what is nanotechnology essay

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Nanotechnology: A Revolution in Modern Industry

Shiza malik.

1 Bridging Health Foundation, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan

Khalid Muhammad

2 Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates

Yasir Waheed

3 Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan

4 Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon

Associated Data

Not applicable.

Nanotechnology, contrary to its name, has massively revolutionized industries around the world. This paper predominantly deals with data regarding the applications of nanotechnology in the modernization of several industries. A comprehensive research strategy is adopted to incorporate the latest data driven from major science platforms. Resultantly, a broad-spectrum overview is presented which comprises the diverse applications of nanotechnology in modern industries. This study reveals that nanotechnology is not limited to research labs or small-scale manufacturing units of nanomedicine, but instead has taken a major share in different industries. Companies around the world are now trying to make their innovations more efficient in terms of structuring, working, and designing outlook and productivity by taking advantage of nanotechnology. From small-scale manufacturing and processing units such as those in agriculture, food, and medicine industries to larger-scale production units such as those operating in industries of automobiles, civil engineering, and environmental management, nanotechnology has manifested the modernization of almost every industrial domain on a global scale. With pronounced cooperation among researchers, industrialists, scientists, technologists, environmentalists, and educationists, the more sustainable development of nano-based industries can be predicted in the future.

1. Introduction

Nanotechnology has slowly yet deeply taken over different industries worldwide. This rapid pace of technological revolution can especially be seen in the developed world, where nano-scale markets have taken over rapidly in the past decade. Nanotechnology is not a new concept since it has now become a general-purpose technology. Four generations of nanomaterials have emerged on the surface and are used in interdisciplinary scientific fields; these are active and passive nanoassemblies, general nanosystems, and small-scale molecular nanosystems [ 1 ].

This rapid development of nanoscience is proof that, soon, nano-scale manufacturing will be incorporated into almost every domain of science and technology. This review article will cover the recent advanced applications of nanotechnology in different industries, mainly agriculture, food, cosmetics, medicine, healthcare, automotive, oil and gas industries, chemical, and mechanical industries [ 2 , 3 ]. Moreover, a brief glimpse of the drawbacks of nanotechnology will be highlighted for each industry to help the scientific community become aware of the ills and benefits of nanotechnology side by side. Nanotechnology is a process that combines the basic attributes of biological, physical, and chemical sciences. These processes occur at the minute scale of nanometers. Physically, the size is reduced; chemically, new bonds and chemical properties are governed; and biological actions are produced at the nano scale, such as drug bonding and delivery at particular sites [ 4 , 5 ].

Nanotechnology provides a link between classical and quantum mechanics in a gray area called a mesoscopic system. This mesoscopic system is being used to manufacture nanoassemblies of nature such as agricultural products, nanomedicine, and nanotools for treatment and diagnostic purposes in the medical industry [ 6 ]. Diseases that were previously untreatable are now being curtailed via nano-based medications and diagnostic kits. This technology has greatly affected bulk industrial manufacturing and production as well. Instead of manufacturing materials by cutting down on massive amounts of material, nanotechnology uses the reverse engineering principle, which operates in nature. It allows the manufacturing of products at the nano scale, such as atoms, and then develops products to work at a deeper scale [ 7 ].

Worldwide, millions and billions of dollars and euros are being spent in nanotechnology to utilize the great potential of this new science, especially in the developed world in Europe, China, and America [ 8 ]. However, developing nations are still lagging behind as they are not even able to meet the industrial progression of the previous decade [ 9 ]. This lag is mainly because these countries are still fighting economically, and they need some time to walk down the road of nanotechnology. However, it is pertinent to say that both the developed and developing world’s scientific communities agree that nanotechnology will be the next step in technological generation [ 10 ]. This will make further industrial upgrading and investment in the field of nanotechnology indispensable in the coming years.

With advances in science and technology, the scientific community adopts technologies and products that are relatively cheap, safe, and cleaner than previous technologies. Moreover, they are concerned about the financial standing of technologies, as natural resources in the world are shrinking excessively [ 11 ]. Nanotechnology thus provides a gateway to this problem. This technology is clear, cleaner, and more affordable compared to previous mass bulking and heavy machinery. Moreover, nanotechnology holds the potential to be implemented in every aspect of life. This will mainly include nanomaterial sciences, nanoelectronics, and nanomedicine, being inculcated in all dimensions of chemistry and the physical and biological world [ 12 ]. Thus, it is not wrong to predict that nanotechnology will become a compulsory field of study for future generations [ 13 ]. This review inculcates the basic applications of nanotechnology in vital industries worldwide and their implications for future industrial progress [ 14 ].

2. Nanotechnology Applications

2.1. applications of nanotechnology in different industries.

After thorough and careful analyses, a wide range of industries—in which nanotechnology is producing remarkable applications—have been studied, reviewed, and selected to be made part of this review. It should be notified that multiple subcategories of industrial links may be discussed under one heading to elaborate upon the wide-scale applications of nanotechnology in different industries. A graphical abstract at the beginning of this article indicates the different industries in which nanotechnology is imparting remarkable implications, details of which are briefly discussed under different headings in the next session.

2.2. Nanotechnology and Computer Industry

Nanotechnology has taken its origins from microengineering concepts in physics and material sciences [ 15 ]. Nanoscaling is not a new concept in the computer industry, as technologists and technicians have been working for a long time to design such modified forms of computer-based technologies that require minimum space for the most efficient work. Resultantly, the usage of nanotubes instead of silicon chips is being increasingly experimented upon in computer devices. Feynman and Drexler’s work has greatly inspired computer scientists to design revolutionary nanocomputers from which wide-scale advantages could be attained [ 13 ]. A few years ago, it was an unimaginable to consider laptops, mobiles, and other handy gadgets as thin as we have today, and it is impossible for even the common man to think that with the passage of time, more advanced, sophisticated, and lighter computer devices will be commonly used. Nanotechnology holds the potential to make this possible [ 16 ].

Energy-efficient, sustainable, and urbanized technologies have been emerging since the beginning of the 21st century. The improvement via nanotechnology in information and communication technology (ICT) is noteworthy in terms of the improvements achieved in interconnected communities, economic competitiveness, environmental stability during demographic shifts, and global development [ 17 ]. The major implications of renewable technology incorporate the roles of ICT and nanotechnology as enablers of environmental sustainability. The traditional methods of product resizing, re-functioning, and enhanced computational capabilities, due to their expensiveness and complicated manufacturing traits, have slowly been replaced by nanotechnological renovations. Novel technologies such as smart sensors logic elements, nanochips, memory storage nanodevices, optoelectronics, quantum computing, and lab-on-a-chip technologies are important in this regard [ 18 ].

Both private and public spending are increasing in the field of nanocomputing. The growth of marketing and industrialization in the biotechnology and computer industries are running in parallel, and their expected growth rates for the coming years are far higher. Researchers and technologists believe that by linking the advanced field of nanotechnology and informatics and computational industries, various problems in human society such as basic need fulfillment can be easily accomplished in line with the establishment of sustainable goals by the end of this decade [ 19 ]. The fourth industrial revolution is based upon the supporting pillars derived from hyperphysical systems including artificial intelligence, machine learning, the internet of things, robots, drones, cloud computing, fast internet technologies (5G and 6G), 3D printing, and block chain technologies [ 20 ].

Most of these technologies have a set basis in computing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, material science renovations, and satellite technologies. Nanotechnology offers useful alterations in the physiochemical, mechanical, magnetic, electrical, and optical properties of computing materials which enable innovative and newer products [ 21 ]. Thus, nanotechnology is providing a pathway for another broad-spectrum revolution in the field of automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, information technology, bioinformatics, and environmental management, all of which have root origins from nanotechnological improvements in computers. Sensors involved in software and data algorithms employ nanomaterials to induce greater sensitivity and processabilities with minimal margin-to-machine errors [ 22 ]. Nanomaterials provide better characteristics and robustness to sensor technologies which mean they are chemically inert, corrosion-resistant, and have greater tolerance profiles toward temperature and alkalinity [ 22 ].

Moreover, the use of semiconductor nanomaterials in the field of quantum computing has increased overall processing speeds with better accuracy and transmissibility. These technologies offer the creation of different components and communication protocols at the nano level, which is often called the internet of nano things [ 23 ]. This area is still in a continuous development and improvement phase with the potential for telecommunication, industrial, and medical applications. This field has taken its origin from the internet of things, which is a hyperphysical world of sensors, software, and other related technologies which allow broad-scale communication via internet operating devices [ 17 ]. The applications of these technologies range from being on the simple home scale to being on the complex industrial scale. The internet of things is mainly capable of gathering and distributing large-scale data via internet-based equipment and modern gadgets. In short, the internet of nano things is applicable to software, hardware, and network connection which could be used for data manipulation, collection, and sharing across the globe [ 24 ].

Another application of nanotechnology in the computer and information industry comes in the form of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data platforms which have set the basis for the fourth industrial revolution. Vast amounts of raw data are collected through interconnected robotic devices, sensors, and machines which have properties of nanomaterials [ 18 ]. After wide-scale data gathering, the next step is the amalgamation of the internet of things and the internet of people to prepare a greater analysis, understanding, and utilization of the gathered information for human benefit [ 4 ]. Such data complications can be easily understood through the use of big data in the medical industry, in which epidemiological data provide benefits for disease management [ 2 ]. Yet another example is the applications in business, where sales and retail-related data help to elucidate the target markets, sales industry, and consumer behavioral inferences for greater market consumption patterns [ 19 ].

Similarly, an important dimension of nanotechnology and computer combination comes in the form of drone and robotics technology. These technologies have a rising number of applications in maintenance, inspections, transportation, deliverability, and data inspection [ 25 ]. Drones, robots, and the internet of things are being perfectly amalgamated with the industrial sector to achieve greater goals. Drones tend to be more mobile but rely more on human control as compared to robots, which are less mobile but have larger potential for self-operation [ 26 ]. However, now, more mobile drones with better autonomous profiles are being developed to help out in the domain of manufacturing industries. These devices intensify and increase the pace of automation and precision in industries along with providing the benefits of lower costs and fewer errors [ 24 ]. The integrated fields of robotics, the internet of things, and nanotechnology are often called the internet of robotics and nano things. This field of nanorobotics is increasing the flexibility and dexterity in manufacturing processes compared to traditional robotics [ 25 ].

Drones, on the contrary, help to manage tasks that are otherwise difficult or dangerous to be managed by humans, such as working from a far distance or in dangerous regions. Nanosensors help to equip drones with the qualities of improved detection and sensation more precisely than previous sensor technologies [ 21 , 27 ]. Moreover, the over-potential of working hours, battery, and maintenance have also been improved with the operationalization of nano-based sensors in drone technology. These drones are inclusively used for various purposes such as maintaining operations, employing safety profiling, security surveys, and mapping areas [ 18 ]. However, limitations such as high speed, legal and ethical limitations, safety concerns, and greater automobility are some of the drawbacks of aerial and robotic drone technologies [ 26 ].

Three-dimensional printing is yet another important application of the nanocomputer industry, in which an integrated modus operandi works to help in production management [ 28 ]. Nanotechnology-based 3D printing offers the benefits of an autonomous, integrated, intelligent exchange network of information which enables wide-scale production benefits. These technologies have enabled a lesser need for industrial infrastructure, minimized post-processing operations, reduced waste material generation, and reduced need for human presence for overall industrial management [ 28 , 29 ]. Moreover, the benefits of 3D printing and similar technologies have potentially increased flexibility in terms of customized items, minimal environmental impacts, and sustainable practices with lower resource and energy consumption. The use of nano-scale and processed resins, metallic raw material, and thermoplastics along with other raw materials allow for customized properties of 3D printing technology [ 29 ].

The application of nanotechnology in computers cannot be distinguished from other industrial applications, because everything in modern industries is controlled by a systemic network in association with a network of computers and similar technologies. Thus, the fields of electronics, manufacturing, processing, and packaging, among several others, are interlinked with nanocomputer science [ 11 , 15 ]. Silicon tubes have had immense applications that revolutionized the industrial revolution in the 20th century; now, the industrial revolution is in yet another revolutionary phase based on nanostructures [ 16 ]. Silicon tubes have been slowly replaced with nanotubes, which are allowing a great deal of improvement and efficiency in computing technology. Similarly, lab-on-a-chip technology and memory chips are being formulated at nano scales to lessen the storage space but increase the storage volume within a small, flexible, and easily workable chip in computers for their subsequent applications in multiple other industries.

Hundreds of nanotechnology computer-related products have been marketed in the last 20 years of the nanotechnological revolution [ 30 ]. Modern industries such as textiles, automotive, civil engineering, construction, solar technologies, environmental applications, medicine, transportation agriculture, and food processing, among others are largely reaping the benefits of nano-scale computer chips and other devices. In simple terms, everything out there in nanoindustrial applications has something to do with computer-based applications in the nanoindustry [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Thus, all the applications discussed in this review more or less originate from nanocomputers. These applications are enabling considerable improvement and positive reports within the industrial sector. Having said that, it is hoped that computer scientists will remain engaged and will keep on collaborating with scientists in other fields to further explore the opportunities associated with nanocomputer sciences.

2.3. Nanotechnology and Bioprocessing Industries

Scientific and engineering rigor is being carried out to the link fields of nanotechnology with contributions to the bioprocessing industry. Researchers are interested in how the basics of nanomaterials could be used for the high-quality manufacturing of food and other biomaterials [ 15 , 34 ]. Pathogenic identification, food monitoring, biosensor devices, and smart packaging materials, especially those that are reusable and biodegradable, and the nanoencapsulation of active food compounds are only a few nanotechnological applications which have been the prime focus of the research community in recent years. Eventually, societal acceptability and dealing with social, cultural, and ethical concerns will allow the successful delivery of nano-based bio-processed products into the common markets for public usage [ 20 , 35 ].

