significance of your output for the society?