Running head: NANOTECHNOLOGIES 1

Nanotechnology: Small Is Powerful

Javier Diaz

Mr. Ken Choi

Digital Literacy

May 20, 2021

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Abstract

This paper explores the emergence of nanotechnology. The paper will briefly define

nanotechnology; outline what scientists are saying about its potential uses; and will also estimate

its growth and market potential in the next 15 years.

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Nanotechnology: Small Is Powerful

Nanotechnology is the understanding and management of matter at a very small scale

called the nanoscale (Gramm, 2021, p. 21). At the nanoscale, things are as tiny as atoms and

molecules.1 At this size, the ordinary rules of chemistry and physics do not apply. For example,

the color and strength of a material at the nanoscale can differ significantly from the same

material at standard size. Some materials, such as carbon, are stronger at the nanoscale. Others

have different magnetic properties or conduct heat or electricity better (North, 2020).

Experts say nanotechnology has the potential to increase the efficiency of electricity,

clean the air and oceans, and solve major health problems (Hatfield, 2020). Using

nanotechnology, manufacturers can create products at reduced costs. The products themselves

will be smaller and lighter, making them cheaper to ship and store. To create such a product,

manufacturers use nanomaterials, which are materials that contain nanostructures internally or on

their surfaces (National Institute for Nanotechnology, 2021). Nanomaterials include engineered

objects such as nanoparticles and nanotubes and natural particles such as smoke and sea spray.

Healthcare researchers are already using nanotechnology to understand and treat

diseases such as malaria. Controlling nanoscale glass beads with laser beams, researchers studied

the elasticity of red blood cells infected with the malaria parasite to understand how the disease

spreads through the body. Pharmaceutical researchers are testing materials built on the nanoscale

that can encapsulate medications and then release them in a slow and controlled manner. Such a

delivery system would solve problems from distribution to personalized dosages.

Outside of research, the volume of commercial products created with nanotechnology

has increased steadily in the last five years, making it one of the fastest growing markets in the
1
Nano means one billionth.
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world. Examples include strong, lightweight fuel additives that improve fuel economy; delivery

systems for medications that are safer and more effective because of nanotechnology; and smart

windows that lighten or darken to conserve energy (Levine, 2020).

The U.S. National Science Foundation estimates the global market for nanotechnology

products will reach $1 trillion in the next 15 years (National Science Foundation, 2020).

Researchers see the potential for nanotechnology to improve health and sanitation in developing

countries (Hatfield, 2020). The United Nations Millennium Project task force on science

technology and innovation wrote that “nanotechnology is likely to be particularly important in

the developing world, because it involves little labor, land, or maintenance; it is highly

productive and inexpensive; and it requires only modest amounts of materials and energy”

(United Nations Millennium Project task force, 2020).

Along with touting the benefits of nanotechnology, scientists are also assessing the risks

of nanomaterials. For example, can nanomaterials accumulate in the environment? What

unforeseen effects could they have on human health? Could it become a runaway technology

with harmful consequences? Governments, scientists, businesses, and the general public should

debate these questions and manage the development of nanomaterials and products until its

potential, including risks, is fully realized.

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References

Gramm, N. (2021, March 15). Nanotechnology 101. Explore Technology, pp. 21-23.

Hatfield, S. (2020, October 15). The Big Deal About Nanotechnology. Retrieved May 18, 2021,

from Marketing Research.

Levine, M. (2020). Nano Growth. Emerging Markets, 42-45.

National Institute for Nanotechnology. (2021, January 23). What's So Special About

Nanotechnology? Retrieved May 16, 2021

National Science Foundation. (2020, February 4). Potential of Nanotechnology. Retrieved May

17, 2021

North, A. (2020, December 12). Big Benefits from Tiny Things. Retrieved May 17, 2021

United Nations Millennium Project task force. (2020, March 14). Solutions for Developing

Countries. Retrieved May 17, 2021, from United Nations Millennium Project.