With the increasing population worldwide, food requirements are increasing in addition to the concerns regarding the production of safe, healthy, and recurring food options. Sensors and diagnostic devices will help improve the sensitivity in food quality monitoring [ 36 ]. Moreover, the fake industrial application of food products could be easily scanned out of a system with the application of nanotechnology which could control brand protection throughout bio-processing [ 6 ]. The power usage in food production might also be controlled after a total nanotechnological application in the food industry. The decrease in power consumption would ultimately be positive for the environment. This could directly bring in the interplay of environment, food, and nanotechnology and would help to reduce environmental concerns in future [ 37 ].

One of the important implications of nanotechnology in bioprocessing industries can be accustomed to fermentation processes; these technologies are under usage for greater industrial demand and improved biomolecule production at a very low cost, unlike traditional fermentation processes [ 35 ]. The successful implementation and integration of fermentation and nanotechnology have allowed the development of biocompatible, safe, and nontoxic substances and nanostructures with wide-scale application in the field of food, bioprocessing, and winemaking industries [ 38 ]. Another important application is in the food monitoring and food supply chain management, present in various subsectors such as production, storage, distribution, and toxicity management. Nanodevices and nanomaterials are incorporated into chemical and biological sensor technologies to improve overall analytical performance with regard to parameters such as response time, sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and reliability [ 39 ]. The conventional methods of food monitoring are slowly being replaced with modern nano-based materials such as nanowires, nanocomposites, nanotubes, nanorods, nanosheets, and other materials that function to immobilize and label components [ 40 ]. These methods are either electrochemically or optically managed. For food monitoring, several assays are proposed and implemented with their roots in nano-based technologies; they may include molecular and diagnostic assays, immunological assays, and electrochemical and optical assays such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering and colorimetry technologies [ 34 ]. Materials ranging from heavy materials to microorganisms, pesticides, allergens, and antibiotics are easily monitored during commercial processing and bioprocessing in industries.

Additionally, nanotechnology has presented marvelous transformations in bio-composting materials. With the rising demand for biodegradable composites worldwide to reduce the environmental impact and increase the efficiency of industrial output, there is an increasing need for sustainable technologies [ 41 ]. Nanocomposites are thus being formulated with valuable mechanical properties better than conventional polymers, thus establishing their applicability in industries. The improved properties include optical, mechanical, catalytic, electrochemical, and electrical ones [ 42 ]. These biodegradable polymers are not only used in bioprocessing industries to create food products with relevant benefits but are also being deployed in the biomedical field, therapeutic industries, biotechnology base tissue engineering field, packing, sensor industries, drug delivery technology, water remediation, food industries, and cosmetics industries as well [ 2 , 24 , 34 , 43 ]. These nanocomposites have outstanding characteristics of biocompatibility, lower toxicities, antimicrobial activity, thermal resistance, and overall improved biodegradation properties which make them worthy of applications in products [ 44 ]. However, it is still imperative to conduct wide-scale toxicity and safety profiling for these and other nanomaterials to ensure the safety requirements, customer satisfaction, and public benefit are met [ 44 ].

Moreover, the advancement of nanotechnology has also been conferred to the development of functional food items. The exposure and integration of nanotechnology and the food industry have resulted in larger quantities of sustainable, safer, and healthier food products for human consumption, which is a growing need for the rising population worldwide [ 45 ]. The overall positive impact of nanotechnology in food processing, manufacturing, packing, pathogenic detection, monitoring, and production profiles necessitates the wide-scale application of this technology in the food industry worldwide [ 4 , 41 ]. Recent research has shown how the delivery of bioactive compounds and essential ingredients is and can be improved by the application of nanomaterials (nanoencapsulation) in food products [ 46 ]. These technologies improve the protection performance and sensitivity of bioactive ingredients while preventing unnecessary interaction with other constituents of foods, thus establishing clear-cut improved bioactivity and solubility profiles of nanofoods, thereby improving human health benefits. However, it should be kept in mind that the safety regards of these food should be carefully regulated with safety profiling, as they directly interact with human bodies [ 47 ].

2.4. Nanotechnology and Agri-Industries

Agriculture is the backbone of the economies of various nations around the globe. It is a major contributing factor to the world economy in general and plays a critical role in population maintenance by providing nutritional needs to them. As global weather patterns are changing owing to the dramatic changes caused by global warming, it is accepted that agriculture will be greatly affected [ 48 ]. Under this scenario, it is always better to take proactive measures to make agricultural practices more secure and sustainable than before. Modern technology is thus being employed worldwide. Nanotechnology has also come to play an effective role in this interplay of sustainable technologies. It plays an important role during the production, processing, storing, packaging, and transport of agricultural industrial products [ 49 ].

Nanotechnology has introduced certain precision farming techniques to enhance plant nutrients’ absorbance, alongside better pathogenic detection against agricultural diseases. Fertilizers are being improved by the application of nanoclays and zeolites which play effective roles in soil nutrient broths and in the restoration soil fertility [ 49 ]. Modern concepts of smart seeds and seed banks are also programmed to germinate under favorable conditions for their survival; nanopolymeric mixtures are used for coating in these scenarios [ 50 ]. Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides are also being revolutionized through nanotechnology applications. It has also been considered to upgrade linked fields of poultry and animal husbandry via the application of nanotechnology in treatment and disinfection practices.

2.5. Nanotechnology and Food Industry

The applications of nanotechnology in the food industry are immense and include food manufacturing, packaging, safety measures, drug delivery to specific sites [ 51 ], smart diets, and other modern preservatives, as summarized in Figure 1 . Nanomaterials such as polymer/clay nanocomposites are used in packing materials due to their high barrier properties against environmental impacts [ 52 ]. Similarly, nanoparticle mixtures are used as antimicrobial agents to protect stored food products against rapid microbial decay, especially in canned products. Similarly, several nanosensor and nano-assembly-based assays are used for microbial detection processes in food storage and manufacturing industries [ 53 ].

Nanotechnology applications in food and interconnected industries.

Nanoassemblies hold the potential to detect small gasses and organic and inorganic residues alongside microscopic pathogenic entities [ 54 ]. It should, however, be kept in mind that most of these nanoparticles are not directly added to food species because of the risk of toxicity that may be attached to such metallic nanoparticles. Work is being carried out to predict the toxicity attached, so that in the future, these products’ market acceptability could be increased [ 55 ]. With this, it is pertinent to say that nanotechnology is rapidly taking steps into the food industry for packing, sensing, storage, and antimicrobial applications [ 56 ].

Nanotechnology is also revolutionizing the dairy industry worldwide [ 57 ]. An outline of potential applications of nanotechnology in the dairy industry may include: improved processing methods, improved food contact and mixing, better yields, the increased shelf life and safety of dairy-based products, improved packaging, and antimicrobial resistance [ 58 ]. Additionally, nanocarriers are increasingly applied to transfer biologically active substances, drugs, enhanced flavors, colors, odors, and other food characteristics to dairy products [ 59 ].

These compounds exhibit higher delivery, solubility, and absorption properties to their targeted system. However, the problem of public acceptability due to the fear of unknown or potential side effects associated with nano-based dairy and food products needs to be addressed for the wider-scale commercialization of these products [ 60 ].

2.5.1. Nanotechnology, Poultry and Meat Industry

The poultry industry is a big chunk of the food industry and contributes millions of dollars every year to food industries around the world. Various commercial food chains are running throughout the world, the bases of which start from healthy poultry industries. The incidence of widespread foodborne diseases that originate from poultry, milk, and meat farms is a great concern for the food industry. Nanobiotechnology is certainly playing a productive role in tackling food pathogens such as those which procreate from Salmonella and Campylobacter infections by allowing increased poultry consumption while maintaining the affordability and safety of manufactured chicken products [ 61 ]. Several nano-based tools and materials such as nano-enabled disinfectants, surface biocides, protective clothing, air and water filters, packaging materials, biosensors, and detective devices are being used to confirm the authenticity and traceability of poultry products [ 62 ]. Moreover, nano-based materials are used to reduce foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms before the food becomes part of the supply chain [ 63 ].

2.5.2. Nanotechnology—Fruit and Vegetable Industry

As already described, nanotechnology has made its way far ahead in the food industry. The agricultural, medicinal, and fruit and vegetable industries cannot remain unaffected under this scenario. Scientists are trying to increase the shelf life of fresh organic products to fulfill the nutritional needs of a growing population. From horticulture to food processing, packaging, and pathogenic detection technology, nanotechnology plays a vital role in the safety and production of vegetables and fruits [ 64 ].

Conventional technologies are now being replaced with nanotechnology due to their benefits of cost-effectiveness, satisfactory results, and overall shelf life improvement compared to past practices. Although some risks may be attached, nanotechnology has not yet reported high-grade toxicity to organic fresh green products. These technologies serve the purpose of providing safe and sufficient food sources to customers while reducing postharvest wastage, which is a major concern in developing nations [ 55 ]. Nanopackaging provides the benefits of lower humidity, oxygen passage, and optimal water vapor transmission rates. Hence, in the longer run, the shelf life of such products is increased to the desired level using nanotechnology [ 65 ].

2.5.3. Nanotechnology and Winemaking Industry

The winemaking industry is a big commercial application of the food industry worldwide. The usage of nanotechnology is also expanding in this industry. Nanotechnology serves the purpose of sensing technology through employment as nanoelectronics, nanoelectrochemical, and biological, amperometric, or fluorimetric sensors. These nanomaterials help to analyze the wine components, including polyphenols, organic acids, biogenic amines, or sulfur dioxide, and ensure they are at appropriate levels during the production of wine and complete processing [ 66 ].

Efforts are being made to further improve sensing nanotechnology to increase the accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity, and rapid response rate for wine sampling, production, and treatment procedures [ 53 ]. Specific nanoassemblies that are used in winemaking industries include carbon nanorods, nanodots, nanotubes, and metallic nanoparticles such as gold, silver, zinc oxide, iron oxide, and other types of nanocomposites. Recent research studies have introduced the concept of electronic tongues, nanoliquid chromatography, mesoporous silica, and applications of magnetic nanoparticles in winemaking products [ 67 ]. An elaborative account of these nanomaterials is out of the scope of the present study; however, on a broader scale, it is not wrong to say that nanotechnology is successfully reaping in the field of enology.

2.6. Nanotechnology and Packaging Industries

The packaging industry is continuously under improvement since the issue of environmentalism has been raised around the globe. Several different concerns are linked to the packaging industry; primarily, packaging should provide food safety to deliver the best quality to the consumer end. In addition, packaging needs to be environmentally friendly to reduce the food-waste-related pollution concern and to make the industrial processes more sustainable. Trials are being carried out to reduce the burden by replacing non-biodegradable plastic packaging materials with eco-friendly organic biopolymer-based materials which are processed at the nano scale to incur the beneficial properties of nanotechnology [ 68 ].

The nanomanufacturing of packaging biomaterials has proven effective in food packaging industries, as nanomanufacturing not only contributes to increasing food safety and production but also tackles environmental issues [ 69 ]. Some examples of these packaging nanomaterials may include anticaking agents, nanoadditives, delivery systems for nutraceuticals, and many more. The nanocompositions of packing materials are formed by mixing nanofillers and biopolymers to enhance packaging’s functionality [ 70 ]. Nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties are preferred in these cases, and they are mixed with a polymer to prevent the contamination of the packaged material. It is important to mention here that this technology is not only limited to food packaging; instead, packaging nanotechnology is now also being introduced in certain other industries such as textile, leather, and cosmetic industries in which it is providing large benefits to those industries [ 64 ].

2.7. Nanotechnology and Construction Industry and Civil Engineering

Efficient construction is the new normal application for sustainable development. The incorporation of nanomaterials in the construction industry is increasing to further the sustainability concern [ 71 ]. Nanomaterials are added to act as binding agents in cement. These nanoparticles enhance the chemical and physical properties of strength, durability, and workability for the long-lasting potential of the construction industry. Materials such as silicon dioxide which were previously also in use are now manufactured at the nano scale [ 71 ]. These nanostructures along with polymeric additives increase the density and stability of construction suspension [ 72 ]. The aspect of sustainable development is being applied to the manufacture of modern technologies coupled with beneficial applications of nanotechnology. This concept has produced novel isolative and smart window technologies which have driven roots in nanoengineering, such as vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) and phase change materials (PCMs), which provide thermal insulation effects and thus save energy and improve indoor air quality in homes [ 73 ].

A few of the unique properties of nanomaterials in construction include light structure, strengthened structural composition, low maintenance requirements, resistant coatings, improved pipe and bridge joining materials, improved cementitious materials, extensive fire resistance, sound absorption, and insulation properties, as well as the enhanced reflectivity of glass surfaces [ 74 ]. As elaborated under the heading of civil engineering applications, concrete’s properties are the most commonly discussed and widely changing in the construction industry because of concrete’s minute structure, which can be easily converted to the nano scale [ 75 ]. More specifically, the combination of nano-SiO 2 in cement could improve its performance in terms of compressiveness, large volumes with increased compressiveness, improved pore size distribution, and texture strength [ 76 ].

Moreover, some studies are also being carried out to improve the cracking properties of concrete by the application of microencapsulated healing polymers, which reduce the cracking properties of cement [ 77 ]. Moreover, some other construction materials, such as steel, are undergoing research to change their structural composites through nano-scale manufacturing. This nanoscaling improves steel’s properties such as improved corrosion resistance, increased weldability, the ease of handling for designing building materials, and construction work [ 78 ]. Additionally, coating materials have been improved by being manufactured at the nano scale. This has led to different improved coating properties such as functional improvement; anticorrosive action; high-temperature, fire, scratch, and abrasion resistance; antibacterial and antifouling self-healing capabilities; and self-assembly, among other useful applications [ 79 ].

Nanotechnology improves the compressive flexural properties of cement and reduces its porosity, making it absorb less water compared to traditional cementation preparations. This is because of the high surface-to-volume ratio of nanosized particles. Such an approach helps in reducing the amount of cement in concrete, making it more cost-effective, more strengthening, and eco-friendly, known as ‘green concrete’. Besides concrete, the revolutionary characteristics of nanotechnology are now also being adopted in other construction materials such as steel, glass, paper, wood, and multiple other engineering materials to upgrade the construction industry [ 80 ].

