Nanotechnology: Applications, Benefits, and Risks

Nanotechnology

Concept

Nanotechnology is the study, design, and creation of materials by manipulating matter at the nanometer scale. A nanometer is 10^-9 meters. It is based on the fact that the properties of matter at the nanoscale are distinct from those on a macroscopic scale.

*Example:* Graphite and diamond.

Applications

• Machines and instruments capable of depositing atoms and molecules in the right place.
• Design of materials for a specific role and a lead in a specific situation.

Applications in Electronics: LEDs

LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are semiconductor devices made with crystals of indium and gallium. They replace traditional light bulbs. They do not waste heat energy; therefore, all the energy invested produces light more efficiently.

*Examples:* Traffic lights, mobile screens.

Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are added to materials, making them flexible.

*Applications:* Electronics, computer memory, solar panels.

Textile Industry

Nanoparticles change the properties of tissues, increasing their insulation.

Applications in Medicine

Nanotechnology could lead to drugs targeting specific parts of the body.

*Example:* Fluorescent nanoparticles - particles less than a millimeter that target a tumor to locate it.

Other Products

• Biodegradable plastics
• Cosmetics
• Anti-corrosion paints
• Dentures
• Photochromic glasses

Risks

Side Effects

There is a possibility that the manipulation of such tiny particles can create health problems. When they are difficult to detect in the environment, they can gather personal information through sensors in clothes.

Environmental Risks

• The new materials may not be biodegradable.
• The treatment and manufacturing of these materials and products can release toxins that are carcinogenic or cause hormonal system alterations.
• The exploitation of cheap products could cause significant environmental damage.
• Nanomaterials, being very small, can easily react with other substances.

Social Risks

• Possible military use.
• Use by criminals or terrorists.
• Inexpensive production and duplication of designs could lead to large changes in the economy.
• Risk of increasing differences between rich and poor.
• Use to improve human characteristics: seeing well at night, micro-computers in the body that increase intelligence.