Opinion article 2-Nanotechnology: Efficacy and safety

Technological advancements over the century are taking place at an incredibly faster pace. From

satellites to robotics, mankind has benefited from every development over the years. There's a

relatively recent emerging field, in which the effective elements are not even visible to the

human eye, but have potential which can transform every technological sector either directly or

indirectly. It is technology at the smallest scale. It is Nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have prospective applications in technology which have

potential to revolutionalize every field of science and research. As far as applicability of

nanotechnology, there seems to be no field, which can be left in which its contribution cannot be

explored. Nanotechnology promises tremendous scope of application in future technological

developments.Gold coated and magnetised nanoparticles have vast applications in fields such as

diagnostics, which cannot be compared to the conventional methods of practice.

As far as efficacy of nanotechnology is concerned, there is evidence of its excellent outcomes.

There is usage of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles with excellent efficiency and

effectiveness. Such efficient use of nanoparticles caters to our aim and does not harm the

ecosystem as well. At the same time, there are reports of nanoparticles which were not

biocompatible, entering ecosystem with potential adverse effects, when trials were carried out.

The applications of nanotechnology are unique, effective and vast. At the same time, it has its

share of hitches too. Like with any other discipline, there should be an exclusive department of

regulatory authority in every country, governing nanotechnology regulations which should be

under a international regulatory body. By such measures one can expect proper monitoring of a

global issue of importance.

At a time, when nanotechnology offers potentiality of enormous applications, it is upto every

individual involved in it, to put sincere effort to make sure that nanotechnology is developed and

maintained in a way that it is beneficial to humanity in every aspect, be it the cost aspect, or

effects on ecosystem as a whole.

Every technological outcome in its initial stages will have higher cost starting. The same is true

with nanotechnology. As there is further refinement and involvement from various disciplines,

individuals, manufacturers into the field, the cost implications also come down.

Unless and until any technological advancement is available at an affordable cost, it will not be

beneficial in a true sense of utilization for the masses. And for this to become a reality, there

should be encouragement from governments for research and development of nanotechnology in

various fields. And suitable funding should be provided for nanotechnology startups in its safety

and efficacy established areas. Simultaneously alternatives for cost effective nanotechnology

techniques should be explored and encouraged. For this a independent research and development

department should be established.

As nanotechnology has definite wide range of applications, thus potential of nanotechnology

should be tapped with a systematic approach. In this regard, it can be implemented with starting

manufacturing units of scalable and expandable setups, keeping in the future requirements. The

concept of nanotechnology and its futuristic applications in a wider perspective should be made

aware to younger generations at a stage, when they are still in a situation to choose their career

avenues. This would give them ample understanding and boosting to venture into

nanotechnology as entrepreneurs. Present nanomaterial manufacturers should be given subsidies

in varied categories to expand further into diverse forays of nanotechnology. There should be
collaborative effort among research and development agencies, manufacturers and clientele to

collaborate and scaleup effective production.

100 % efficacy of nanotechnology in all of its present applications is to be ascertained in such a

way, that the nanomaterials are tracked and verified of their effects on environment as ultimately

every particle enters ecosystem. This ofcourse would be a long-time objective, but this has to be

ascertained on a complete ecosystemic approach. We need to be extra cautious in matters dealing

with nanoscale particles, as there would be extremely disastrous consequences once a potentially

harmful nanoparticle, which cannot be traced if left unchecked enters into the environment. The

harmful effects of pesticides and fertilizers being used over the years are by no means a lesson

to be ignored. This should be a reason enough to be extra cautious in dealing with

nanotechnology and its implications on environment. The concept of green synthesis of

nanoparticles should be explored.

Clinical trials are usually carried out in pharmaceutical field. But it would be beneficial if

prototype clinical trials are carried out in every field of nanotechnology on biological models,

since it deals with nano scale particles which have probable potential of entering every cell and

being capable of passing on to future generations.

Technology develops as a result of creativity and vision, but one cannot be farsighted enough to

predict its adverse effects at its incipient stage. The same is with nanotechnology. But one can be

cautious enough to be able to fix probable untoward effects by observing them first at research

and development facilities and improvising technical aspects based on prototype models. It is

reported that most of the nanomaterials are not hazardous, but some of them have been reported

to have adverse effects and have been observed to be contaminating the environment. The
characteristic properties of materials change when they are scaled down to nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles behave in different pattern, compared to their parent chemical.

It is an undeniable fact that nanotechnology is one such branch of science, which cannot be

ignored and left off from today's technological advancement. At the same time, it's efficacy and

safety has to be given utmost importance by the scientific community as well as the governing

authorities at national and international level.Only then will nanotechnology and its use in terms

of efficacy and safety will be justified.

References:

1). Garima Pandey ,Pallavi Jain, “Assessing the nanotechnology on the grounds of costs,
benefits, and risks”, (2020)

2).Trepti Singh, Shruti Shukla, Pradeep Kumar, Verinder Wahla, Vivek K. Bajpai* and Irfan A.
Rather, “Application of Nanotechnology in Food Science: Perception and Overview” ,(2017)

3).Valéria Maria de Oliveira Cardoso, Bruna Juliana Moreira, Edson José Comparetti, Isabella
Sampaio, Leonardo Miziara Barboza Ferreira, Paula Maria Pincela Lins and Valtencir Zucolotto ,
“Is Nanotechnology Helping in the Fight Against COVID-19?” , (2020)

4). https://www.iatp.org/blog/201703/supporting-science-advance-responsible-development-
nanotechnology