Similarly, carbon nanotubes, nanorods, and nanofibers are rapidly replacing steel constructions. These nanostructures along with nanoclay formations increase the mechanical properties and thus have paved the way for a new branch of civil engineering in terms of nanoengineering [ 80 ]. Apart from cement formulations, nanoparticles are included in repair mortars and concrete with healing properties that help in crack recovery in buildings. Furthermore, nanostructures, titanium dioxide, zinc, and other metallic oxides are being employed for the production of photocatalytic products with antipathogenic, self-cleaning, and water- and germ-repellent built-in technologies [ 33 ]. Similarly, quantum dot technologies are progressively employed for solar energy generation (a concept discussed later). These photovoltaic cells contribute to saving the maximum amount of solar energy [ 81 ].

2.8. Nanotechnology and Textiles Industry

The textile industry achieved glory in the 21st century with enormous outgrowth through social media platforms. Large brands have taken over the market worldwide, and millions are earned every year through textile industries. With the passing of time, nanotechnology is being slowly incorporated into the textile fiber industry owing to its unique and valuable properties. Previously, fabrics manufactured via conventional methods often curtailed the temporary effects of durability and quality [ 82 ]. However, the age of nanotechnology has allowed these fabric industries to employ nanotechnology to provide high durability, flexibility, and quality to clothes which is not lost upon laundering and wearing. The high surface-to-volume ratio of nanomaterials keeps high surface energy and thus provides better affinity to their fabrics, leading to long-term durability [ 82 ]. Moreover, a thin layering and coating of nanoparticles on the fabric make them breathable and make them smooth to the touch. This layering is carried out by processes such as printing, washing, padding, rinsing, drying, and curing to attach nanoparticles on the fabric surface. These processes are carried out to impart the properties of water repellence, soil resistance, flame resistance, hydrophobicity, wrinkle resistance, antibacterial and antistatic properties, and increased dyeability to the clothes [ 83 ].

The unique properties of nanomaterials in textile industries have attracted large-scale businesses for the financial benefits attached to their application. For this reason, competitors are increasing in nanotextile industry speedily, which may make the conventional textile industry sidelined in the near future [ 84 ]. Some benefits associated with nanotextile engineering and industry may include: improved cleaning surfaces, soil, wrinkle, stain, and color damage resistance, higher wettability and strike-through characteristics, malodor- and soil-removal abilities, abrasion resistance, a modified version of surface friction, and color enhancement through nanomaterials [ 85 ].

These characteristics have hugely improved the functionality and performance characteristics of textile and fiber materials [ 86 ]. Based upon the numerous advantages, nanotextile technology is increasingly being used in various inter-related fields, including in medical clothes, geotextiles, shock-resistant textiles, and fire-resistant and water-resistant textiles [ 87 ]. These textiles and fibers help overcome severe environmental conditions in special industries where high temperatures, pressure, and other conditions are adjusted for manufacturing purposes. These textiles are now increasingly called smart clothes due to renewed nanotechnological application to traditional methods [ 88 ].

The increasing demand for durable, appealing, and functionally outstanding textile products with a couple of factors of sustainability has allowed science to incorporate nanotechnology in the textile sector. These nano-based materials offer textile properties such as stain-repellent, wrinkle-free textures and fibers’ electrical conductivity alongside guaranteeing comfort and flexibility in clothing [ 82 ]. The characteristics of nanomaterials are also exhibited in the form of connected garments creation that undergo sensations to respond to external stimuli through electrical, colorant, or physiological signals. Thus, a kind of interconnection develops between the fields of photonic, electrical, textile and nanotechnologies [ 89 ]. Their interconnected applications confer the properties of high-scale performance, lasting durability, and connectivity in textile fibers. However, the concerns of nanotoxicity, the chances of the release of nanomaterials during washing, and the overall environmental impact of nanotextiles are important challenges that need to be ascertained and dealt with successfully in the coming years to ensure wide-scale acceptance and the global broad-spectrum application of nanotextiles [ 90 ].

The global market for the textile industry is constantly on the rise; with so many new brands, the competition is rising in regard to pricing, material, product outlook, and market exposure. Under this scenario, nanotechnology has contributed in terms of value addition to textiles by contributing the properties of water repellence, self-cleaning, and protection from radiation and UV light, along with safety against flames and microorganisms [ 82 ]. A whole new market of smart clothes is slowly taking our international markets along with improvements in textile machinery and economic standing. These advances have effectively established the sustainable character of the textile industry and have created grounds to meet the customer’s demand [ 91 ]. Some important examples of smart clothing originating from the nanotextile industry can be seen in products such as bulletproof jackets, fabric coatings, and advanced nanofibers. Fabric coatings and pressure pads can exhibit characteristics of invisibility and entail a silver, nickel, or gold nanoparticle-based material with inherent antimicrobial properties [ 92 ]. Such materials are effectively being utilized and introduced into the medical industry for bandages, dressings, etc. [ 92 ].

Similarly, woven optical fibers are already making progress in the textile and IT industry. With the incorporation of nanomaterials, optical fibers are being utilized for a range of purposes such as light transmission, sensing technologies, deformation, improved formational characteristic detection, and long-range data transmission. These optical fibers with phase-changing material properties can also be utilized for thermostability maintenance in the fiber industry. Thus, these fibers have combined applications in the computer, IT, and textile sectors [ 93 ]. In addition, the nano cellulosic material that is naturally obtained from plants confers properties of stiffness, strength, durability, and large surface area to volume ratios, which is acquired through the large number of surface hydroxyl groups embedded in nanocellulose particles [ 94 ]. Moreover, the characteristics of high resistance, lower weight, cost-effectiveness, and electrical conductivity are some additional benefits which are also linked to these nanocellulosic fibers [ 93 ]. The aforementioned technologies will allow industrialists to manufacture fabrics based on nanomaterials through a variety of chemical, physical, and biological processes. The scope of improvement in the textile properties, cost, and production methods is making the nanotextile industry a strong field of interest for future industrial investments.

2.9. Nanotechnology and Transport and Automobile Industry

The automotive industry is always improving its production. Nanotechnology is one such tool that could impart the automotive industry with a totally new approach to manufacturing. Automobile shaping could be improved greatly without any changes to the raw materials used. The replacement of conventional fabrication procedures with advanced nanomanufacturing is required to achieve the required outcome. Nanotechnology intends to partly renovate the automobile industry by enhancing the technical performance and reducing production costs excessively. However, there is a gap in fully harnessing the potential of nanomaterials in the automotive industry. Industrialists who were previously strict about automotive industrial principles are ready to employ novelties attached to nanotechnology to create successful applications to automobiles in the future [ 95 ]. Nanotechnology could provide assistance in manufacturing methods with an impartment of extended life properties. Cars that have been manufactured with nanotechnology applications have shown lower failure rates and enhanced self-repairing properties. Although the initial investment in the nanoautomated industry is high, the outcomes are enormous.

The concept of sustainable transport could also be applied to the manufacturing of such nano-based technology which is CO 2 free and imparts safe driving and quiet, clean, and wider-screen cars, which, in the future, may be called nanocars. The major interplay of nanotechnology and the automotive industry comes in the manufacturing of car parts, engines, paints, coating materials, suspensions, breaks, lubrication, and exhaust systems [ 32 ]. These properties are largely imparted via carbon nanotubes and carbon black, which renders new functionalities to automobiles. These products were previously in use, but nanoscaling and nanocoating allow for enhanced environmental, thermal, and mechanical stability to be imparted to the new generation of automobiles. In simple terms, automobiles manufactured with principal nanonovelties could result in cars with less wearing risk, better gliding potential, thinner coating lubrication requirements, and long service bodies with weight reductions [ 31 ]. These properties will ultimately reduce costs and will impart more space for improved automobile manufacturing in the future. Similarly, the development of electric cars and cars built on super capacitor technology is increasingly based on nanotechnology. The implications of nanotechnology in the form of rubber fillers, body frames made of light alloys, nanoelectronic components, nanocoatings of the interior and exterior of cars, self-repairing materials against external pressure, nanotextiles for interiors, and nanosensors are some of the nanotechnological-based implications of the automotive industry [ 96 ]. Owing to these properties, nanotechnology ventures are rapidly progressing in the automobile industry. It is expected that, soon, the automobile industry will commercialize nanotechnological perspectives on their branding strategies.

2.10. Nanotechnology, Healthcare, and Medical Industry

The genesis of nanomedicine simply cannot be ignored when we talk about the large fields of biological sciences, biotechnology, and medicine. Nanotechnology is already making its way beyond the imagination in the broader vision of nanobiotechnology. The quality of human life is continuously improved by the successful applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and resultantly, the entire new field of nanomedicine has come to the surface, which has allowed scientists to create upgraded versions of diagnostics, treatment, screening, sequencing, disease prevention, and proactive actions for healthcare [ 97 ]. These practices may also involve drug manufacturing, designing, conjugation, and efficient delivery options with advances in nano-based genomics, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. With this, it could be predicted that soon, nanomedicine will be the foremost research interest for the coming generation of biologists to study the useful impacts and risks that might be associated with them [ 98 ]. As illustrated in Figure 2 , we summarized the applications of nanotechnology in different subfields of the medical industry.

Nanotechnology applications in medical industry. Nanotechnology has a broad range of applications in various diagnostics and treatments using nanorobotics and drug delivery systems.

In various medical procedures, scientists are exploring the potential benefits of nanotechnology. In the field of medical tools, various robotic characters have been applied which have their origins in nano-scale computers, such as diagnostic surfaces, sensor technologies, and sample purification kits [ 99 ]. Similarly, some modifications are being accepted in diagnostics with the development of devices that are capable of working, responding, and modifying within the human body with the sole purpose of early diagnosis and treatment. Regenerative medicine has led to nanomanufacturing applications in addition to cell therapy and tissue engineering [ 100 ]. Similarly, some latest technologies in the form of ‘lab-on-a-chip’, as elaborated upon earlier, are being introduced with large implications in different fields such as nanomedicine, diagnostics, dentistry, and cosmetics industries [ 101 ]. Some updated nanotechnology applications in genomics and proteomics fields have developed molecular insights into antimicrobial diseases. Moreover, medicine, programming, nanoengineering, and biotechnology are being merged to create applications such as surgical nanorobotics, nanobioelectrics, and drug delivery methods [ 102 ]. All of these together help scientists and clinicians to better understand the pathophysiology of diseases and to bring about better treatment solutions in the future.

Specifically, the field of nanocomputers and linked devices help to control activation responses and their rates in mechanical procedures [ 2 ]. Through these mechanical devices, specific actions of medical and dental procedures are executed accurately. Moreover, programmed nanomachines and nanorobots allow medical practitioners to carry out medical procedures precisely at even sub-cellular levels [ 4 ]. In diagnostics fields, the use of such nanodevices is expanding rapidly, which allows predictions to be made about disease etiology and helps to regulate treatment options [ 103 ]. The use of in vitro diagnosis allows increased efficiency in disease apprehension. Meanwhile, in in vivo diagnoses, such devices have been made which carry out the screening of diseased states and respond to any kind of toxicities or carcinogenic or pathological irregularities that the body faces [ 104 ].

Similarly, the field of regenerative medicine is employing nanomaterials in various medical procedures such as cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene sequencing for the greater outlook of treatment and reparation of cells, tissues, and organs. Nanoassemblies have been recorded in research for applications in powerful tissue regeneration technologies with properties of cell adhesion, migration, and cellular differentiation [ 102 ]. Additionally, nanotechnology is being applied in antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiviral) fields. The microscopic abilities of these pathogens are determined through nano-scale technologies [ 100 ]. Greek medicinal practices have long been using metals to cure pathogenic diseases, but the field of nanotechnology has presented a new method to improve such traditional medical practices; for example, nanosized silver nanomaterials are being used to cure burn wounds owing to the easy penetration of nanomaterials at the cellular level [ 102 , 105 ].

In the field of bioinformatics and computational biology, genomic and proteomic technologies are elucidating molecular insights into disease management [ 106 ]. The scope of targeted and personalized therapies related to pathogenic and pathophysiological diseases have greatly provided spaces for nanotechnological innovative technologies [ 107 , 108 ]. They also incorporate the benefits of cost-effectiveness and time saving [ 109 ]. Similarly, nanosensors and nanomicrobivores are utilized for military purposes such as the detection of airborne chemical agents which could cause serious toxic outcomes otherwise [ 102 ]. Some nanosensors also serve a purpose similar to phagocytes to clear toxic pathogens from the bloodstream without causing septic shock conditions, especially due to the inhalation of prohibited drugs and banned substances [ 100 , 105 , 110 ]. These technologies are also used for dose specifications and to neutralize overdosing incidences [ 110 ] Nano-scale molecules work as anticancer and antiviral nucleoside analogs with or without other adjuvants [ 21 ].

Another application of nanotechnology in the medical industry is in bone regeneration technology. Scientists are working on bone graft technology for bone reformation and muscular re-structuring [ 111 , 112 ]. Principle investigations of biomineralization, collagen mimic coatings, collagen fibers, and artificial muscles and joints are being conducted to revolutionize the field of osteology and bone tissue engineering [ 113 , 114 ]. Similarly, drug delivery technologies are excessively considering nanoscaling options to improve drug delivery stability and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles at a large scale [ 110 ]. The use of nanorobots is an important step that allows drugs to travel across the circulatory system and deliver drug entities to specifically targeted sites [ 99 , 115 ]. Scientists are even working on nanorobots-based wireless intracellular and intra-nucleolar nano-scale surgeries for multiple malignancies, which otherwise remain incurable [ 102 ]. These nanorobotics can work at such a minute level that they can even cut a single neuronic dendrite without causing harm to complex neuronal networks [ 116 ].

