5 | Specific Issues in Science, Technology, and Sociely Nanotechnology is the branch of technology that deals with ty and study of matter at the nanoscale. It covers aj} i ¢ Des manipulation chnologies that deal with the special propertj.. ae oe of research and te: er on an atomic molecular and supramolecular scale matt Scientists in the field of chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering are all involved in studying matte; 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. [f 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 jt 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 tefers 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 starts with nanoparticles but can be used fo huge applications ie., hugely powerful information processors with individual nanoscale components (Ramsden, 2009). Figure 37. NanoFacture®- Nanotechnology | 183 Applications of Nanotechnology With scientists and engi Pesta rend coon molly finding Wh materi ‘anoscale, more and More uses of 1g ways to make tise, S of nanotechnology 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 ie 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 sites or even carry out surgery nee _ ne (Biercuk, 2011). It is now possible igure 38. Nanotechnology on pea eee ee red blood cells lagnose 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. N: anoparticles of silicon dioxide or titanium Biovide 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 e silicon oxides and aluminum that aids in washing surfaces. Zeolites are st? oxides that have specific nanoporous cage-like structures that are used as molecular sieves. In agriculture, novel techniques are applied to breed crops with higher detect pests and to control food processing ae small probes on earth surfaces for agricultural ap] of nanotechnology applications her levels of micronutrients to (Heckman, 2005). Ultra- plications 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 TiO, nanoparticles. (Pena et al., 2005). A nanotechnology-inspired detector from 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 as 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- 100 nm) are dependent on both their size and shape. Figure 39. 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 graphene 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 ae tate of chemical reactions, thus essening the input of r: i Chang i ait ‘aw materials Figure 40. Graphene Buckyballsae Mining ~~ * Fine metal and metal oxide Particles Nanotechnology In the Philippines, nanotechnology sources of renewable energy accessible to many, developing medicine that would address serious diseases, improving the state of and more. There are also existing and Ongoing resea: funded by the Department of Science and T possible application of technology, as well Education and Public Awareness. can be applied in making agriculture, h studies ‘echnology (DOST) on the as on Nano-Metrology and Challenges of Nanotechnology The advantages 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 microplastics with both inorganic and organic pollutants. Thus, these may affect water source (Biercuk, 2011). For instance, in the 1980s, a semiconductor plant contaminated the ground water in Silicon Valley, California (Zhang et al., 2011). ‘Auto Traffic ‘Palladium and Platinum Nps (catalytic converter) + Battery waste electric cars) + Fine carbon particles (exhaust, tre wear) ‘Combustion | * Soot/earbon black © Ayash * Faullerenes/carbon nanotubes Medicine Mining particles Laundry «silver NPs (antibacterial fabrics) “= Metal oxide NPs (UV-proof fabrics) Figure 41. Nano contaminants 85 ‘Silver Nps (antibactiials) * Gold Nps (therapeitics) * Fine metal and metal oxide186 | Specific Issues in Science, Technology, and Society Carbon nanotubes used in the manufacture of memory a ics, batteries, etc. were found ae unknown harm en the human body by inhalation into lungs comparabl, : ae re 11. A pulmonary toxicological evaluation of single-wal eee ranean indicated that it is more toxic than carbon ney and quartz. Due to its size, a nanoparticle is not easy to analyze. Lack of information and methods of Le nanomaterials makes jt g challenge to detect its concentration in air or in oy, 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 analysis, transport risk, persistence risk, transformation risk, and ability to recycle (Zhang et al., 201 1). This is which is quite expensive due to the difficulty of detecting nanoparticles. Ethical 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 graphene, 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 environmental hazards. of nanotechnology. Some guidies also found microorganisms that can decompose graphene t0 make it less toxic for the environment (Zhang et al., 2011). Itis imperative, therefore, that experts and governments suppo" wremselves with enough knowledge on how nanomaterials work for le benefit of Society,