Future of Nanotechnology - Research Paper Example

? Na chnology Na chnology Na chnology is one of the advanced science frontiers. The study of minute devices and materials is known as nanoparticles. The word nano comes from Greek word meaning “Dwarf.” A “Nano” meter scale is one billion of a meter; very tiny things such as atoms and molecules are measured by nanometre scale. This paper describes the useful development of nanotechnology and its application in human life. Advancement of nanotechnology has been applied in technological developments, as for instance computer manufacturing, cosmetics, and textiles etc. Introduction: The application of nanotechnology in different technological development processes has been theorized within the last few years. This implies that there has been a rapid growth in its use and these applications include self-replicating nanostructures, aerospace application, and biological manipulation. This technology significantly contributes to treat deadly diseases with the help of biochemical applications. Nanotechnology is the largest source of scientific development through which lives can be improved (Whatmore 2012). Nanotechnology produces, applies, and reconstructs nanometre devices by controlling and reshaping the design of devices on small scale. Nanotechnology can be understood as the scientific functional system of atoms and molecules at macro level, this technology is useful for making high quality performance products (Whatmore 2012). Application of Nanotechnology in Numerous Ways a. Nanotechnology and Transplant of Human Organs With the advancement in the field of nanotechnology, it has been noticed that even the human organs can be regenerated with the application of technology of nano-thin sheets. The regeneration of the human organs is done by layering the thin sheets of tissues which are specifically created with the help of nano-order thin sheets. It should also be noted that the risk of any medical complication have been relatively decreased by large as nano technology has come at the medical forefront. This is mainly because the layers are created by selecting the cells from the patient’s own body (Newell-McGloughlin and Re 2011). This minimized the risk of transplantation reactions, which have been noted in the traditional approaches of regeneration of human organs. Another important fact to be noted here is that with the increase of medical therapies through the aid of nanotechnology, it is being considered that the pace of surgeries is more likely to increase. Consequently, this will help in the positive patient outcome and lowered risk of health complications (Newell-McGloughlin and Re 2011). b. Nanotechnology and The Automotive Industry Followed by the previously discussed applications of nanotechnology in human life, it should also be discussed that nanotechnology has also made a great contribution in the automobile industry. The reward of the application of nanotechnology in the field of automobile is its light weight of automobiles. Nanotechnology is also useful to produce hydrogen ions from fuels such as, menthol in order to reduce the cost of catalysts in fuels. Intellectuals have noticed that companies with the help of nanoparticles started making batteries. There are two types of batteries on which companies are working these days (Dvorsky 2012). Convention batteries, which will efficiently work, after charging it for a long time and another one is a battery which can be charged in short time, but it works for many hours. Fuel consumption has also been reduced with the help of advancement in nanotechnology. It helps to produce fuel for low-grade raw material, which helps increase the mileage of engines. Moreover, researchers have observed that space flights have become more practical and advanced with the help of nanotechnology (Dvorsky 2012). c. Nanotechnology and Micro machines: Currently, researchers have noticed that nanotechnology has given rise to micro robotic system and development of this system can be observed in a variety of fields ranging from microsurgery, inspection industry, to biological operations and many other scientific departments. The system of micro robots refers to micro-machinery and micromanipulators and this system has direct link with human interface (Fukuda and Ueyama 1994). Researchers have underpinned that proper definition of micro-mechanics has not been assigned because it differs at individual level depending upon the physical and functional characteristics of the machine. Scientists have developed a great variety of micro-machineries through micro-robotic system and nanotechnology that can be effectively used by individuals at professional or domestic level (Fukuda and Ueyama 1994). For instance, mini-Deformable Mirrors are used in laboratories to control wave front and optical aberrations. This micro-sized device is comprised on mirror surface, which is controlled through 32 electrostatic actuators (Motamedi 2005). Moreover, some other useful micro-machineries are used at domestic level. For example, robotic vacuum cleaner also known as robovac that is a small remote control device designed with intelligent programming and used for automatic cleaning of carpets and floors. Development of this robovac has been highly appreciated as it has made carpet cleaning, floor mopping very easy, and convenient (Popular Science 1980). d. Nanotechnology and Medicines: Scientists have suggested that nanotechnology could be utilized by the world today in numerous ways as it can reform human lives. The advances in medicine would be awe-inspiring as these will contribute to raise the health standard of people. For instance, little robots can identify deadly diseases when diseases will just hardly begin to grow, and these tiny robots will be able to fix physical damages more efficiently than ever before. Additionally, through nano particles scientist will be able to deliver drugs straight to contaminated body cells in more proficient manner (Perch 2007). e. Nanotechnology and Foods: With the help of nanotechnology, it has been noted that food processing has become quiet easier yet quick paced. Another most important area of food processing is the inspection of bacteria, which are more likely to add in the food. In order to ensure that food is clean from any sort of