THE

CHAPTER 9

NANO
WORLD
BY JOHN ZEDRICK L. MACAISA
 LEARN
• :
What is Nanotechnology
• Environmental aspect of Technology
• Nanotechnology in the Philippines
• Nanotechnology and Education
 WHAT IS
NANOTECHNO
Nano is a prefix used in the metric scale to represent one billionth. A nanometer (nm) is one

LOGY?
billionth of a meter. Nano comes from the Greek word for dwarf, so in combination with
technology, it becomes dwarf technology. Technology applies science and materials for
human uses, and nanotechnology applies science and materials at the nanoscale. People
refer to nanotechnology as “tiny tech” or “nanotech”. It represents the scaling down of
technology to a new scale, generally agreed to be in the range of 1 to 100 nm

Applications of Nanotechnology in All Fields of Science

The early 2000’s saw the beginning of commercial applications of nanotechnology. With thousands of
researchers across the globe focusing on the applications of nanomaterials and the mushrooming of
many industries, it is now difficult to say who did what first. Rapid progress in the synthesis and
understanding of nanomaterials in just a few years has led to their entry into the world in a big way.
 APPLICATIONS OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ALL FIELDS
OF SCIENCE
Electronics

Single electron transistor (SET), spin valves and magnetic tunnel junctions (MT)s are
based on nanotechnology. Spin valve-type devices are already being used in personal
computers to “read discs,” which has enabled the increase of data storage capacity of
hard discs.

Energy

Some metal hydride nanoparticles like nickel hydrides or high surface area,
ultralightweight materials like aerogels are found to be better options than the
conventional materials in improved batteries. Carbon nanomaterial (CNM) has been
used in improving the efficacy of lithium secondary batteries, supercapacitors and in
hydrogen storage
 APPLICATIONS OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ALL FIELDS
OF SCIENCE
Environment

Some of the nanoparticle-based sensors are much more novel and sensitive
compounds to those being used. Nanomaterials-based sensors would be smart
sensors, i.e., they will be able to detect and rectify problems. Such sensors are being
developed for water purification systems, detection of toxic ions, metal ions,
pesticides, etc., and their remediation on a larger scale.

Automobiles

Nanosensors will help in assessing emissions from the vehicle and help in controlling
pollutants.
To overcome the pollution problem, cars using hydrogen as fuel are being marketed.
Hydrogen gas is normally stored in a metal cylinder under high pressure not only can
add weight to the vehicle but is also dangerous. To overcome this problem, storing
hydrogen in “nanocylinders” of carbon nanotubes is being tried
 APPLICATIONS OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ALL FIELDS
OF SCIENCE
Agriculture and Food

Application in combating plant diseases:

• Controlled delivery of functional molecules Nanoparticles used as Trojan horse
for delivery of active ingredients.
• As a diagnostic tool for disease detection For detection purpose, both
nanoparticles and quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as pivotal tools for
detection of biological markers. Nanotechnology can play important role in
treatment by diagnosing a disease at its very early stage.

Industries

Industries are involved in developing and producing nanomaterials to obtain nano-

bioproducts for bone substitutes and dentistry; antimicrobial applications in various
products; food and cosmetic applications; applications in textiles, paints, catalysis,
lubricants, fuel cells and batteries; all of which are part of major industrial
production.
 APPLICATIONS OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ALL FIELDS
OF SCIENCE
Textiles

Special threads and dyes used in the textile industry are products of nanotechnology.
These clothes do not require ironing or frequent cleaning. Use of silver (Ag)
nanoparticles in washing machines remove the germs from clothes while washing.
Masks made of fabrics coated with nanoparticles for protection against microbes are
already on the market. Fabrics composed of proteins are capable of stretching as
much as 1500 percent from their original size and can be used form-fitting clothing

Cosmetics

Nanoliposomes are used as vesicular delivery systems. Liposomes are concentric

bilayer vesicles. The first liposomal cosmetic was the anti-aging cream “Capture”
manufactured by Dior
 APPLICATIONS OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ALL FIELDS
OF SCIENCE
Domestic Appliances

• Nanoporous aerogel insulator is excellent for insulating walls.

• Flame-retardant furniture coatings are on the market which are synthesized
carbon nanofibers.
• Fishing rods are made stronger and lighter using silica nanoparticles to fill spaces
between carbon fibers.
• Antimicrobial titanium oxide nanoparticles are used in various applications as
part of a film that uses energy in light to kill bacteria on surfaces by
photocatalytic activity.
Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Nanomedicine researchers are looking at ways that nanotechnology can improve

vaccines, including vaccine delivery without the use of needles. Researchers also are
working to create a universal vaccine scaffold for the annual flu vaccine that would
cover more strains and require fewer resources to develop each year
ENVIRONMEN
TAL ASPECTS
OF
Many applications of nanotechnology benefits the environment, for

NANOTECHNO
example, treating drinking water, eliminating toxic chemicals,
increasing water and energy efficiency, and harnessing cleaner energy

LOGY
technologies. How can the applications of nanoscience affect the
environment? It is not clear today what the potential impacts are from
nanoscale materials in the air, water and soil. For example, it is not
known to what extent nanomaterials might enter the food supply and
become part of human diet, or whether and how they can affect
forests, coral reefs, or air quality
Will there be a nano-environmental legacy? Are
nanomaterials already entering the environment in
ways that will allow them to persist and enter or upset
the food chain? Will nanomaterials follow the path of
other legacy pollutants, such as lead? How will this be
determined if data are not being collected?
One could argue that the amounts will be small, and in the near future, it is true
that there are few applications of nanotechnology likely to allow free
nanoparticles to enter the environment in significant amounts. However, as
more and more applications adopt nanotechnology, the production, uses, and
releases of nanoparticles will dramatically increase.
 Cleaning hospital environment using
nanomaterial as a disinfectant might mean it
would be sprayed, wiped, poured into buckets
and on floors, and washed down drains.

