THE NANO WORLD

OVERVIEW
Scientific researchers have developed new technological tools that greatly improve different
aspects of our lives. The use of nanoscale is one important interdisciplinary area generated by
advancement in science and technology. Scientist and engineers were able to build materials with
innovative properties as they manipulate nanomaterials. Indeed, research and application of knowledge
on nanomaterials will continue to bring widespread implication in various areas of the society, especially
health care, environment, energy, food, water and agriculture.

LEARNING ENGAGEMENT
From tri-cut sim ( sim to nano-sim) and technology that use in storage file ( from cd rom to flash
drive and memory card). Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering and technology
conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometer.

Give at least 1 nanotechnology and its use in our society?

Learning Outcome
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to :

a. Define nanotechnology
b. Characterize nanoscale
c. Describe the various uses of nanotechnology
d. Discuss concerns on the use of nanotechnology

Learning Experiences
How small is nanoscale?

A nanoscale is a billionth of a meter or 10-9 of a meter.

How to view Nanomaterials

1. Electron microscope
This type of microscope utilize a particle beam of electrons to light up a specimen and develop a
well-magnified image. Electron microscope produce higher and better resolution than older light
microscope because they magnify objects up to a million times while conventional light
microscope can magnify objects up to 1,500 times only.
2. Atomic force microscope (AFM)
It makes use of a mechanical probe that gathers information from the surface of a materials.
3. Scanning tunneling microscope
This special type of microscope enables scientist to view and manipulate nanoscale particles,
atoms and small molecule
Nanomanufacturing
It refers to scaled up, reliable and cost effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials, structures,
device and systems. It also involves research, improvements and incorporation of processes for the
construction of materials.

1. Bottom-up Fabrication
It manufactures products by building them up from atomic and molecular scale components.
However, this method can be time-consuming.
2. Top-down fabrication
It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale. This process needs larger amounts of
materials and discards excess raw materials.

There are new approaches to the assembly of nanomaterials based from the application of principles in
top-down and bottom-up fabrication.

 Dip pen lithography

It is a method in which the tip of an atomic force microscope is dipped into a chemical fluid and
then utilize to write on a surface like an old-fashioned ink pen onto papers.
 Self-assembly
It depicts an approach wherein a set of components join together to mold an organized
structure in the absence of an outside direction.
 Chemical vapor deposition
It is a procedure wherein chemical act in response to form very pure , high performance film.
 Nanoimprint lithography
It is a method of generating nanoscale attributes by “stamping” or “printing” them onto a
surface.
 Molecular beam epitaxy
It is one manner for depositing extremely controlled thin films.
 Roll-to-roll processing
It is high volume practice for constructing nanoscale devices on a roll of ultrathin plastic or
metal.
 Atomic layer epitaxy
It is a mean for laying down one atom thick layer on a surface.

Possible Application of Nanotechnology in the Philippines

1. ICT and semiconductors

2. Health and medicine
3. Energy
4. Food and agriculture
5. Environment

Nanotech Roadmap for the Philippines (funded by PCAS- TRD-DOST)

1. ICT and semiconductor

2. Health and biomedical
3. Energy
4. Environment
5. Agriculture and food
6. Health and environmental risk
7. Nano-metrology
8. Education and public awareness
Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology
1. Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive.
2. Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific properties.
3. Nanotechnology may introduce new efficiencies and paradigms which may make some natural
resources and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete.
4. It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of
nanotechnology.

Benefits and Concerns of the Application of Nanotechnology in Different Areas

Example of areas affected by Possible benefits concerns

nanotechnology
environment  Improved detection  High reactivity and
and removal of toxicity
contaminants  Pervasive distribution
 Development of benign in the environment
industrial processes  No nano specific EPA
and materials regulation
Health  Improve medicine  Ability to cross cell
membranes and
translocate in the body
 No FDA approval
needed for cosmetic or
supplements
economy  Better product  Redistribution of wealth
 New jobs  Potential cost of clean
ups
 Accessibility to all
income levels

SELF ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY (SAA)

Answer the following question.

1. What are nanomaterials and how are they made?

The use of nanomaterials is prevalent in a wide range of industries and consumer products.