bacteria, biosensors are used with a calculated and computerized mechanism. For example, electrochemical nanosensors work to detect ethylene and helps prevent the absorption of oxygen to prevent food spoilage. In addition to the inspection of bacteria, it has also been noted that nanotechnology has allowed companies to undergo a safe and unique packaging system. (Nanowerk 2006) It is being predicted that in the near future, the process of food processing will become more efficient with increased mechanized steps to ensure high quality. Use of nanotechnolgies in food industry can be easily noticed and understood. For example, use of nanotubes is now quite common for the purpose of molecule and enyzme detection. Nanosensors are used for monitoring the growth of crops in farms. Further, nanocapsules are used to improve the standard and biolavaliablity of food ingredients like cooking oils. Meat’s fat is now can be replaced with nanocapsule infusion of herbal steroids that are advantegious for controling cholestrol level in the body (Nanowerk 2006). f. Nanotechnology and Fabric Industries: Nanotechnology is also useful in making compound fabric light and weightless. Nanoparticles or fibres improved the fabric properties without an increase in weight, stiffness, and thickness. With the advancement of nanotechnology, there is a huge difference in weight and thickness of the cloth material produced few years back. Nanotechnology has brought prominent change in the technology previously used in fabric industries (Nano Fabrics 2011). g. Cosmetics and Nanotechnology: Cosmetics are used in order to stay safe from any type of damage that can affect human skin. Earlier, many cosmetic products employed UV protection but it was rather criticized for its long term effects on the skin. It was for this reason that the field of nanotechnology employed newer methods to increase the stability of the UV protection for skin. With the usage of titanium oxide, skin can be treated from the harsh effects of ultraviolet rays. However, one disadvantage which has been noted in this new approach is the minimization of the whitening effects on the skin. Most of the women use cosmetics for bleaching the skin to make sure that the skin has a whitening effect. The nanotechnology method of saving the skin from sun rays has therefore been considered as a critical aspect in cosmetic industry (Perch 2007). h. Nanoelectronics: Concept of sizes and structures are dramatically changing since technology has brought revolution in the world. Nanoelectronics can be defined as another form of nanotechnology that is used on electronic components, particularly transistors. Researchers have discussed that Nanoelectronics help reduce the power consumption of the devices and it also manages the weight of these devices. The gadgets that are used today have become smaller that are easier to carry and use (Dvorsky 2012). With nanotechnology, scientists look forward to the devices that are used in everyday life; they struggle to resize those gadgets to small, light, and very competent style. If scientists are capable to make molecular sized machines, there would be no longer resource inconvenience for food, oil, and any other raw materials could be decomposed at the molecular level like wood. Moreover, use of microscopic recording devices and cameras would revolutionize the security industry and the intelligence by enabling them to watch and monitor under any circumstances. People would have the lavishness of holding around huge amounts of information; loads of music albums and movies in small portable devices. Nanotechnology will thoroughly change human lives (Dvorsky 2012). i. Nanotechnology and Information Technology: Nano IT is a process that involves computing of electronic devices on nanoscale. The integrated circuits (IC) industry, however, started establishing minicomputers to determine the smallest electronic devices possible within the limits of computing technology. In 2001, electronic devices shrink to the size of virus; it became as small as about 100 nm. The term "nanoscale" usually denoted circuit features smaller than 100 nm. The term Nanocomputing" has been engaged for device features below 50 nm to even the dimension of individual molecules, which are only a few nm. Since the beginning of the 2000, the IC industry started to build commercial devices at nanoscale size. Engineers and scientists have made foundation to consider new ways of approaching computing techniques that can be used effectively (Dvorsky 2012). In addition, if such a computer architecture or new device were to be manufactured, this might lead to an increase in computing power. Such circuits would consume a smaller amount of power per function, escalating battery life and shrinking of fans and boxes will be effective to chill circuits. In addition, these minicomputers would be extremely quick and able to execute calculations that are not yet achievable on any computer. Reimbursement of considerably faster computers includes more accuracy in developing artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing complex figures in images, and predicting weather patterns, containing thousands of gigabytes of data that will be developed by a single chip memory, also which will be able to hold the entire libraries of books, music, and movies (Dvorsky 2012). Nano computers brought revolutionary changes, mostly the scaled-down versions of computers today, working essentially the same ways and with similar efficiencies, but at the nanoscale level. Discovery of nano devices has aimed at learning the physical properties of miniature structures and then shaping these into some kinds of computing operations that can be utilized for improvements at advanced level in different aspects of human life. Nanocomputing research is still in progress, that closely examines the minute electronic devices and molecules, their production, and architectures that can be reshaped from their natural electrical properties to more enhanced and refined forms. This approach leads the exploration of nanoscale particles, in such a way that do not require complicated fabrication steps for restructuring molecules. Substitute to the direct patterning of nanoscale system mechanism is that of self-congregation, a process in which small particles or