Nanotechnology

Module 10
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the discussion, the students should be able to:
1. Discuss the antecedents of nanotechnology and its importance to
society;
2. Enumerate the positive and negative impacts of nanotechnology on the
environment and society; and
3. Identify the moral and ethical questions and concerns surrounding
nanotechnology
 Introduction

In the pursuit of science and technology, humans are now

dealing more with a world not seen by naked eye. This is no
surprise as the study of science keeps leading us beyond the
world every day. The information we search for is always
available in nature but we need tools to harvest it. The nano
world, like the other scientific principles, provide both knowledge
and instrument to control nature.
 Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the branch of technology that deals with the
manipulation and study of matter on the nanoscale. It covers all types of
research and technologies that deal with the special properties of matter
on an atomic molecular and supramolecular scale. Nanotechnology is
“convergent because it brings together various fields of science through
its innovations e.g., DNA silicon chips, converging between
semiconductor science and biology with applications in the medical
industry.
 Nanotechnology
Scientists in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, material
science, and engineering are all involved in studying matter on the
nanoscale. It also involves the design, characterization, production,
and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling
shapes and sizes at the nanometer scale. This technology is
“enabling” in the sense that it provides the platform and the tools to
produce innovations.
 Nanotechnology
To decipher how nanotechnology works, three dimensions
must be considered. The dimension involves tangible objects
which include materials, devices, and systems. The second
dimension involves tangible objects i.e., nanoparticles that
have properties different bulk objects, even if they have the
same composition; the active devices, i.e .,those that can
store information, induce energy, or change their state;
 Nanotechnology
The nanofacture, refers to atomically precise manufacturing (APM),
i.e., collection of instruments and procedures. The third dimension is
direct nanotechnology which refers to materials structured at
nanoscale components. This also extends to indirect
nanotechnology, which starts with nanoparticles but can be used in
huge applications i.e., hugely powerful information processors with
individual nanoscale components (Ramsden, 2009)
 Uses of Literature
Figure 1. Nanofacture
MORALIZING LITERATURE

Moralizing literature is a type of writing that aims to teach

a moral lesson or convey a specific ethical message to the
reader. It often features characters who embody virtues or
vices, and the story unfolds to illustrate the consequences
of their actions.

Ex.
Parables in bible
 Applications of Nanotechnology
With scientists and engineers continuously finding ways to make
materials at the nanoscale, more uses of nanotechnology arise. In
medicine, nanotechnology has numerous applications in the
development of more effective drugs. Assisted by the view of
molecules afforded by x-ray lasers, biological mechanisms can be
simulated to destroy a cancer cell while it is treated by drug-bearing
nanoparticles.
Applications of Nanotechnology
Nanobots, or molecular-scale workers can employ
molecular processes within cells, which can deliver drugs to
specific molecular sites or even carry out surgery (Biercuk,
2011). It is now possible to diagnose prevalent contagious
diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, among
others, with screening devices using nanotechnology
(Maclurcan, 2005).
Figure 2. Nanotechnology on red blood cells
Applications of Nanotechnology

Water purification systems containing nanomaterials and

utilizing new membrane technologies containing variable
pore-sized filters (i.e., the forward osmosis membrane
technology of Hydration Technologies) are now available (
Jadhawar, 2004)
Figure 4. Osmosis membrane filter
 Applications of Nanotechnology
Nanoparticles are also used to prepare heat-resistant and self-cleaning
surfaces, such as floors and benchtops. Nanoparticles of silicon
dioxide or titanium dioxide can also make a surface repel water, thus
preventing stains. Detergent molecules self-assemble to form a micelle
that allows the detergent to trap oils and fats within the cavity of sphere
that aids in washing surfaces. Zeolites are silicon oxides and aluminum
oxides that have specidic nanoporous cage-like structures.
 Applications of Nanotechnology
In agriculture, novel techniques of nanotechnology applications
are applied to breed crops with higher levels of micronutrients to
detect pests and control food processing (Heckman, 2005).
Ultrasmall probes on earth surfaces for agricultural applications
to control soil, air, and water contamination are also developed
using nanotechnology (Zhang et al., 2011)
Figure 3. Nanotechnology application in agriculture
 Applications of Nanotechnology
Bionanotechnology can support cleaner production methods and
provide alternative and renewable energy sources to enhance the
sustainability of factories (Clvin, 2003). Nanotechnology helps in
energy consumption like in the use of grapheme into a coating
material resulting in the need for only one layer, which does not
require a multifunctional film coating. Nanoscale chemical
reagents or catalysts are smaller yet they increase the rate of
chemical reactions, thus lessening input of raw materials (Zhang
et al., 2011).
 Applications of Nanotechnology
In the Philippines, nanotechnology can be applied in making
sources of renewable energy accessible to many, developing
medicine that would adress serious diseases, improving the state
of agriculture and more. The are also existing and ongoing
research studies funded by the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) on the possible application of technology, as
well as Nano-Metrology and Education and Public Awareness
Figure 4. Graphene Buckyballs
 Challenges of Nanotechnology
The advantages brought by innovations in nanotechnology come with
a price. With rapid developments in nanotechnology, its adverse
effects become more visible. The environmental effect of mineral-
based nanoparticles found in cosmetics, paints, clothing, and other
products are questioned as they go through sewerage treatment
plants untreated due to their undetectable size. They can be carried
down by fine silts or microplastics with inorganic and organic
pollutants. Thus, these may affect water source (Biercuk, 2011).
 Challenges of Nanotechnology
Carbon nanotubes in the manufacture of memory
storage, electronics, batteries, etc. were found to have
unknown harmful impacts on the human body by
inhalation into the lungs comparable to asbestos fiber
11. A pulmonary toxicological evaluation of single-wall
carbon nanotubes indicated that it is more toxic than
carbon black and quartz.
 Challenges of Nanotechnology
Due to its size, a nanoparticle is not easy to analyze. The Lack
of information and methods of characterizing nanomaterials
makes it a challenge to detect its concentration in air or in any
matrix of the environment. Predicting the toxicity of a
nanomaterial relies heavily on information about its chemical
structure since minor changes in its chemical function could
drastically change its properties.
 Challenges of Nanotechnology
Risk assessment should include the exposure risk
and its probability of exposure, toxicological analysis,
transport risk, persistence risk, transformation risk,
and ability to recycle ( Zhang et al., 2011) this is
which is quite expensive due to the difficulty of
detecting nanoparticles.
 Ethical Dilemmas of Nanotechnology

With the identified potential hazards that nanoparticles can

bring to human health and the environment, should people
disregard the benefits that nanotechnology provide them?
 Ethical Dilemmas of Nanotechnology

Issues raised regarding nanotechnology should be further

studied, and nanotechnology methods should be modified.
For example, altering the compositions of graphene, known
to be one of the most advanced materials for structural
improvement, replacing silicon in electronic devices and
thermal energy transferring nanomaterials can be done to
diminish c\environmental hazards of nanotechnology
 Ethical Dilemmas of Nanotechnology

Some studies also found microorganisms that

decompose grapheme to make it less toxic to the
environment (Zhang et al., 2011). It is imperative,
therefore, that experts and governments support
themselves with enough knowledge on how
nanomaterials work for the benefit of the society