Another important application of nanotechnology in the medical field is oncology. Nanotechnology is providing a good opportunity for researchers to develop such nanoagents, fluorescent materials, molecular diagnostics kits, and specific targeted drugs that may help to diagnose and cure carcinogenesis [ 104 ]. Scientists are trying various protocols of adjoining already-available drugs with nanoparticulate conjugation to enhance drug specificity and targeting in organs [ 104 , 107 , 117 ]. Nanomedicine acts as the carrier of hundreds of specific anticancerous molecules that could be projected at tumor sites; moreover, the tumor imaging and immunotherapy approaches linked with nanomedicine are also a potential field of interest when it comes to cancer treatment management [ 112 , 117 ]. A focus is also being drawn toward lessening the impact of chemotherapeutic drugs by increasing their tumor-targeting efficiency and improving their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties [ 112 ]. Similarly, heat-induced ablation treatment against cancer cells alongside gene therapy protocols is also being coupled with nanorobotics [ 99 , 118 ]. Anticancerous drugs may utilize the Enhanced Permeation and Retention Effect (EPR effect) by applications of nano assemblies such as liposomes, albumin nanospheres, micelles, and gold nanoparticles, which confirms effective treatment strategies against cancer [ 119 ]. Such advances in nanomedicine will bring about a more calculated, outlined, and technically programmed field of nanomedicine through association and cooperation between physicians, clinicians, researchers, and technologies.

2.10.1. Nanoindustry and Dentistry

Nanodentistry is yet another subfield of nanomedicine that involves broad-scale applications of nanotechnology ranging from diagnosis, prevention, cure, prognosis, and treatment options for dental care [ 120 ]. Some important applications in oral nanotechnology include dentition denaturalization, hypersensitivity cure, orthodontic realignment problems, and modernized enameling options for the maintenance of oral health [ 2 , 121 ]. Similarly, mechanical dentifrobots work to sensitize nerve impulse traffic at the core of a tooth in real-time calculation and hence could regulate tooth tissue penetration and maintenance for normal functioning [ 122 ]. The functioning is coupled with programmed nanocomputers to execute an action from external stimuli via connection with localized internal nerve stimuli. Similarly, there are other broad-range applications of nanotechnology in tooth repair, hypersensitivity treatment, tooth repositioning, and denaturalization technologies [ 4 , 118 , 120 , 121 ]. Some of the applications of nanotechnology in the field of dentistry are elaborated upon in Figure 3 .

Nanotechnology applications in field of dentistry. Nanotechnology can be largely used in dentistry to repair and treat dental issues.

2.10.2. Nanotechnology and Cosmetics Industry

The cosmetics industry, as part of the greater healthcare industry, is continuously evolving. Nanotechnology-based renovations are progressively incorporated into cosmetics industries as well. Products are designed with novel formulations, therapeutic benefits, and aesthetic output [ 123 ]. The nanocosmetics industry employs the usage of lipid nanocarrier systems, polymeric or metallic nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanosponges, nanoemulsions, nanogels, liposomes, aquasomes, niosomes, dendrimers, and fullerenes, etc., among other such nanoparticles [ 101 ]. These nanomaterials bring about specific characteristics such as drug delivery, enhanced absorption, improved esthetic value, and enhanced shelf life. The benefits of nanotechnology are greatly captured in the improvement of skin, hair, nail, lip, and dental care products, and those associated with hygienic concerns. Changes to the skin barrier have been largely curtailed owing to the function of the nano scale of materials. The nanosize of active ingredients allows them to easily permeate skin barriers and generate the required dermal effect [ 124 ].

More profoundly, nanomaterials’ application is encouraged in the production of sun-protective cosmetics products such as sunblock lotions and creams. The main ingredient used is the rational combination of cinnamates (derived from carnauba wax) and titanium dioxide nanosuspensions which provide sun-protective effects in cosmetics products [ 125 ]. Similarly, nanoparticle suspensions are being applied in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for dermal and pharmaceutical applications [ 126 ]. They exhibit the properties of controlled drug-carrying and realizing properties, along with direct drug targeting, occlusion, and increased penetration and absorption to the skin surface. Moreover, these carrier nanoemulsions exhibit excellent tolerability to intense environmental and body conditions [ 127 ]. Moreover, these lipid nanocarriers have been researched and declared safe for potential cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. However, more research is still required to assess the risk/benefit ratio of their excessive application [ 128 ].

2.11. Nanotechnology Industries and Environment

The environment, society, and technology are becoming excessively linked under a common slogan of sustainable development. Nanotechnology plays a key role in the 21st century to modify the technical and experimental outlook of various industries. Environmental applications cannot stand still against revolutionary applications of nanotechnology. Since the environment has much to do with the physical and chemical world around a living being, the nano scale of products greatly changes and affects environmental sustainability [ 129 ]. The subsequent introduction of nanomaterials in chemistry, physics, biotechnology, computer science, and space, food, and chemical industries, in general, directly impacts environmental sciences.

With regard to environmental applications, the remarkable research and applications of nanotechnology are increasing in the processing of raw materials, product manufacturing, contaminate treatment, soil and wastewater treatment, energy storage, and hazardous waste management [ 130 ]. In developed nations, it is now widely suggested that nanotechnology could play an effective role in tackling environmental issues. In fact, the application of nanotechnology could be implemented for water and cell cleaning technologies, drinking safety measures, and the detoxification of contaminants and pollutants from the environment such as heavy metals, organochlorine pesticides, and solvents, etc., which may involve reprocessing although nanofiltration. Moreover, the efficiency and durability of materials can be increased with mechanical stress and weathering phenomena. Similarly, the use of nanocage-based emulsions is being used for optical imaging techniques [ 131 ].

In short, the literature provides immense relevance to how nanotechnology is proving itself through groundbreaking innovative technologies in environmental sciences. The focus, for now, is kept on remediation technologies with prime attention on water treatment, since water scarcity is being faced worldwide and is becoming critical with time. There is a need for the scientific community to actively conduct research on comprehending the properties of nanomaterials for their high surface area, related chemical properties, high mobility, and unique mechanical and magnetic properties which could be used for to achieve a sustainable environment [ 132 ].

2.12. Nanotechnology—Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry makes up a big part of the fossil industry, which is slowly depleting with the rising consumption. Although nanotechnology has been successfully applied to the fields of construction, medicine, and computer science, its application in the oil and gas industry is still limited, especially in exploration and production technologies [ 133 ]. The major issue in this industry is to improve oil recovery and the further exploitation of alternative energy sources. This is because the cost of oil production and further purification is immense compared to crude oil prices. Nanotechnologists believe that they could overcome the technological barriers to developing such nanomaterials that would help in curtailing these problems.

Governments are putting millions of dollars into the exploration, drilling, production, refining, wastewater treatment, and transport of crude oil and gas. Nanotechnology can provide assistance in the precise measurement of reservoir conditions. Similarly, nanofluids have been proven to exhibit better performance in oil production industries. Nanocatalyses enhance the separation processing of oil, water, and gases, thus bringing an efficient impurity removal process to the oil and gas industry. Nanofabrication and nanomembrane technologies are excessively being utilized for the separation and purification of fossil materials [ 134 ]. Finally, functional and modified nanomaterials can produce smart, cost-effective, and durable equipment for the processing and manufacturing of oil and gas. In short, there is immense ground for the improvement of the fossil fuel industry if nanotechnology could be correctly directed in this industry [ 135 ].

2.13. Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy (Solar) Industry

Renewable energy sources are the solutions to many environmental problems in today’s world. This makes the renewable energy industry a major part of the environmental industry. Subsequently, nanotechnology needs to be considered in the energy affairs of the world. Nanotechnologies are increasingly applied in solar, hydrogen, biomass, geothermal, and tidal wave energy production. Although, scientists are convinced that much more needs to be discovered before enhancing the benefits of coupled nanotechnology and renewable energy [ 136 ].

Nanotechnology has procured its application way down the road of renewable energy sources. Solar collectors have been specifically given much importance since their usage is encouraged throughout the world, and with events of intense solar radiation, the production and dependence of solar energy will be helpful for fulfilling future energy needs. Research data are available regarding the theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches adopted for upgrading solar collectors with the employment of nanotechnologies [ 137 ].

These applications include the nanoengineering of flat solar plates, direct absorption plates, parabolic troughs, and wavy plates and heat pipes. In most of these instruments and solar collection devices, the use of nanofluids is becoming common and plays a crucial role in increasing the working efficiency of these devices. A gap, however, exists concerning the usage of nanomaterials in the useful manufacturing design of solar panels and their associated possible efficiencies which could be brought to the solar panel industry. Moreover, work needs to be done regarding the cost-effectiveness and efficiency analyses of traditional and nanotechnology-based solar devices so that appropriate measures could be adopted for the future generation of nanosolar collectors [ 138 ].

2.14. Nanotechnology and Wood Industry

The wood industry is one of the main economic drivers in various countries where forest growth is immense and heavy industrial setups rely on manufacturing and selling wood-based products [ 139 ]. However, the rising environmental concerns against deforestation are a major cause for researchers to think about a method for the sustainable usage of wood products. Hence, nanotechnology has set its foot in the wood industry in various applications such as the production of biodegradable materials in the paper and pulp industry, timber and furniture industry, wood preservatives, wood composites, and applications in lignocellulosic-based materials [ 140 ]. Resultantly, new products are introduced into the market with enhanced performance (stronger yet lighter products), increased economic potential, and reduced environmental impact.

One method of nano-based application in the wood industry is the derivation of nanomaterials directly from the forest, which is now called nanocellulose material, known broadly for its sustainable characteristics [ 141 ]. This factor has pushed the wood industry to convert cellulosic material to nanocellulose with increased strength, low weight, and increased electromagnetic response along with a larger surface area [ 142 ]. These characteristics are then further used as reinforcing agents in different subcategories of wood-based industries, including substrate, stabilizer, electronics, batteries, sensor technologies, food, medicine, and cosmetics industries [ 143 ]. Moreover, functional characteristics such as the durability, UV absorption, fire resistance, and decreased water absorption of wood-based biodegradable products are also being improved with the application of nanomaterials such as nanozinc oxide or nanotitanium oxide [ 144 ]. Similarly, wood biodegradable properties are reduced through the application of nanoencapsulated preservatives to improve the impregnation of wood with the increasing penetration of applied chemicals and a reduced leaching effect.

Cellulosic nanomaterials exhibit nanofibrillar structures which can be made multifunctional for application in construction, furniture, food, pharmaceuticals, and other wood-based industries [ 145 ]. Research is emerging in which promising results are predicted in different industries in which nanofibers, nanofillers, nanoemulsions, nanocomposites, and nano-scaled chemical materials are used to increase the potential advantages of manufactured wood products [ 146 ]. The outstanding properties of nanocellulusice materials have largely curtailed the environmental concerns in the wood industry in the form of their potential renewable characteristics, self-assembling properties, and well-defined architecture. However, there are a few challenges related to such industries, such as cost/benefit analyses, a lack of compatibility and acceptability from the public owing to a lack of proper commercialization, and a persistent knowledge gap in some places [ 145 ]. Therefore, more effort is required to increase the applications and acceptability of nano-based wood products in the market worldwide.

2.15. Nanotechnology and Chemical Industries

Nanotechnology can be easily applied to various chemical compositions such as polymeric substances; this application can bring about structural and functional changes in those chemical materials and can address various industrial applications including medicine, physics, electronics, chemical, and material industries, among others [ 76 , 132 , 138 ]. One such industrial application is in electricity production, in which different nanomaterials driven from silver, golden, and organic sources could be utilized to make the overall production process cheaper and effective [ 147 ]. Another effective application is in the coatings and textile industry, which has already been discussed briefly. In these industries, enzymatic catalysis in combination with nanotechnology accelerates reaction times, saving money and bringing about high-quality final products. Similarly, the water cleaning industry can utilize the benefits of nanomaterials in the form of silver and magnetic nanoparticles to create strong forces of attraction that easily separate heavy material from untreated water [ 148 ]. Similarly, there is a wide range of chemicals that can be potentially upgraded, although the nano scale for application in biomedical industries is discussed under the heading of nanotechnology and medicine.

Another major application of nanotechnology in the chemical industry includes the surfactant industry, which is used for cleaning paper, inks, agrochemicals, drugs, pharmaceuticals, and some food products [ 149 ]. The traditional surfactant application was of great environmental and health concern, but with the newer and improved manufacturing and nanoscaling of surfactants, environmentally friendly applications have been made possible. These newer types may include biosurfactants obtained via the process of fermentation and bio-based surfactants produced through organic manufacturing. More research is required to establish the risks and side effects of these nanochemical agents [ 3 ].

3. Closing Remarks

Nanotechnology, within a short period, has taken over all disciplinary fields of science, whether it is physics, biology, or chemistry. Now, it is predicted to enormously impact manufacturing technology owing to the evidential and proven benefits of micro scaling. Every field of industry, such as computing, information technology, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and food, among others, is now originating an entire new field in association with nanotechnology. These industries are widely known as nanocomputer, nanoengineering, nanoinformatics, nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine, nanoagriculture, and nanofood industries. The most brilliant discoveries are being made in nanomedicine, while the most cost-effective and vibrant technologies are being introduced in materials and mechanical sciences.

The very purpose of nanotechnology, in layman’s terms, is to ease out the manufacturing process and improve the quality of end products and processes. In this regard, it is easy and predictable that it is not difficult for nanotechnology to slowly take out most of the manufacturing process for industrial improvement. With every coming year, more high-tech and more effective-looking nanotechnologies are being introduced. This is smoothing out the basis of a whole new era of nanomindustries. However, the constructive need is to expand the research basis of nanoapplications to entail the rigorous possible pros of this technology and simultaneously figure out a method to deal with the cons of the said technology.

The miniaturization of computer devices has continued for many years and is now being processed at the nanometer scale. However, a gap remains to explore further options for the nanoscaling of computers and complex electronic devices, including computer processors. Moreover, there is an immense need to enable the controlled production and usage of such nanotechnologies in the real world, because if not, they could threaten the world of technology. Scientists should keep on working on producing nanoelectronic devices with more power and energy efficiency. This is important in order to extract the maximum benefits from the hands of nanotechnology and computer sciences [ 5 ].