molecules arrange themselves (Dvorsky 2012). Despite of the technique used to create and organize the nano devices into helpful architectures, getting records in and out, the arrays of nanostructures and performing computing are problematic that have not yet been resolved. In short, nano-computing technology has the potential for revolutionizing the way that computers are used. On the other hand, in order to achieve this goal, chief progress in device technology, computer architectures, and IC processing should be first attained. Decades may be required before revolutionary nano-computing technology to become practically commercial (Sahni & Goswami 2008). j. Nanotechnology and Nano-Satellites: Small human-made-satellites are known as nano-satellites or pico-satellites. Researchers have predicted that nano-satellite might fly like bees one day, spreading information to remote destinations throughout the solar system. In order, to attain the targeted goal, they will spread out to examine the area, possibly one satellite landing on each of thousand asteroids, creeping around its surface, and transferring data back to scientists waiting on Earth. On the other hand, the group might be designed to continue the achievement process of the mission. A group of satellites each carrying a tiny mirror could be synchronized to act as one giant telescope mirror, surpassing the Hubble Space Telescope's light-gathering power by a reason of a thousand (Nanosatellite 2012). Nanotechnology has also allowed the space projects to refine yet successful transfer of satellites to evaluate space and elements of solar system. For example, the lightweight cable for the space elevator and spacecraft’s are the outcomes of advancement in nanotechnology (Sulfur 2008). k. Nanotechnology and Sports: Researchers have observed that nanotechnology can be efficiently applied in the many areas of sports including golf, squash, and tennis. Researchers have claimed that with the use of nanotechnology sports standard can be improved particularly by making changes in sports equipments. Researchers have suggested that many useful changes can be made in racquets used in tennis and squash sports by fixing nanotubes in the frame. Installation of these nanotubes in the frames will be very innovative way of improving quality of existing product (Taylor 2008). This technology will increase control and power of hitting the ball and stability of the racquets. Moreover, current researches highlight that sports equipments can be improved up to 22% with the use of nanotechnology and now researchers are seeking to make improvement in tennis, golf, and squash balls along with the racquets for further increase the performance capabilities of the players. Nanotechnology has allowed researchers to create new-type of swimsuits that are much lighter in weight than ever before. These ultra thin swimsuits allow swimmers to enhance their performances and speed during competition. This technology became popular in 2008 Olympics when American swimmer Michael Phelps wore ultra lightweight swimsuit and broke seven world records at the same time (Taylor 2008). Risk Factors: Some scientists are concerned with the risk that this technology would be catastrophic if misused or incorrectly handled by inexperienced professionals. Scientists fear the development of molecular sized weapons and bombs, which can destruct human life and properties within no time. Consequently, a moral code of strict course of action has been set by the organizations that are functioning on positive use of this technology. Nanotechnology can transform everything from the food to vehicles, and every other aspect of life. In the future, money will be valueless, oil will be meaning nothing and vast technology manufacturing countries will be short of business. While the positive features of nanotechnology are great, along with the consideration that there are continuous negative impacts of the technology. Hence, it is too early to say that whether the effect of advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology would make our lives easier or even more complex in the future (Dvorsky 2012). Conclusion: Considering this background of information, and the institutional dynamics that have progressed with them, can help to understand where humans stand today and what is more, significant, how to make progress to realize the promise that launched the field of nanotechnology. The objectives that were launched with the advancement of nanotechnology are yet practicing in many different ways around us. It could be suggested that accomplishing these objectives, in their practical and modified form will offer solutions to the problems on the largest scale. Better clarity and more effective research of these objectives will boost up the various fields of nanotechnology. List of References Dvorsky, G., 2012. Nanotecnology. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 20121]. Fukuda, T. and Ueyama, T., 1994. Cellular Robotics and Micro Robotic Systems. London: World Scientific. (Pages 164 – 173) Popular Science. (1980, June). Popular Science. The What's New Magazine , 216 (6). (Page 50) Motamedi, E., 2005. Moems: Micro-opto-electro-mechanical Systems. Washington DC: SPIE Press. (Pages 453-457) Nano Fabrics, 2011. Nano Fabrics India. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 6 August 2012]. Sahni, V., & Goswami, D. (2008). Nanocomputing. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Education. (Pages 14-18) Nanosatellite, 2012. Wisegreek. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2012]. Nanowerk, 2006. Nanotechnology food coming to a fridge near you. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 16 August 2012]. Newell-McGloughlin, K. and Re, E., 2011. The Evolution of Biotechnology: From Natufians to Nanotechnology. New York: Springer. (Pages 179-181) Perch, H., 2007. Nanotechnology in Medicine - Nanomedicine. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2012]. Sulfur, 2008. Department of chemistry university of illinois. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2 August 2012]. Taylor, D., 2008. Nanotechnology in Sports. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 16 August 2012]. Whatmore, R., 2012. Nanotechnology—what is it? Should we be worried? [Online] Available at: Read More