Lesson 4 Nanotechnology

I. Learning Objectives:

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

1. discuss the antecedents of nanotechnology and its importance to society;

2. enumerate the positive and negative impacts of nanotechnology on the
environment and society; and
3. identify the moral and ethical questions and concerns surrounding
nanotechnology.

Engage

Instruction: Search on a nano product available in the market today and write a 20 words
description about the product, particularly explaining how it was produced using
nanotechnology.

Explore

Instruction: Read Colvin’s (2003) article, The potential environment impact of engineered
nanomaterials(citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc.download?doi=10.1.1423.7263&rep=rep17
type=pdf). Then accomplish the metacognitive reading report below.

1. Difficult Concepts

a.

b.

c.

2. Learning Insights

a. Before reading the article I thought that

______________________________________________________

However, after reading the article, I now think/ learned that

_____________________________________________________
Introduction

Nanotechnology is the branch of technology that deals with the manipulation and
study of matter at the nanoscale. It covers all types of research and technologies that deal
with the special properties of matter on an atomic molecular and supramolecular scale.

Scientist in the field of chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and

engineering are all involved in studying matter on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is
“convergent” because it brings together various fields of science through its innovations,
e.g., DNA silicon chips, converging between semiconductor science (inorganic chemistry)
and biology, with applications in the medical industry. It also involves design,
characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by
controlling shapes and sizes at the nanometer scale. This technology is enabling in the
sense that it provides the platform and the tools to produce innovations.

To decipher how nanotechnology works, three dimensions must be considered.

The first dimension involves tangible objects which include materials, devices, and
systems. The second dimension deals with the passive and static objects i.e.,
nanoparticles that have properties different bulk objects, even if they have the same
composition; the active devices, i.e., those that can store information, induce energy, or
change their state; and the nanofacture, which refers to atomically precise manufacturing
( APM), i.e., collection of instruments and procedures. The third dimension is direct
nanotechnology which refers to materials structured at nanoscale components. This also
extends to indirect nanotechnology which refers to materials structured at nanoscale
components. This also extends to indirect nanotechnology, which starts with
nanoparticles but can be used in huge application i.e., hugely powerful information
processors with individual nanoscale components.

Application of Nanotechnology

With scientists and engineers continuously finding ways to make material at the
nanoscale, more and more uses of nanotechnology arise.

In medicine, nanotechnology has numerous applications in the development of

more effective drugs. Assisted by the view of molecules afforded by X- ray lasers,
biological mechanisms can be simulated to destroy a cancer cell while it is treated by
drug- bearing nanoparticles. Nanobots, or molecular- scale workers can employ
molecular processes within cells, which can deliver drugs to specific molecular processes
within cells, which deliver drugs to specific molecular sites or even carry out surgery
(Biercuk, 2011). It is now possible to diagnose prevalent contagious diseases like HIV/
AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, among others with screening devices using nanotechnology
(Maclurcan, 2005).

Water purification systems containing nanomaterials and utilizing new membrane

technologies containing variable pore- sized filters (i.e., the forward- osmosis membrane
technology of Hydration Technologies) are now available (Jadhawar, 2004).
Nanoparticles are also used to prepare heat- resistant and self- cleaning surfaces, such
as floors and benchtops. Nanoparticles of silicon dioxide or titanium dioxide can also
make a surface repel water, thus preventing stains. Detergent molecules self- assemble
into a sphere to form a micelle that allows the detergent to trap oils and fats within the
cavity of the sphere that aids in washing surfaces. Zeolites are silicon oxides and
aluminum oxides that have specific nanoporous cage- like structures that are used as
molecular sieves.

In agriculture, novel techniques of nanotechnology applications are applied to

breed crops with higher levels of micronutrients to detect pests and to control food
processing (Heckman 2005). Ultra- small probes on earth surfaces for agricultural
applications and control of soil, air, and water contamination are also developed using
nanotechnology (Zhang et al., 2011).