Where could the nanomaterial end up?

Triclosan, commonly found in antimicrobial soaps and cleaning products, is
among many consumer-used chemicals found in the river and drinking water
sources. Some population of bacteria routinely exposed to substances designed
to eradicate them (e.g. pesticides and medical antibiotics) are now found in the
environment and have become resistant to antibiotics used in agriculture and to
treat human diseases. Antimicrobial resistance is a big problem because bacteria
are no longer susceptible to the treatments developed to kill them, and outbreaks
can occur that cannot be managed.
ENVIRONMEN
TAL ASPECTS
OF
In 2011, the government announced a 10-year strategic plan/road map

NANOTECHNO
for the development of the R&D strategy of nanotechnology covering
at least six industrial sectors

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 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6
INFORM ENERGYAGRICULMEDICINENVIRO
SEMICON ATION TURE E NMENTA
DUCTOR TECHNO L
LOGY PROTEC
TION
0 • In the area of agriculture, funded nano projects include rapid and early pest and pathogen
detection; precision agriculture – monitoring of agricultural growth parameters; and post-

1
harvest quality monitoring, nano-sized feedstock, nano-sized fertilizers/nutrients, and
pesticides.

0
• Projects concerning nanotechnology for water purification and environmental
remediation are also being funded

2
0
• Scientists from DOST have also developed a low-cost water purification system in the
form of a ceramic filter coated with silver nanoparticles.

3
• Historical evidence supported by scientific findings show that all new technologies come
with risks to human health and the environment, and nanotechnology is no exception. The
increasing number of engineered nanomaterials and nanoproducts gives rise to increasing
breadth and extent of the potential risks posed to human health and the environment.
 GENETICS/
MEDICINE/
0 HEALTHCARE
• Artifacts based on nanotechnology incorporate genetic material or have genetic
modification or repair as an objective.

1
0
• If the artifact incorporates some kind of computing and sensing element, say for the
controlled delivery of a drug, additional risks arise for the patient if these elements

2
should malfunction.
 GENETICS/
MEDICINE/
0 HEALTHCARE
• Invasion of privacy and of the human body through the planting and implanting of
computing-cum-communication devices without the knowledge of those affected has

3
been done.

0
• The security and safety of a person is a problematic issue, since it will be difficult
initially to detect the presence of nanosize artifacts that are capable of breaching security

4
and harming the individual. In warfare, controlled distribution of biological and nerve
agents may become feasible
 MATERIALS/
0 COMPOSITES
• The general problem with composite materials is that they are more difficult to recycle
and consume more energy during recycling than pure materials

1
0
• Wide-scale introduction of composite materials can increase environmental problems.

2
0
• In the manufacturing area, many processes will need to be redesigned to embody new
principles, particularly relating to containment of active or waste products.

3
NANOTE
CHNOLO
GY AND
EDUCATI
• Education and training in nanotechnology require special laboratory facilities that can be
quite expensive. The cost of creating and maintaining nanotechnology facilities is a
major challenge for educational institutions. But by using innovative approaches such as
inter-university collaboration, academia-industry partnerships, and Web-based remote
access to nanofabrication facilities, educational institutions can overcome innovative
nanotechnology researches
 ECONOMIC AND
POLITICAL
IMPLICATIONS OF
POTENTIAL
• These issues include the economic value of a new materials and new industries created
through nanotechnology, as well as economic dislocations caused by shifts in investment

TECHNOLOGY
and the decline of industries and companies tied to displaced technologies. Other
implications might include increased lifespans made possible through nano-based
medicines or diagnostic techniques, leading to greater numbers of active senior citizens
seeking employment and active participation in the political process.
NANOTECHNOLOGY
AND EMPLOYMENT
• Nanotechnology products that are already on the market allow us to identify three
common characteristics: the products have multiple functions that previously required
more than one product (multifunctional), the products remain useful longer, and the
products use fewer raw materials. Some products combine two or three of these
characteristics. Taken together, this means that manufacturing these products will lead to
decreased demand for workers. In addition, these innovations reduce the demand for
traditional products that compete them.
 SOCIAL, ETHICAL,
LEGAL AND
CULTURAL
• The list of social, ethical, legal and cultural implications includes such issues as privacy,

IMPLICATIONS
avoiding a ‘nano-divide’, unintended consequences, university/industry relationships and
potential conflicts of interest, research ethics, and so on. It is widely acknowledged that,
precisely because the applications of nanotechnology are not yet clear, neither are the
ethical issues clear. And yet, many argue, the nano community must begin to address
these issues now, before they overwhelm nanotechnology and derail potential benefits.
THAN
K