Summary of Nanotechnology’s Big Impact

Summary of Nanotechnology’s Big Impact

Nanotechnology uses atoms and molecules to build materials which researchers hope yo use in areas such as, health care, clean energy and shrinking electronics. Nanomaterials, which measure to be around one billionth of a meter have significantly different properties such as melting points and conductivity than everyday materials. These properties are allowed by the nanomaterials unusual space and increase in surface area. An important application of nanomaterials are Nanotubes, which are sheets of pure carbon graphite rolled into a cylindrical shape, and measure around a few nanometers in diameter. The carbon atoms form hexagons which, along with the width of nanotubes affect how they conduct electricity. This can be applied to make smaller electrical components or body armor. Nanowires are solid rods of silicon or other materials, and can conduct electricity, and can be applied to more efficient solar cells, and sensors for harmful chemicals. Nanoballs are hollow, ball shaped molecules made up of 60 carbon atoms (this can vary from 60 to 80 atoms), some applications are found to be to block swelling, inflammation, and pain, this can help with conditions such as allergies, arthritis, and wound healing. This technology is due to the balls ability to trap harmful free radicals, which form as a part of an immune response targeting a virus or bacteria. Too many free radicals can damage cells but the unpaired electrons in free radicals can be transferred to the nanoball forming a bond. Nano-drug delivery targets problems such as pills not efficiently getting the drug to the right place and in the right amount because its concentration decreases rapidly. Scientists are developing a microchip with nanometer-sized channels that will be able to steadily release a drug over time. It also tackles the problem of a pill to survive extreme acidity and digestive enzymes to transfer the drug across a mucous layer with a flat delivery device which docks on to the intestinal wall to release the drug. Some challenges that nanotechnology faces are developing better manufacturing methods because as of now methods are not very efficient. There will have to be safety and quality standards developed, as well as looking at the effects of nanomaterials on our bodies and the environment. Although Nanotechnologies shows great promise in the world of modern technology, there are still precautions we have to take and studies which need to be conducted to ensure the safe use of nanomaterials in our everyday lives.