Under the influence of nanotechnology, food bioprocessing is showing improvement, as proven by several scientific types of research and industrial applications in food chain and agricultural fields. Moreover, the aspect of sustainability is being introduced to convert the environment, food chains, processing industries, and production methods to save some resources for future generations. The usage of precision farming technologies based upon nanoengineering, modern nano-scale fertilizers, and pesticides are of great importance in this regard. Moreover, a combined nanotechnological aspect is also being successfully applied to the food industry, affecting every dimension of packing, sensing, storage, manufacturing, and antimicrobial applications. It is pertinent to say that although the applications of nanotechnology in the food, agriculture, winemaking, poultry, and associated packaging industries are immense, the need is to accurately conduct the risk assessment and potential toxicity of nanomaterials to avoid any damage to the commercial food chains and animal husbandry practices [ 63 ].

The exposure of the nano-based building industry is immense for civil and mechanical engineers; now, we need to use these technologies to actually bring about changes in those countries in which the population is immense, construction material is depleting, and environmental sustainability problems are hovering upon the state. By carefully assessing the sustainability potential of these nanomaterials, their environmental, hazardous, and health risks could be controlled, and they could likely be removed from the construction and automobile industry all over the world with sincere scientific and technical rigor [ 150 ]. It is expected that soon, the construction and automobile industry will commercialize the nanotechnological perspectives alongside sustainability features in their branding strategies. These nano-scale materials could allow the lifecycle management of automotive and construction industries with the provision of sustainable, safe, comfortable, cost-effective, and more eco-friendly automobiles [ 32 ]. The need is to explore the unacknowledged and untapped potential of nanotechnology applications in these industry industries.

Similarly, nanotechnology-based applications in consumer products such as textile and esthetics industries are immense and impressive. Professional development involves the application of nanotechnology-based UV-protective coatings in clothes which are of utmost need with climatic changes [ 73 ]. The application of nanotechnology overcomes the limitations of conventional production methods and makes the process more suitable and green-technology-based. These properties have allowed the textile companies to effectively apply nanotechnology for the manufacture of better products [ 90 ]. With greater consumer acceptability and market demand, millions are spent in the cosmetic industry to enable the further usage of nanotechnology. Researchers are hopeful that nanotechnology would be used to further upgrade the cosmetics industry in the near future [ 123 ].

Furthermore, the breakthrough applications of nanomedicine are not hidden from the scientific community. If nanomedicine is accepted worldwide in the coming years, then the hope is that the domain of diagnosis and treatment will become more customized, personalized, and genetically targeted for individual patients. Treatment options will ultimately become excessive in number and more successful in accomplishment. However, these assumptions will stay a dream if the research remains limited to scientific understanding.

The real outcome will be the application of this research into the experimental domain and clinical practices to make them more productive and beneficial for the medical industry. For this cause, a combined effort of technical ability, professional skills, research, experimentation, and the cooperation of clinicians, physicians, researchers, and technology is imperative. However, despite all functional beneficial characteristics, work needs to be done and more exploration is required to learn more about nanotechnology and its potential in different industries, especially nanomedicine, and to take into account and curtail the risks and harms attached to the said domain of science.

Additionally, climatic conditions, as mentioned before, along with fossil fuel depletion, have pushed scientists to realize a low-energy-consuming and more productive technological renovation in the form of nanoengineered materials [ 48 ]. Now, they are employing nanomaterials to save energy and harvest the maximum remaining natural resources. There is immense ground for the improvement of the fossil fuel industry if nanotechnology could be correctly directed in this industry [ 135 ]. The beneficial applications within the solar industry, gas and oil industry, and conversion fields require comparative cost-effectiveness and efficiency analyses of traditional and nano-based technologies so that appropriate measures could be adopted for the future generation of nano-based products in said industries [ 138 ].

As every new technology is used in industries, linked social, ethical, environmental, and human safety issues arise to halt the pace of progress. These issues need to be addressed and analyzed along with improving nanotechnology so that this technology easily incorporates into different industries without creating social, moral, and ethical concerns. Wide-scale collaboration is needed among technologists, engineers, biologists, and industrials for a prospective future associated with the wide-scale application of nanotechnology in diversified fields.

4. Conclusions

Highly cost-effective and vibrant nanotechnologies are being introduced in materials and mechanical sciences. A comprehensive overview of such technologies has been covered in this study. This review will help researchers and professionals from different fields to delve deeper into the applications of nanotechnology in their particular areas of interest. Indeed, the applications of nanotechnology are immense, yet the risks attached to unlimited applications remain unclear and unpronounced. Thus, more work needs to be linked and carefully ascertained so that further solutions can be determined in the realm of nanotoxicology. Moreover, it is recommended that researchers, technicians, and industrialists should cooperate at the field and educational level to explore options and usefully exploit nanotechnology in field experiments. Additionally, more developments should be made and carefully assessed at the nano scale for a future world, so that we are aware of this massive technology. The magnificent applications of nanotechnology in the industrial world makes one think that soon, the offerings of nanotechnology will be incorporated into every possible industry. However, there is a need to take precautionary measures to be aware of and educate ourselves about the environmental and pollution concerns alongside health-related harms to living things that may arise due to the deviant use of nanotechnology. This is important because the aspect of sustainability is being increasingly considered throughout the world. So, by coupling the aspect of sustainability with nanotechnology, a prosperous future of nanotechnology can be guaranteed.

Funding Statement

K.M.’s work is supported by United Arab Emirates University-UPAR-Grant#G3458, SURE plus Grant#3908 and SDG research programme grant#4065.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Y.W. methodology, S.M. validation, S.M., K.M. and Y.W. formal analysis, S.M., K.M. and Y.W. investigation, S.M., K.M. and Y.W. resources, K.M. and Y.W. data curation, S.M., K.M. and Y.W. writing—original draft preparation, S.M. writing—review and editing, S.M., K.M. and Y.W. supervision, Y.W. project administration, K.M. and Y.W. funding acquisition, Y.W. and K.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Just as the invention of light microscopes revolutionized human understanding of the natural world, modern microscopes that can reveal and alter individual atoms are once again exposing a whole new world—the nano world.

A nanometer (nm) is a unit of length equivalent to one billionth (10-9) of a meter. For comparison, a single sheet of paper is approximately 100,000 nm thick and a strand of DNA is 2.5 nm across. By studying and controlling matter at this nanoscale (1-100 nm), scientists can alter individual atoms and molecules. These alterations can lead to changes in the physical, chemical, biological, and optical properties of matter. When compared to their larger counterparts, nanoparticles can exhibit more or less strength, flexibility, reactivity, reflectivity, or conductivity.

After only 20 years of research and development, the creation of nanotechnologies and nanodevices is occurring at a rapid rate. Nanotechnology is aiding and revolutionizing many different aspects of science and industry, including energy, environmental science, homeland security, transportation, food safety, information technology, and medicine. As with any new technology or field of study, it is important to examine the potential for unintended consequences, especially those related to human and environmental health.

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October 19, 2023

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10 Ways Nanotechnology Impacts Our Lives

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Date Published:

Mar 1, 2016

Mark Crawford

This story was updated on 10/12/2022.

The term “nanotechnology” may be relatively mainstream these days, but many of us don’t fully understand the extent of its effect on our daily lives. Keep reading to learn more about the incredible impact of nanotechnology.

What is Nanotechnology?

According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative , nanotechnology is “science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale , which is about 1 to 100 nanometers.”

One nanometer is a billionth, or 10-9, of a meter. For context, a sheet of newspaper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.

Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding field. Scientists are discovering that atoms and molecules behave differently at the nanoscale, and scientists and engineers alike are having great success making materials at the nanoscale to take advantage of enhanced properties—higher strength, lighter weight, increased electrical conductivity, and chemical reactivity—compared to their larger-scale equivalents.

10 Ways Nanotechnology Impacts Our Daily Lives

The benefits of nanotechnology aren’t limited to scientists and engineers, though. Check out these ten ways that nanotechnology impacts our lives on a daily basis:

1. Faster, smaller, and more powerful computers

Nanotechnology contributes to compact, efficient computers that consume far less power and use long-lasting batteries. Circuits made from carbon nanotubes could be vital in maintaining the growth of computer power, allowing Moore's Law to continue.

2. Faster, more accurate medical diagnostic equipment.

With lab-on-a-chip technology enabling point-of-care testing in real-time, nanotechnology helps to speed up the delivery of medical care. Additionally, nanomaterial surfaces on implants improve wear and resist infection.

3. Improved pharmaceutical products

The use of nanoparticles in pharmaceutical products makes them easier for the body to absorb—and easier to deliver, often through combination medical devices. Nanoparticles can also deliver chemotherapy drugs to specific cells, such as cancer cells.

4. Improved vehicle fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance

By building vehicle parts from nanocomposite materials that are lighter, stronger, and more chemically resistant than metal, nanotechnology helps to improve fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance. Nanofilters remove nearly all airborne particles from the air before it reaches the combustion chamber, further improving gas mileage.

5. Stain-resistant, water-resistant, and flame-resistant fabrics

Nanoparticles, or nanofibers , in fabrics can enhance stain resistance, water resistance, and flame resistance—without a significant increase in the weight, thickness, or stiffness of the fabric. For example, “nano-whiskers” on pants make them resistant to water and stains.

6. Improved water quality

Water filters that are only 15-20 nanometers wide can remove nano-sized particles, including virtually all viruses and bacteria. These cost-efficient, portable water treatment systems are ideal for improving the quality of drinking water in emerging countries.

7. Stronger, lighter-weight sports equipment

Carbon nanotubes have a variety of commercial uses, such as improving the design of sports equipment. For example, a tennis racket made with carbon nanotubes bends less during impact and increases the force and accuracy of the delivery. Nanoparticle-treated tennis balls can keep bouncing twice as long as standard tennis balls.

8. Reduced UV exposure

Most sunscreens today are made from nanoparticles that effectively absorb light, including the more dangerous ultraviolet range. They also spread more easily over the skin. These same nanoparticles are also used in food packaging to reduce UV exposure and prolong shelf life.

9. Increased shelf life of plastic bottles

Many drink bottles are made from plastics containing nanoclays, which increase resistance to permeation by oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture. This helps retain carbonation and pressure and increases shelf life by several months.

10. Enhanced surveillance and security systems

Thanks to nanotechnology, a huge variety of chemical sensors can be programmed to detect a particular chemical at amazingly low levels—for example, a single molecule out of billions. This capability is ideal for surveillance and security systems at labs, industrial sites, and airports. On the medical front, nanosensors can also be used to accurately identify particular cells or substances in the body.

Nanotechnology On the Horizon

These are just a few of the thousands of ways that nanotechnology impacts society, with important nanotechnology achievements continuing to be announced almost daily. For example, researchers at George Washington University have discovered a way to draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into high-yield carbon nanofibers that can be used in manufacturing.

"Such nanofibers are used to make strong carbon composites , such as those used in the Boeing Dreamliner, as well as in high-end sports equipment, wind turbine blades, and a host of other products," says chemistry professor Stuart Licht, who led the research team.

The process is powered by a hybrid system consisting of solar cells and a thermal energy collector that draws very little energy. Licht estimates that if the process were scaled up to cover a physical area less than ten percent of the size of the Sahara Desert, within a decade, it would reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to pre-industrial levels.

According to Markus Antonietti, director of Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, nanotechnology’s greatest potential for improving the state of the world is its purification of air and water.

“The technology already exists to fix the atmosphere,” he says. “But there also needs to be a focus on education and getting information to the public at large. Most people still don’t know about these technologies. The best part is that all of this could happen immediately if we simply spread the information in an understandable way. People don’t read science journals, so they don’t even know that all of this is possible.”

Mark Crawford is an independent writer.

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500+ Words Essay on Nanotechnology in English: A New Revolution

All important topics related to the essay on Nanotechnology are discussed in this article such as the Introduction of Nanotechnology, What is Nanotechnology, the Classification and Impact of Nanotechnology, Nanotechnology development in India, and many more.

Man is always looking for new things to improve his life. Computer technology has changed our lifestyle today. Everything changed in business and healthcare.

With the advancement of chemistry and physics, scientists discovered a new field called nanotechnology. In 1974, Japanese professor Nario Taniguchi first used the term “nanotechnology”. This was followed by the introduction of other nanotech sectors according to demand and usage.

Essay on Nanotechnology in English

Nanotechnology is the study of extremely small structures. The prefix “nano” is a Greek word meaning “dwarf”. The word “Nano” refers to a very small or small size.

Nanotechnology is the technology of the future and it will help in the manufacturing revolution. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, perhaps the width of three or four atoms. A human hair is about 25000 nanometers wide. In such a situation, it can be estimated how small these machines will be. The development and progress of artificial intelligence and molecular technology have given rise to this new form of technology that is called Nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is the engineering of small machines. This is done inside individual nano factories using the technologies and equipment being developed today to create advanced products.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating materials, especially at the atomic or molecular scale, to manufacture microscopic devices like robots.

Nanotechnology, or nanotech for short, deals with matter at a level that most of us find difficult to imagine because it involves objects with dimensions of 100 billionths of a meter (1/ 800th of the thickness of a human hair) or less.

Classification of Nanotechnology

The term “nanotechnology” coined in 1974 is manipulation, observation, and measurement at a scale of less than 100nm (one nanometer is one-millionth of a millimeter. It offers unprecedented opportunities for progress – defeating poverty, starvation, and disease, opening up space, and expanding human capacities.

Impact of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is sometimes referred to as a general-purpose technology because, in its advanced form, it will have a significant impact on almost all industries and all sectors of society. Nanotechnology is the science, engineering, and technology that operates on the nanoscale, which is approximately 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely small things and can be used in all other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering.

It is also important to understand that nanoscale substances occur in nature. For example, hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells (RBC), is 5.5 nanometers in diameter. Naturally occurring nanomaterials are present all around us, such as in fire smoke, volcanic ash, and sea spray.

