The Nano World

Nano World
• it is the sphere of influence of nanotechnology

• Nano
• a prefix used to describe the sizes of the order of one-
billionth of a meter
• From the Greek word ‘nanos’ meaning dwarf
 Nanoscience
• systematically organize and manipulate properties and
behavior of matter in the atomic and molecular levels

• has greatly contributed to major advances in computing

and electronics, leading to faster, smaller, and more
portable systems that can store larger amounts of
information
 Nanotechnology
• refers to the science, engineering, and technology
conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100
nanometers

• employs the study and application of exceptionally small

things
Nanotechnology
• Norio Taniguchi
• he termed the word
“nanotechnology”

• Richard Feynman
• he discussed a method in which
scientists can direct and control
individual atoms and molecules
 Microscopes Used in
Nanotechnology
• Electron Microscope
• Built by Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll in
1930

• uses a beam of accelerated

electrons as a source of illumination
 Microscopes Used in
Nanotechnology
• Atomic Force Microscope
• pioneered in 1986 by Gerd Binnig,
Calvin Quate, and Christoph Gerber

• high resolution scanning probe

microscope that can measure fractions
of a nanometer
 Microscopes Used in
Nanotechnology
• Scanning Tunneling Microscope
• developed in 1981 by Gerd Binnig and
Heinrich Rohrer

• an instrument for imaging surfaces at

the atomic level
 Microscopes Used in
Nanotechnology
• Scanning Tunneling Microscope
• developed in 1981 by Gerd Binnig and
Heinrich Rohrer

• an instrument for imaging surfaces at

the atomic level
 Areas Affected by
Nanotechnology
• Environment
• Benefits:
• Improved detection and removal of contaminants
• Development of benign industrial processes and materials

• Concerns:
• High reactivity and toxicity
 Areas Affected by
Nanotechnology
• Health
• Benefits:
• improved medicine

• Concerns:
• ability to cross cell membrane and translocate in the
body
• no FDA approval needed for cosmetics or supplements
 Advantages of
Nanotechnology
• offers the potential for new and faster kinds of computers

• more efficient power sources and life-saving medical

treatments
 Disadvantages of
Nanotechnology
• economic disruption

• possible threats to security, privacy, health, and the

environment
 Uses of
Nanotechnology
• agricultural productivity enhancement
• disease diagnosis and screening
• drug delivery systems
• health monitoring
• vector and pest detector and control