In the cosmetics industry, mineral nanoparticles –such as titanium oxide –are used in sunscreen,
due to the poor stability that conventional chemical UV protection offers in the long-term. Just
as the bulk material would, titanium oxide nanoparticles are able to provide improved UV
protection while also having the added advantage of removing the cosmetically unappealing
whitening associated with sunscreen in their nano-form.

The sports industry has been producing baseball bats that have been made with carbon
nanotubes, making the bats lighter therefore improving their performance. Further use of
nanomaterials in this industry can be identified in the use of antimicrobial nanotechnology in
items such as the towels and mats used by sportspeople, in order to prevent illnesses caused by
bacteria.
 Nanomaterials have also been developed for use in the military. One example is the use of
mobile pigment nanoparticles being used to produce a better form of camouflage, through
injection of the particles into the material of soldiers’ uniforms. Additionally, the military have
developed sensor systems using nanomaterials, such as titanium dioxide, that can detect
biological agents.
2. What are the factors that need to be considered before manufacturing materials through
nanotechnology?
the factors that need to be considered before manufacturing materials through
nanotechnology.
The materials needed -Environment risks -The use of that material invented. -Safety risks -Risk
of manufacturing that material -Health risks -The cost 3
3. What are the contribution of nanotechnology for the improvement and sustainability of our
environment?
Therefore, by detecting pollutants by specific sensors, we can help protect the sustainability of
human health and the environment. Thus, nanotechnology provides us with a new approach to
cut down the waste production, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and discharge of
hazardous chemicals in water bodies.Nanotechnological products, processes and applications
are expected to contribute significantly to environmental and climate protection by saving raw
materials, energy and water as well as by reducing greenhouse gases and hazardous wastes.

SUMMARY
Nanotechnology is an advancement interdisciplinary field that encompasses science and technology that
manufactures materials of great help to the improvement of various areas of society especially health
care, environment, energy, food, water and agriculture. It is a field that needs to be explored , not only
by known experts but also neophytes, in order to advance our knowledge of science and technology
and more importantly , to help improve our quality of life.

SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY ANSWER SHEET

 Give at least 1 nanotechnology and its use in our society?
Nanotechnology is being used in a range of energy areas—to improve the efficiency and cost-
effectiveness of solar panels, create new kinds of batteries, improve the efficiency of fuel
production using better catalysis, and create better lighting systems.

 What are nanomaterials and how are they made?

The use of nanomaterials is prevalent in a wide range of industries and consumer products.

In the cosmetics industry, mineral nanoparticles –such as titanium oxide –are used in sunscreen,
due to the poor stability that conventional chemical UV protection offers in the long-term. Just
as the bulk material would, titanium oxide nanoparticles are able to provide improved UV
protection while also having the added advantage of removing the cosmetically unappealing
whitening associated with sunscreen in their nano-form.

The sports industry has been producing baseball bats that have been made with carbon
nanotubes, making the bats lighter therefore improving their performance. Further use of
nanomaterials in this industry can be identified in the use of antimicrobial nanotechnology in
items such as the towels and mats used by sportspeople, in order to prevent illnesses caused by
bacteria.
 Nanomaterials have also been developed for use in the military. One example is the use of
mobile pigment nanoparticles being used to produce a better form of camouflage, through
injection of the particles into the material of soldiers’ uniforms. Additionally, the military have
developed sensor systems using nanomaterials, such as titanium dioxide, that can detect
biological agents.
 What are the factors that need to be considered before manufacturing materials through
nanotechnology?
The factors that need to be considered before manufacturing materials through
nanotechnology.
-The materials needed -Environment risks -The use of that material invented. -Safety risks -Risk
of manufacturing that material -Health risks -The cost 3

 What are the contribution of nanotechnology for the improvement and sustainability of our
environment?
Therefore, by detecting pollutants by specific sensors, we can help protect the sustainability of
human health and the environment. Thus, nanotechnology provides us with a new approach to
cut down the waste production, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and discharge of
hazardous chemicals in water bodies.Nanotechnological products, processes and applications
are expected to contribute significantly to environmental and climate protection by saving raw
materials, energy and water as well as by reducing greenhouse gases and hazardous wastes.

 You can submit your answer in our google

classroom.
 Use Science , Technology and Society book and
other sources as your reference

END OF MODULE ASSESSMENT

 EXTENDED LEARNING
 Read about gene therapy.

REFERENCES
 Science, Technology and Society , REX BOOKSTORE