Nanotechnology Development in India

The Nanotechnology Initiative in India is a multi-agency effort. The major agencies taking major initiatives for capacity building are the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Information Technology (DIT).

Other agencies that have shown major participation in the field of nanotechnology are the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). In addition, nanotechnology was initiated with the Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) in the 10th Five-Year Plan as a specialized area of research.

Some of the major initiatives in Nanotechnology are the launch of the Nano Mission and the introduction of PG programs in Nano Science and Technology. Nanotechnology intervention in a mission mode in the area of solar and hydro technology was also initiated.

Conclusion about Nanotechnology

Today’s scientists and engineers are exploring a variety of ways to intentionally fabricate materials at the nanoscale to take advantage of their advanced properties, such as higher strength, lighter weight, enhanced control of the light spectrum, and greater chemical reactivity, than their larger-scale counterparts.

We hope that after reading this article you must have got detailed information about how to write a long and short essay on Nanotechnology. I hope you like this article about Nanotechnology Essay in English.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ )

What is Nanoscience?

Answer: Nanoscience is the study of the properties and occurrence of materials with specific sizes in the range of 1–100 nm.

Answer: Nanotechnology is the technology that creates functional materials, devices, and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer length scale (1–100 nm) and exploits novel phenomena and properties (physical, chemical, and biological) at the nanometer scale or In a simple called atomic and at the molecular level.

How is nanotechnology used in everyday life?

Answer: Nanotechnology has an impact on almost all areas of food and agricultural systems, like food security, disease treatment delivery methods, new tools development for molecular and cellular biology, new materials for pathogen detection, and protection of the environment.

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On the Novelty of Nanotechnology: A Philosophical Essay

• First Online: 01 January 2013

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Part of the book series: The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology ((ELTE,volume 10))

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Nanotechnology has from its very beginning been surrounded with an aura of novelty that calls for a philosophical analysis. In order to do so, I first try to clarify the different meanings of the concept of novelty. This helps us understand that many paradoxes and fallacies dominate ordinary discourses on novelty, which any serious approach needs to avoid. Equipped with these conceptual clarifications, I discuss novelty first in science and engineering in general and point out the unique role that novelty plays in these areas. Then I discuss the novelty of nanotechnology by distinguishing between different levels and aspects of nanotechnology. The results allow reassessing public novelty claims about nanotechnology not only from an epistemological but also from ethical and political perspectives. I conclude with some remarks on the politics of producing and claiming novelty.

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A bibliometric analysis of the development of next generation active nanotechnologies.

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Which Focus for an Ethics in Nanotechnology Laboratories?

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Schummer, J. (2014). On the Novelty of Nanotechnology: A Philosophical Essay. In: Gordijn, B., Cutter, A. (eds) In Pursuit of Nanoethics. The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6817-1_2

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Applications of nanotechnology.

After more than 20 years of basic nanoscience research and more than fifteen years of focused R&D under the NNI, applications of nanotechnology are delivering in both expected and unexpected ways on nanotechnology’s promise to benefit society.

Nanotechnology is helping to considerably improve, even revolutionize, many technology and industry sectors: information technology, homeland security, medicine, transportation, energy, food safety, and environmental science, among many others. Described below is a sampling of the rapidly growing list of benefits and applications of nanotechnology.  

Everyday Materials and Processes

Many benefits of nanotechnology depend on the fact that it is possible to tailor the structures of materials at extremely small scales to achieve specific properties, thus greatly extending the materials science toolkit. Using nanotechnology, materials can effectively be made stronger, lighter, more durable, more reactive, more sieve-like, or better electrical conductors, among many other traits. Many everyday commercial products are currently on the market and in daily use that rely on nanoscale materials and processes:

• Nanoscale additives to or surface treatments of fabrics can provide lightweight ballistic energy deflection in personal body armor, or can help them resist wrinkling, staining, and bacterial growth.
• Clear nanoscale films on eyeglasses, computer and camera displays, windows, and other surfaces can make them water- and residue-repellent, antireflective, self-cleaning, resistant to ultraviolet or infrared light, antifog, antimicrobial, scratch-resistant, or electrically conductive.
• Nanoscale materials are beginning to enable washable, durable “smart fabrics” equipped with flexible nanoscale sensors and electronics with capabilities for health monitoring, solar energy capture, and energy harvesting through movement.
• Lightweighting of cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, and space craft could lead to significant fuel savings. Nanoscale additives in polymer composite materials are being used in baseball bats, tennis rackets, bicycles, motorcycle helmets, automobile parts, luggage, and power tool housings, making them lightweight, stiff, durable, and resilient. Carbon nanotube sheets are now being produced for use in next-generation air vehicles. For example, the combination of light weight and conductivity makes them ideal for applications such as electromagnetic shielding and thermal management. 
• Nano-bioengineering of enzymes is aiming to enable conversion of cellulose from wood chips, corn stalks, unfertilized perennial grasses, etc., into ethanol for fuel. Cellulosic nanomaterials have demonstrated potential applications in a wide array of industrial sectors, including electronics, construction, packaging, food, energy, health care, automotive, and defense. Cellulosic nanomaterials are projected to be less expensive than many other nanomaterials and, among other characteristics, tout an impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
• Nano-engineered materials in automotive products include high-power rechargeable battery systems; thermoelectric materials for temperature control; tires with lower rolling resistance; high-efficiency/low-cost sensors and electronics; thin-film smart solar panels; and fuel additives for cleaner exhaust and extended range.
• Nanostructured ceramic coatings exhibit much greater toughness than conventional wear-resistant coatings for machine parts. Nanotechnology-enabled lubricants and engine oils also significantly reduce wear and tear, which can significantly extend the lifetimes of moving parts in everything from power tools to industrial machinery.
• Nanoparticles are used increasingly in catalysis to boost chemical reactions. This reduces the quantity of catalytic materials necessary to produce desired results, saving money and reducing pollutants. Two big applications are in petroleum refining and in automotive catalytic converters.
• Nano-engineered materials make superior household products such as degreasers and stain removers; environmental sensors, air purifiers, and filters; antibacterial cleansers; and specialized paints and sealing products, such a self-cleaning house paints that resist dirt and marks.
• Nanoscale materials are also being incorporated into a variety of personal care products to improve performance. Nanoscale titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have been used for years in sunscreen to provide protection from the sun while appearing invisible on the skin. 

Electronics and IT Applications

Nanotechnology has greatly contributed to major advances in computing and electronics, leading to faster, smaller, and more portable systems that can manage and store larger and larger amounts of information. These continuously evolving applications include:

• Transistors, the basic switches that enable all modern computing, have gotten smaller and smaller through nanotechnology. At the turn of the century, a typical transistor was 130 to 250 nanometers in size. In 2014, Intel created a 14 nanometer transistor, then IBM created the first seven nanometer transistor in 2015, and then Lawrence Berkeley National Lab demonstrated a one nanometer transistor in 2016!  Smaller, faster, and better transistors may mean that soon your computer’s entire memory may be stored on a single tiny chip.
• Using magnetic random access memory (MRAM), computers will be able to “boot” almost instantly. MRAM is enabled by nanometer‐scale magnetic tunnel junctions and can quickly and effectively save data during a system shutdown or enable resume‐play features.
• Flexible, bendable, foldable, rollable, and stretchable electronics are reaching into various sectors and are being integrated into a variety of products, including  wearables, medical applications, aerospace applications, and the Internet of Things. Flexible electronics have been developed using, for example, semiconductor nanomembranes for applications in smartphone and e-reader displays. Other nanomaterials like graphene and cellulosic nanomaterials are being used for various types of flexible electronics to enable wearable and “tattoo” sensors, photovoltaics that can be sewn onto clothing, and electronic paper that can be rolled up. Making flat, flexible, lightweight, non-brittle, highly efficient electronics opens the door to countless smart products.   
• Other computing and electronic products include Flash memory chips for smart phones and thumb drives; ultra-responsive hearing aids; antimicrobial/antibacterial coatings on keyboards and cell phone casings; conductive inks for printed electronics for RFID/smart cards/smart packaging; and flexible displays for e-book readers.
• Nanoparticle copper suspensions have been developed as a safer, cheaper, and more reliable alternative to lead-based solder and other hazardous materials commonly used to fuse electronics in the assembly process.

Medical and Healthcare Applications 

• Commercial applications have adapted gold nanoparticles as probes for the detection of targeted sequences of nucleic acids, and gold nanoparticles are also being clinically investigated as potential treatments for cancer and other diseases.
• Better imaging and diagnostic tools enabled by nanotechnology are paving the way for earlier diagnosis, more individualized treatment options, and better therapeutic success rates.
• Nanotechnology is being studied for both the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in arteries. In one technique, researchers created a nanoparticle that mimics the body’s “good” cholesterol, known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which helps to shrink plaque. 
• The design and engineering of advanced solid-state nanopore materials could allow for the development of novel gene sequencing technologies that enable single-molecule detection at low cost and high speed with minimal sample preparation and instrumentation.
• Nanotechnology researchers are working on a number of different therapeutics where a nanoparticle can encapsulate or otherwise help to deliver medication directly to cancer cells and minimize the risk of damage to healthy tissue. This has the potential to change the way doctors treat cancer and dramatically reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy.
• Research in the use of nanotechnology for regenerative medicine spans several application areas, including bone and neural tissue engineering. For instance, novel materials can be engineered to mimic the crystal mineral structure of human bone or used as a restorative resin for dental applications. Researchers are looking for ways to grow complex tissues with the goal of one day growing human organs for transplant. Researchers are also studying ways to use graphene nanoribbons to help repair spinal cord injuries; preliminary research shows that neurons grow well on the conductive graphene surface.  
• 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.

Energy Applications

• Nanotechnology is improving the efficiency of fuel production from raw petroleum materials through better catalysis. It is also enabling reduced fuel consumption in vehicles and power plants through higher-efficiency combustion and decreased friction.
• Nanotechnology is also being applied to oil and gas extraction through, for example, the use of nanotechnology-enabled gas lift valves in offshore operations or the use of nanoparticles to detect microscopic down-well oil pipeline fractures. 
• Researchers are developing wires containing carbon nanotubes that will have much lower resistance than the high-tension wires currently used in the electric grid, thus reducing transmission power loss.
• Nanotechnology can be incorporated into solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently, promising inexpensive solar power in the future. Nanostructured solar cells could be cheaper to manufacture and easier to install, since they can use print-like manufacturing processes and can be made in flexible rolls rather than discrete panels. Newer research suggests that future solar converters might even be “paintable.”
• Nanotechnology is already being used to develop many new kinds of batteries that are quicker-charging, more efficient, lighter weight, have a higher power density, and hold electrical charge longer. 
• An epoxy containing carbon nanotubes is being used to make windmill blades that are longer, stronger, and lighter-weight than other blades to increase the amount of electricity that windmills can generate.
• In the area of energy harvesting, researchers are developing thin-film solar electric panels that can be fitted onto computer cases and flexible piezoelectric nanowires woven into clothing to generate usable energy on the go from light, friction, and/or body heat to power mobile electronic devices. Similarly, various nanoscience-based options are being pursued to convert waste heat in computers, automobiles, homes, power plants, etc., to usable electrical power. 
• Energy efficiency and energy saving products are increasing in number and types of application. In addition to those noted above, nanotechnology is enabling more efficient lighting systems; lighter and stronger vehicle chassis materials for the transportation sector; lower energy consumption in advanced electronics; and light-responsive smart coatings for glass.

Environmental Remediation

• Nanotechnology could help meet the need for affordable, clean drinking water through rapid, low-cost detection and treatment of impurities in water. 
• Engineers have developed a thin film membrane with nanopores for energy-efficient desalination. This molybdenum disulphide (MoS 2 ) membrane filtered two to five times more water than current conventional filters.
• Nanoparticles are being developed to clean industrial water pollutants in ground water through chemical reactions that render the pollutants harmless. This process would cost less than methods that require pumping the water out of the ground for treatment.
• Researchers have developed a nanofabric "paper towel" woven from tiny wires of potassium manganese oxide that can absorb 20 times its weight in oil for cleanup applications. Researchers have also placed magnetic water-repellent nanoparticles in oil spills and used magnets to mechanically remove the oil from the water.
• Many airplane cabin and other types of air filters are nanotechnology-based filters that allow “mechanical filtration,” in which the fiber material creates nanoscale pores that trap particles larger than the size of the pores. The filters also may contain charcoal layers that remove odors. 
• Nanotechnology-enabled sensors and solutions are now able to detect and identify chemical or biological agents in the air and soil with much higher sensitivity than ever before. Researchers are investigating particles such as self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS™), dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes to determine how to apply their unique chemical and physical properties for various kinds of toxic site remediation. Another sensor has been developed by NASA as a smartphone extension that firefighters can use to monitor air quality around fires.

Future Transportation Benefits

• As discussed above, nano-engineered materials in automotive products include polymer nanocomposites structural parts; high-power rechargeable battery systems; thermoelectric materials for temperature control; lower rolling-resistance tires; high-efficiency/low-cost sensors and electronics; thin-film smart solar panels; and fuel additives and improved catalytic converters for cleaner exhaust and extended range. Nano-engineering of aluminum, steel, asphalt, concrete and other cementitious materials, and their recycled forms offers great promise in terms of improving the performance, resiliency, and longevity of highway and transportation infrastructure components while reducing their life cycle cost. New systems may incorporate innovative capabilities into traditional infrastructure materials, such as self-repairing structures or the ability to generate or transmit energy.
• Nanoscale sensors and devices may provide cost-effective continuous monitoring of the structural integrity and performance of bridges, tunnels, rails, parking structures, and pavements over time. Nanoscale sensors, communications devices, and other innovations enabled by nanoelectronics can also support an enhanced transportation infrastructure that can communicate with vehicle-based systems to help drivers maintain lane position, avoid collisions, adjust travel routes to avoid congestion, and improve drivers’ interfaces to onboard electronics. 
• “Game changing” benefits from the use of nanotechnology-enabled lightweight, high-strength materials would apply to almost any transportation vehicle. For example, it has been estimated that reducing the weight of a commercial jet aircraft by 20 percent could reduce its fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. A preliminary analysis performed for NASA has indicated that the development and use of advanced nanomaterials with twice the strength of conventional composites would reduce the gross weight of a launch vehicle by as much as 63 percent. Not only could this save a significant amount of energy needed to launch spacecraft into orbit, but it would also enable the development of single stage to orbit launch vehicles, further reducing launch costs, increasing mission reliability, and opening the door to alternative propulsion concepts.