A simple, cheap, and effective way of removing arsenic in soil and water is through
the use of TiO2 nanoparticles (Pena et al, 2005). A nanotechnology- inspired detector
form Washington, which can sense the smallest amount of radiation, located a nuclear
leak faster and more accurately at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Zhang et
al., 2011). Chlorinated compounds (i.e., chlorinated solvents and pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls( PCBs), and brominated compounds) are major environmental
contaminants that can be reduced using nanoscale metal particles, such FeO and Fe- Ni
in conjunction with iron filings[ Fe(0)] (Dayrit et al., 2008). Silver (Ag) has long been known
to exhibit strong antimicrobial properties. Its activity has been enhanced with the
discovery that the bactericidal properties of Ag nanoparticles (1- 100nm) are dependent
on both their size and shape.

Bionanotechnology can support cleaner production methods and provide

alternative and renewable energy sources to enhance the sustainability of factories
(Colvin, 2003). Nanotechnology helps in energy consumption like in the use of grapheme
into a coating material resulting in the need for only one layer, which does not require a
multifunctional film coating. Nanoscale chemical reagents or catalysts are smaller yet they
increase the rate of chemical reactions, thus lessening the input of raw materials (Zhang
et al,. 2011).
 In the Philippines, nanotechnology can be applied in making sources of renewable
energy accessible to many, developing medicine that would address serious diseases,
improving the state of agriculture, and more. There are also existing and ongoing
research studies funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on the
possible application of technology, as well as on Nano- Metrology and Education and
Public Awareness.

Explain

Challenges of Nanotechnology

The advantage brought by innovations in nanotechnology come with a price. With

rapid developments in nanotechnology, its adverse effects become more visible.

The environmental effect of mineral- based nanoparticles found in cosmetics,

paints, clothing, and other products are questioned as they go through sewerage
treatment plants untreated due to their undetectable size. They can be carried down by
fine silts or microplastic with both inorganic and organic pollutants. Thus, these may affect
water source (Biercuk, 2011).

Carbon nanotubes used in the manufacture of memory storage, electronics,

batteries, etc. were found to have unknown harmful impacts to the human body by
inhalation into lungs comparable to asbestos fiber 11. A pulmonary toxicological
evaluation of single- wall carbon nanotubes indicated that it is more toxic that carbon
black and quartz.

Due to its size, a nanoparticle is not easy to analyze. Lack of information and
methods of characterizing nanomaterials makes it a challenge to detect its concentration
in air or in any matrix of the environment. Predicting the toxicity of a nanomaterial relies
heavily on information about its chemical structure since minor changes in its chemical
function group could drastically change its properties. Point- to point risk assessment at
all stages of nanotechnology should then be conducted to ensure the safety to human
health and environment. Risk assessment should include the exposure risk and its
probability of exposure, toxicological anaylsis, transport risk, persistence risk,
transformation risk, and ability to recycle (Zhang et al., 2011). This is which is quite
expensive due to the difficulty of detecting nanoparticles.

Ethical and Dilemmas of Nanotechnology

With the identified potential hazards that nanoparticles can bring to human health
and the environment, should people disregard the benefits that nanotechnology provide
them?
 Issues raised regarding nanotechnology should be further studied, and
nanotechnology methods should be modified. For example, altering the composition of
grapheme, known to be one of the most advanced materials for structural improvement,
replacing silicon in electronic devices, and thermal transferring nanomaterials can be
done to diminish environment hazards of nanotechnology. Some studies also found
microorganisms that can decompose grapheme to make less toxic for the environment
(Zhang et al., 2011).

It is imperative, therefore, that experts and governments support themselves with

enough knowledge on how nanomaterials work for the benefit of society.

Elaborate

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc0KLV8CW08

What are the potential hazards of nanotechnology that you have learned? Then, propose
a policy that addresses the potential hazards you have identified.

Evaluate

What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of the ability to manipulate the
building blocks of the world (i.e., individual atoms and molecules) at dimensions and
tolerances of less than one- billionth of a meter? List down your ideas.

Criteria:
Content- 10
Organization of thoughts- 10
Total- 20pts

Manipulation of Atom and Molecules

Advantages Disadvantages