What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is a catch-all phrase for materials and devices that operate at the nanoscale. In the metric system of measurement, “Nano” equals a billionth and therefore a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. References to nano materials, nanoelectronics, nano devices and nanopowders simply mean the material or activity can be measured in nanometers. To appreciate the size, a human red blood cell is over 2,000 nanometers long, virtually outside the nanoscale range!

Despite views that nanotechnology is a far-fetched idea with no near-term applications, nanoparticles, nanopowders and nanotubes already play a significant role in industry, environmental remediation, medicine, science and even in the household. The majority of nanotechnologies commercially used today are based on such nano-sized particles.

By narrowly controlling the particles distribution (PSD) of quantum dot nanocrystals to within 10 nanometers, discreet colors with long term photostability can be emitted with wave lengths representing the entire visible spectra. This ability has found application in fluorescent biomarkers and dyes for live cell imaging and antibody conjugates. Additionally, prior to quantum dots, light emitting semiconductors, such as light emitting diodes (LED), could not emit white light. With the development of quantum dots with particle size distributions less than 500 nanometers (nm), LED emissions in the blue range can be achieved which may allow for the commercial use of solid state semiconductors to generate luminescent light.

Nanoscale Z-MITE™ ZnO is being used for its UV absorbing properties to create transparent sunscreen. The particles' small size makes them invisible to the naked eye, so the lotion is clear. At American Elements, we produce nanoscale oxides for a wide variety of applications. For detailed product information on the uses and applications of Z-MITE™, see Z-MITE™ PRODUCT INFORMATION. Z-MITE™ Zinc Oxide nanoparticles , zinc nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles , are used for many applications, including as an anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic and anti-fungal agents when incorporated in coatings, fibers, polymers, first aid bandages, plastics, soap and textiles.

Also like carbon nanotubes, Silicon Nanotubes and Nanocomposites such as boron carbide nanoparticles, silicon carbide nanoparticles and titanium carbide nanopaorticles are also seeing commercial use due their great strength. Plastic nanocomposites are used for strong, lighter, and rust-proof car components. Toyota recently began using nanocomposites in bumpers that makes them 60% lighter and twice as resistant to denting and scratching.

The biomedical and bio-science fields have found near limitless uses for nanoparticles. Nanoparticles made of peroxalate ester polymers with a fluorescent dye (pentacene) encapsulated into the polymer have been found to be capable of detecting cancer. This is due to the fact that hydrogen peroxide is generated in human cells that are pre-cancerous. The dye in the nanoparticles fluoresces when they come in contact with the hydrogen peroxide which can then be detected as light on medical imaging equipment. Artificial bone composites are now being manufactured from calcium phosphate nanocrystals. These composites are made of the same mineral as natural bone, yet have strength in compression equal to stainless steel. Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticles are being used in dental imaging because they are sufficiently radiopaque (impervious to radiation) for high quality X-ray resolution. The group of Magnetic Nanoparticles discussed above is being used to both kill cancer cells in malignant tumors and in MRI medical imaging. Coat tungsten particles with DNA and inject them into plant cells or plant embryos. Some genetic material will remain in the cells and transform them. This method allows transformation of plant plastids. The transformation efficiency is lower than in agro bacterial mediated transformation. The anti-bacterial and anti-microbial effects of many nanoparticles are well understood technology. Fluorescent nanoparticles are being used by biologists to stain and label cellular components. By changing the size of the quantum dot the color emitted can be controlled. With a single light source, one can see the entire range of visible colors, an advantage over traditional organic dyes.

Nanotechnology is expected to have an impact on nearly every industry. The U.S. National Science Foundation has predicted that the global market for nanotechnologies will reach $1 trillion or more within 20 years. The research community is actively pursuing hundreds of applications in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and bionanotechnology. Most near term (1-5 years) applications of nanotechnology are in the form of nanomaterials. These include materials such as lighter and stronger nanocomposites, antibacterial nanoparticles, and nanostructured catalysts. Nanodevices and nanoelectronics are farther off, perhaps 5-15 years, and will have applications in medical treatments and diagnostics, faster computers, and in sensors.