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Nanotechnology in Modern Life

Introduction, nanotechnology and our life.

Indeed, there is no clear definition of the term ‘nanotechnology’. At the moment, the very existence of nanomaterial and nanotechnology is a variety of opinions, attitudes and creates myths. One of the most popular explanations for the ordinary inhabitants is as follows: nanotechnology is a technology for manipulating matter at molecular and atomic level.

Like any other phenomenon, the nano has created two opposing views: The first is that nanotechnology is our future, our development, and the second states that the nano is just a temporary whim of scientists involved in taking money for their experiments, some fashion in the scientific world. But both these views are, in principle, wrong. With regard to development, nanotechnology is truly a new level of scientific knowledge that can bring real improvements in terms of production technology. However, at this point in some areas of science or the application of nanotechnology products could be harmful or not very convenient.

Nano technology is used in the following spheres:

Nanofood is food created with the help of nanotechnology, for example, in processing plants or housing, or creating the package. Such foods contain modified molecules, which give food to their unusual properties: for example, they can glow in the dark or unusual colors. With regard to benefits, there it is the main argument in favor. The point is that nanotechnology in the food formation improve its nutritional properties and do better. These products ideally suit to developing countries, as it is relatively inexpensive. Developed countries are also seeking to obtain such a useful and valuable product, because it used to monitor their health and development of nanotechnology may give the food a large number of vitamins and reduce the content of harmful substances in it ( Rogers, 2007) .

Here, the development of nanotechnology is everywhere. Scientists apply their development in various fields of medicine. Not so long ago, experts from the University of Michigan have created a completely new version of a vaccine against anthrax, of course, with the use of nanotechnology. They entered one of the pathogens in a particle, consisting of water, alcohol, soybean oil and some others, and this emulsion injected into the noses of test mice. As a result, the animals develop immunity to the disease. Advantage of such vaccine is that it may be introduced into an organism affected by spraying, without the syringe, and unpretentious in storage: it can be at room temperature.

Applied nanotechnology is used to strengthen the prosthesis. Scientists have invented nanowire, which strongly reinforce titanium implants. These prostheses are used in medicine to replace damaged bone. But muscles can not be firmly consolidated in the smooth surface of conventional titanium implant, so it had to change, and thus, once again from outside to invade the body. However, the coating of implants with nanowire titanium dioxide allowed solving this problem. Specialists of Schools of Pharmacy have established a three-dimensional model of cancer cells, coexisting with normal healthy cells. They were able to enter into such a model of special nanoparticles that are suitable for drug delivery. In the experiment modeled the interaction of cancer cells from normal tissues, which is defined by the position of the tumor within the brain. According to scientists in the future, such studies may lead to effective therapies for brain cancer ( Uldrich, 2006) .

Scientists have created nanoparticles that can detect and show the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the body (it is known that cells in the early stages of the disease produce hydrogen peroxide). Such particles may some day be used as a universal diagnostic tool to detect any disease in its early stages. The synthesized nanoparticles in further studying this problem can help understand the role of hydrogen peroxide in the course of disease, as well as become a kind of diagnosis.

Nanostructures have their specific properties. For example, nanoparticles of ceramics used in the preparation of paints for cars, which are resistant to all kinds of scratch, gold nanoparticles have a reddish tinge, nanoparticles of silver, to protect people against infections. Typically, these particles are created chemical method and contain a lot of impurities.

Attitudes to such technologies in the world in general are ambiguous. In Europe, nanotechnology is considered as a basis for the future of medicine, energy, information and environmental technologies ( Uldrich, 2006) .

Experts believe that nanotechnology will become the driving force behind the next industrial revolution, and will change our way of life. Research and development of nanotechnology are in a state of recovery in the pursuit of original and useful things, and then comes off as a tailor-made, very little is done to ensure that ensure public and environmental safety.

Dollars invested annually in research and development of nanotechnology is approximately 3 billion dollars, representing approximately one-third of the total number of public and private investment in nanotechnology in the world, – stated in a press release the International Center for Scholars Woodrow Wilson (Washington).

Nanotechnologies offer great potential benefits in improving almost all types of industrial products: computers, cars, clothing, food, medicines, batteries and much more.

The growing number of research reports and government cautions that created nanoparticles may be hazardous to human health and the environment, even though it was a bit of research about their toxicity, – said in a recent report of Vital Signs 2006-2007 Worldwatch Institute (Worldwatch Institute).

Nanotechnologies comprise a wide range of technologies to control the structure of matter at the level of atoms and molecules. Nanometer is one billionth share of meters, width of 10 adjacent hydrogen atoms, the thickness of a human hair is approximately 80 thousands of nanometers.

At a microscopic level, matter behaves differently than in our daily lives in this world, which dominates the classical physics of Newton.

In nanoworld «properties of matter are determined by a complex and rich combination of classical physics and quantum mechanics», – said in an exclusive online edition of Scientific American for January 2006.

Also, large quantities of tiny nanosubstance can have enormous power because of their greatly increased surface area of the relationship to the volume.

«With the decrease value of the particles and the growth of their reactivity, a substance which may be inert in the micro or macro scale, can become dangerous properties in nanoscale», – reported in Vital Signs 2006-2007.

Under the complex of developed nanosubstances it is meant that their impact will depend on more than just the chemistry, only one microscopic nanoparticle size could allow them to more easily penetrate and infect human organs. The fact that the substance of nanoscale may have extraordinary properties – properties that is inconsistent with the «capital» physics and chemistry – can be a potential threat.

Researchers are not sure how to safely work with new nanosubstances, the nanocompanies just do not know how to create safe products, and public confidence in these new technologies, risks being undermined, head of developing nanotechnology (Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies ).

According to Maynard, there is a need for international coordination: «It should find ways to harmonize research, sharing the costs and sharing of information between countries and economic regions» ( Jones, 2008) .

Maynard pointed out that the industry has a commercial purpose which is to sell products, and the results of their research are not always public. The most viable alternative system for research in industry is the system pursued by the Government.

Andrew Maynard – Chief Scientific Advisor of developing nanotechnology is an initiative organized by the Woodrow Wilson Center and the Pew Charitable Foundation in 2005, he created and July 19 in Washington, introduced a new report entitled «Nanotechnology: a strategy for research to examine the risks associated with it».

According to the report, the efforts made by the Federal Government of the United States are inadequate.

In the study of the impact of nanotechnology on the environment, safety and health, there is no strategic direction and consistency. This report is the first attempt to propose a draft systematic study of the potential dangers of nanotechnology.

The report presents the requirement of two important developments: (1) Change of direction and funding for studies of risk in favor of federal agencies with a clear mandate to monitor. (2) Approximate minimal government investment of 100 million dollars over the next two years, which will provide for critical studies on the treatment of danger ( Jones, 2008) .

According to Vital Signs 2006-2007, serious concerns are not limited to security issues and the impact on health: should be explored and more profound social and ethical implications.

Scientists argue that the world stands on the threshold of unprecedented change: new economy, almost human immortality and, in general, the transition to a new civilization.

In theory, nanotechnology can provide the physical immortality of man due to the fact that Nano medicine can indefinitely regenerate cells die. According to the forecasts of the journal Scientific American in the near future will be medical devices in the size of a postage stamp. They have to put on the wound. This device will hold a blood test; will determine what medications should be used.

Nanotechnology can make a revolution in agriculture. The molecular robots would be able to produce food, replacing agricultural crops and animals. For example, it is theoretically possible to produce milk from grass, bypassing the intermediate link – a cow. Nanotechnology can also stabilize the environment. New types of industry will not produce waste, poisoning the planet.

It should be noted that the global cost of nanotechnological projects now exceeds to 9 billion dollars a year. The share of the U.S. now accounts for about one-third of all global investment in nanotechnology. Other major players in this field are the European Union and Japan. Research in this area are also active in the former CIS countries, Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Israel, Singapore, Brazil and Taiwan ( Jones, 2008) .

In addition to the pros this branch of science has a number of disadvantages. Terrorists and criminals who obtain access to nanotechnology, can cause considerable damage to society. Chemical and biological weapons will be more dangerous and less of it will be much easier. Firearms will be much more powerful – and homing bullets. Aerospace technology could be much lighter and better constructed with minimum or no metal, which makes detection of radar will be much more complicated.

New items and changes in the customary way of life can lead to undermining the foundations of society. For example, medical devices, which will be relatively easy to modify the structure of the brain or the stimulation of certain divisions to produce effects that simulate any form of mental activity, can form the basis of “nanotechnological drug addiction.”

Charles P., Jr. Poole , Frank J. Owens , Introduction to Nanotechnology, Wiley-Interscience; 1 edition, 2003.

Foster Lynn E. , Nanotechnology: Science, Innovation, and Opportunity, Prentice Hall PTR, 2005.

Jones Richard A. L. , Soft Machines: Nanotechnology and Life, Oxford University Press, USA; illustrated edition edition, 2008.

Ratner Mark A., Ratner Daniel , Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea, Prentice Hall PTR, 2002.

Rogers Ben , Pennathur Sumita , Adams Jesse , Nanotechnology: Understanding Small Systems, CRC; 1 edition, 2007.

Uldrich Jack , Investing in Nanotechnology: Think Small. Win Big, Adams Media, 2006.

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Ethics and Nanotechnology Essay

Modern science is in a constant progress in order to contribute to the increased people’s demands. Every day the speed of the public’s life grows, it becomes more intensive and involves more elements.

Today, to address all the people’s needs, it is necessary to have a lot of technological devices which function separately and makes the society’s life better. Nevertheless, can the results of the technological progress improve the quality of the people’s life?

What is the risk of developing the negative effects of technologies? Nowadays, the technological development is mainly discussed from the perspective of the progress of nanotechnology, but there are a lot of controversial questions which are connected with the aspects of ethics.

Is the impact of the developed and improved technologies on the society with references to ethics positive or negative?

Although the development of nanotechnology is significant for the general technological progress of the contemporary science and it can meet the people’s needs, from the perspective of their impact on humans, the achievements in nanotechnology are connected with a lot of ethical questions, and it is important to find the balance between the ethical issues and the effects of nanotechnology.

Some decades ago, the progress of technologies was discussed from many sides with references to the possible benefits and harms for humans.

In this case, science and its achievements were closely associated with the questions of ethics because of the impact of the technologies on the humanity. The next challenge was the accents on the researches in biotechnology.

Even today there are no strict answers to the issues of genetics and possibilities of biotechnology in the context of ethics. The progress of nanotechnology is the following stage of the scientific development which connects the modern world with the world of the future.

According to Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher, “the leading industrialized countries consider research in nanotechnology to be vital to economic and technological competitiveness in the 21 st century, and it is said that nanotechnology may lead to the next industrial revolution” (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher 452).

The researches in the field of nanotechnology are important because the standards of the future society are stated today, and according to them, the demands of people increase, and the requirements to the humans’ abilities also change.

The focus is made on the highly-developed world, qualified and skillful people. The necessary investigations in nanotechnology make this shift to the highly-developed world be the reality.

However, many ethical questions which were discussed during the development of the first achievements in biotechnology, genetics, and the other fields still remain to be unsolved.

Can it be possible that making a lot of discoveries and increasing the degree of the technological achievements, scientists break the laws of the nature and influence the evolution of the people and society negatively?

Nanotechnology as well as the other fields of science and technology is developed in order to complete “broad societal goals, such as better health care, increased productivity, and improved comprehension of nature” (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher 452).

The completion of all these goals can be effective for achieving the new quality of the people’s life. Nevertheless, the scientists and researchers should answer the question about the ethical character of their investigations and about the effect of the investigations’ results.

Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher state that the main issues associated with the sphere of ethics and nanotechnology have their origins in the discussions of the ethical problems of the biotechnology’s development (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher).

The problem is also in the fact that providing a lot of researches and experiments in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology, scientists often cannot predict the results of the definite discoveries and innovations because of the high level of technologies.

From this point, nanotechnology is the step to the future, but this future can have a lot of unpredictable aspects which are connected with the development of these technologies.

Nanotechnology is developed to be actively used by a lot of different professionals according to their needs. Biotechnology is also developed to solve such problems as associated with the people’s health or with the issue of malnutrition.

From this perspective, biotechnologists focused on the possibilities of genetics in combination with a lot of modern technologies. The results of the investigations are still discussed as risky for the people’s health and nature because of the lack of the necessary evidence and researches in the field.

That is why, all the achievements of nanotechnology are also discussed with referring to the problem of the impact on the humanity and the ethical character of the investigations’ results. Is it ethically to use nanorobots or nanobots and nanoparticles to meet the demands of the world’s progress?

On the one hand, the science cannot stay unchanged and the scientific achievements are significant for the general world’s progress. On the other hand, it is almost impossible to predict the results of the nanotechnology’s development for the society.

Nowadays, researchers pay attention to the possible toxic effects of their innovations, but do they concentrate on the ethical aspect of the problem? Technologies continue to attack all the aspects of the people’s life, and in some years the control of technologies over the public’s life can become unlimited.

It is significant to note that the ethical questions are predominantly connected with those fields which directly influence the quality of the humans’ life, their abilities, and health.

Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher with references to the results of the other researchers’ determine such ethical problems as the uncontrolled function of nanobots and the toxicity of nanoparticles.

Moreover, the development of nanotechnology can contribute to the possible wars and increase the risk of terrorism, nanotechnology is the effective way to the invasion of privacy, and transhumanism is one of the most controversial ethical issues of nanotechnology (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher).

The researchers indicate that “the fear of biological warfare and terrorism caused by nanotechnology is not only a future issue but of current interest” (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher 454).

Thus, the achievements of nanotechnology can be utilized not only for improving the people’s life but also for stating the powerfulness in the war conflicts.

The possibility of using nanotechnology expands the boundaries of the actions for the needs of people and also against them. From this perspective, nanotechnology can be discussed as the powerful arms against the humanity.

The next controversial issue is the invasion of privacy which can be affected with the help of nanotechnology. The group of researchers accentuates the idea that “the ethical problem of the invasion of privacy could grow if nanotechnology leads to the spread of spying nanomicrophones in the environment” (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher 454).

All the devices with some super qualities which some years ago were only the results of the cinematographers’ fantasy are the part of the everyday reality now. The field of ethics is involved in the discussion of the problem because all these devices can be used to control the people’s activity.

The risk of the unlimited control leads to considering nanotechnology not only as the way for improving the people’s life and expanding their possibilities but also as the method to make people dependent on a lot of technological devices.

People have the right to preserve their private life from the invasion of the other persons. However, the unfair usage of the nanotechnology’s achievements can become the real challenge for the society.

Nanobots can perform the definite functions and be utilized instead of using the humans’ work, nanoparticles can be used instead of the natural elements and components and contribute to forming the advantageous production, nanomicrophones can control the peculiarities of the people’s private life and their activities.

These facts can be discussed by the philosophers as challengeable for preserving the features of the world’s development with references to the artificial impact of nanotechnology.

Nevertheless, the question of the benefits or harms of the achievements of nanotechnology is rather controversial because the effective usage of the new technologies can result in expanding the boundaries of science.

For instance, the process of utilizing the nanotechnologies in engineering can make all the necessary procedures speedy and efficient. These innovations with references to the control of computers can contribute to the preservation of the energy and resources (Moor).

Moreover, it can seem that today there are no fields the investigation of which can be impossible because of the lack of the necessary technologies.

The field of using nanotechnology is the specific sphere which can be discussed as the nanoarea, and this nanoarea is the way to reaching the new horizons in science. From the ethical perspective, the peculiarities of the nanoarea can be considered as beneficial for persons till they do not influence the main aspects of the people’s life negatively.

The usage of implants and the other medical devices developed with the help of biotechnologies and nanotechnologies are important and useful for improving the modern medical care and contributing to the people’s health.

Nevertheless, when nanotechnologies are discussed with references to the possibilities of genetics and developing the issue of transhumanism the problem acquires new features.

Modern nanotechnology allows using nanostructures and nanomachines in the human body in order to expand its abilities. However, is it ethically to attack the human’s organism and change its biological program in order to improve its definite qualities?

Today, the researches in this field are continued, and the goal is to address the demands of the frequently changing world. Some scientists can state that the development of nanotechnology can make people be extremely powerful and can help to overcome the natural limits of the humans’ intellects and physical abilities.

The problem is in the fact the real results of such experiments cannot be predicted for certain, and the effects can be irreversible. Thus, the modern world changes rapidly, and the principles of ethics should be also altered with references to the issue of transhumanism.

Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher state that “ethics presupposes that the moral agent is a human being and thereby that we exist within the limits of humanity. With transhumanism, we will transgress the limits of humanity and thereby the limits of ethics” (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher 456).

The researchers also determine the concepts according to which it is possible to analyze the ethical aspects with accentuating the issues of nanotechnology.

These principles are “autonomy, integrity, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice”, and they can be challenged by the progress of nanotechnology, but there are two visions of the question (Ebbesen, Andersen and Besenbacher 456).

The results of nanotechnology can be discussed effective for people when they contribute to the improvement of their quality of life and are not connected with such ethical aspects as the invasion of privacy or lack of autonomy and nonmaleficence.

The achievements in the field of nanotechnology can be considered as risky when they can harm people. All the innovations can be used for expanding violence, stating the power of the certain authorities, and controlling the persons’ activities.

That is why, the development of nanotechnology should be regulated with references to the ethical norms and rules because the results of this progress are closely associated with the people’s lives, their health, and even with their abilities.

Focusing on the fact that nanotechnology can increase and expand the life span of the world population, it is also important to remember about the negative sides of the phenomenon which are not examined enough.

In their work, professionals should refer to the issues of ethics because ethics is connected with morality, and it is the effective way to control the development of the processes which are negative for people.

Works Cited

Ebbesen, Mette, Svend Andersen and Flemming Besenbacher. “Ethics in Nanotechnology: Starting From Scratch?” Bulletin of Science Technology Society 26 (2006): 451-462. Print.

Moor, James H. What is Computer Ethics? n.d. Web.

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More From Forbes

7 Amazing Everyday Examples Of Nanotechnology In Action

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Nanotechnology essentially means controlling matter on a tiny scale, at the atomic and molecular level. This sounds truly sci-fi, but can, in fact, be put to some very ordinary uses in surprisingly everyday products. In this article, we’ll explore common products that make use of nanotechnology – but first, let’s get a quick overview of the amazing world of nanotechnology...

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is about looking at the world on such a tiny scale that we can not only see the atoms that make up everything around us (including ourselves), but we can manipulate and move those atoms around to create new things. Think of nanotechnology, then, as being a bit like construction … only on a tiny scale.

And I do mean tiny . The nanoscale is 1,000 times smaller than the microscopic level and a billion times smaller than the typical world of meters that we’re used to measuring things in. (Nano literally means one-billionth.) If you took a human hair, for instance, it would measure approximately 100,000 nanometers wide. That’s the sort of scale we’re dealing with at a nano level.

That’s all very cool, I hear you say, but how does understanding this nanoscopic world impact (if you’ll excuse the pun) the world at large? For one thing, when we zoom in and look at materials on an atomic level, we sometimes find they behave quite differently and have completely different properties at the atomic level. As a simple example, silk feels incredibly soft and delicate to the touch, but if you look at it at a nano-level, you’ll see it’s made up of molecules aligned in cross-links, and this is what makes silk so strong. We can then use knowledge like this to manipulate other materials at a nano level, to create super-strong, state-of-the-art materials like Kevlar.

This is where the technology bit of nanotechnology comes in – using our knowledge of materials at a nano-level to create exciting new solutions and products.

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Everyday products that use nanotechnology

Nanotechnology may seem like something out of the future, but in fact, many everyday products are already made using nanotechnology. Take these seven common products, for instance:

1. Sunscreen

Nanoparticles have been added to sunscreens for years to make them more effective. Two particular types of nanoparticles commonly added to sunscreen are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These tiny particles are not only highly effective at blocking UV radiation, they also feel lighter on the skin, which is why modern sunscreens are nowhere near as thick and gloopy as the sunscreens we were slathered in as kids.

2. Clothing

When used in textiles, nanoparticles of silica can help to create fabrics that repel water and other liquids. Silica can be added to fabrics either by being incorporated into the fabric’s weave or sprayed onto the surface of the fabric to create a waterproof or stainproof coating. So if you’ve ever noticed how liquid forms little beads on waterproof clothing – beads that simply roll off the fabric rather than being absorbed – that’s thanks to nanotechnology.

3. Furniture

In the same way that clothing can be made waterproof and stainproof through nanotechnology, so too can upholstered furniture. Even better, nanotechnology is also helping to make furniture less flammable; by coating the foam used in upholstered furniture with carbon nanofibers, manufacturers can reduce flammability by up to 35 percent .

4. Adhesives

Nanotechnology can also be used to optimize adhesives. Interestingly, most glues lose their stickiness at high temperatures, but a powerful “ nano-glue ” not only withstands high temperatures – it gets stronger as the surrounding temperature increases.

5. Coatings for car paintwork

We all know bird droppings can wreak havoc on car paintwork. To combat this, a company called Nanorepel has produced a high-performance nanocoating that can be used to protect your car’s paintwork from bird poop. The company also makes coatings to protect car upholstery from stains and spillages.

6. Tennis balls

Nanotechnology has found a range of applications in the world of sports equipment, with a couple of great examples coming from one of my favorite sports: tennis. Nanotechnology helps tennis balls keep their bounce for longer , and make tennis racquets stronger.

7. Computers

Without nanotechnology, we wouldn't have many of the electronics we use in everyday life. Intel is undoubtedly a leader in tiny computer processors, and the latest generation of Intel’s Core processor technology is a 10-nanometer chip . When you think a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, that’s incredibly impressive!

Nanotechnology is just one of 25 technology trends that I believe will transform our society. Read more about these key trends – including plenty of real-world examples – in my new book, Tech Trends in Practice: The 25 Technologies That Are Driving The 4th Industrial Revolution .

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Don Perlin, Comic Book Artist Who Found Success Late, Dies at 94

His Moon Knight was a hit in the 1970s, 30 years after he began his career. Bloodshot, another popular superhero, followed two decades later.

By George Gene Gustines

Don Perlin, a veteran comic book artist who, after decades in the industry, helped create the popular but nontraditional superheroes Moon Knight and Bloodshot , died on May 14 in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 94.

His death, in a nursing home, was confirmed by his stepson Leslie Blumenfeld.

Mr. Perlin began working in the comic book industry in the late 1940s, but some of his greatest successes came later — first in the 1970s and later in the ’90s.

In 1974, he was recruited by Roy Thomas, an editor at Marvel, to draw the series Werewolf by Night. The next year, as part of that series, he and the writer Doug Moench created Moon Knight, a mercenary armed with silver weaponry to slay supernatural creatures. In 1976, the creative team introduced the idea that Moon Knight had multiple identities, which would eventually be revealed to be a sign of a dissociative identity disorder. In 2022, Oscar Isaac starred as the character in a six-part series on Disney+.

“He appreciated the idea that these characters that he, his colleagues and his friends had created so long ago endured,” said another stepson, the jazz journalist Larry Blumenfeld.

Another enduring character Mr. Perlin worked on was Bloodshot, a hero powered by nanotechnology. The character, created with the writers Bob Layton and Kevin VanHook, first appeared in 1992 in a comic book published by Valiant. Vin Diesel played the character in a 2020 feature film .

The early 1990s were a boom time for the comic book industry. The first issue of Bloodshot sold nearly a million copies. As it happened, it was published on the same day that DC Comics published an issue of Superman depicting that hero’s death. “Stores like Forbidden Planet had a line around the block for Superman and a line going the other way for Bloodshot,” Mr. VanHook said.

Mr. Perlin was recruited as Valiant’s creative director in 1991 by Jim Shooter, a founder of the company, who had worked with Mr. Perlin when he was the editor in chief of Marvel. “Don was steady. He got up, got to the board and worked all day,” Mr. Shooter said in an interview. “He was a master storyteller, and I could ask anything of him.”

Mr. VanHook said that working on Bloodshot with Mr. Perlin gave the artist the recognition he deserved. “I got a big kick out of the fact that this guy who had been around in my eyes forever was having this incredible success,” he said. “He had always been the stalwart, workhorse craftsman, but now, suddenly, there were 12- and 13-year-old kids coming over and clamoring for his autograph.”

Donald David Perlin was born on Aug. 27, 1929, in Brooklyn to Murray and Rebecca Perlin. He grew up in the Canarsie neighborhood and remained there until 1997, when he moved to Jacksonville. His father was a fabric designer but dabbled in painting, and he pushed Don toward art.

Mr. Perlin attended Straubenmuller Textile High School in Manhattan. In 1943, when he was 14, he saw a newspaper advertisement for an art class taught by Burne Hogarth, who illustrated the Tarzan newspaper strip.

“It was at Hogarth’s place, and his classes, where I learned about comics — the fundamentals — and that’s when I realized that I’d found my niche,” Mr. Perlin said in a 2022 interview published in the comics fanzine Alter Ego.

Mr. Hogarth initially held his classes in a loft on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but in 1947 he turned his endeavor into the Cartoonists and Illustrations School, which nine years later became the School of Visual Arts. “When the class became affiliated with a school,” Mr. Perlin said, “I couldn’t afford it and had to drop out.”

Thanks to a bit of hustling — he would make the rounds of comic book publishers in New York with samples of his work — Mr. Perlin landed one-page assignments, which were often uncredited. Starting in 1951, he was hired to draw longer stories, including romance and horror.

He was drafted into the Army in the spring of 1953 and served domestically for two years while continuing to draw stories after hours. He married Arlene Bon in 1955, and they were together until her death in 1976. He married Rebecca Blumenfeld in 1977.

In addition to his stepsons, Mr. Perlin’s wife survives him, as do his daughters, Mindy Cohen and Elaine Perlin; his son, Howard Perlin; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

During a lull in comic book assignments, Mr. Perlin took on odd jobs, including illustration work for technical manuals and a stint at a knitting mill. He also attended night classes at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, but dropped out when his mill shifts went from day to evening work. In 1962, he began an 11-year stint at Charlton Comics, where he also wrote stories.

After starting at Marvel in 1974 with Werewolf by Night, he went on to draw many of the company’s other characters, including Ghost Rider and the Defenders, a team of heroes that included the Hulk and the Sub-Mariner. He was a creator of Moon Knight before the establishment of a royalty system for comic book creators. But he was happy when his work from 1985 to 1987 on a Transformers comic for Marvel sold well and led to royalty payments.

His last published work was an issue of Scooby-Doo in 2000.

Mr. Perlin often appeared at comic book conventions, which his stepson Leslie found to be an eye-opening experience. “There would be 50 to 100 people saying, ‘Oh, my God, there’s Don Perlin,’” he recalled. “It would be like if you went to a Taylor Swift concert.”

An earlier version of this obituary incorrectly attributed a quotation. It was Mr. Perlin’s stepson Leslie Blumenfeld who said, “There would be 50 to 100 people saying, ‘Oh my God, there’s Don Perlin’” — not his stepson Larry Blumenfeld.

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George Gene Gustines has been writing about comic books for The Times for more than two decades. More about George Gene Gustines