Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field of science, engineering, and technology that involves the manipulation and control of matter at the nanoscale—typically, at dimensions less than 100 nanometers.
At this scale, materials exhibit unique and often enhanced properties compared to their larger counterparts. The prefix “nano” is derived from the Greek word for “dwarf,” and a nanometer is one billionth of a meter.
Nanotechnology encompasses the realm of scientific and engineering activities that leverage phenomena occurring at the nanometer scale for the design, characterization, production, and application of materials, structures, devices, and systems. While the natural world features numerous examples of nanoscale structures, such as essential molecules in the human body and components of foods, intentional and active manipulation of molecules and structures at this scale has become possible only in the last 25 years. This deliberate control at the nanometer scale distinguishes nanotechnology from other technological domains.
The potential societal impact of various nanotechnologies is significant, with applications expected to bring substantial benefits to individuals and organizations. The utilization of nanoscale structures in materials leads to properties vastly different from their larger counterparts, driven by the unique surface area-to-volume ratios and quantum effects associated with this scale. Applications range from thin films in catalysis and electronics to nanotubes and nanowires in optical and magnetic systems, as well as nanoparticles in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and coatings. Sectors such as information and communications, food technology, energy, and medical products, including nanomedicine and bionanotechnology, are at the forefront of adopting nanotechnology. However, the introduction of nanotechnology products also poses potential challenges in environmental pollution reduction.
In nanotechnology, scientists and engineers work with structures, devices, and systems at the nanoscale to create new materials and products with specific, tailored properties. This involves understanding and utilizing the behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Key aspects of nanotechnology include:
- Nanomaterials: Materials that have dimensions or structures at the nanoscale. These materials may exhibit novel properties and functionalities due to their small size.
- Nanoparticles: Particles with dimensions in the nanometer range. Nanoparticles can be engineered for specific applications in various fields, such as medicine, electronics, and energy.
- Nanodevices: Devices and systems that are constructed at the nanoscale. Examples include nanosensors, nanoelectronics, and nanomechanical devices.
- Nanomedicine: The application of nanotechnology in medicine, including drug delivery systems, diagnostic tools, and imaging techniques at the molecular and cellular levels.
- Nanoelectronics: The development of electronic components and devices at the nanoscale, aiming to create more efficient and powerful electronic systems.
- Nanotechnology Applications: Nanotechnology has diverse applications across various industries, including electronics, materials science, medicine, energy, and environmental science.
Despite the promise of nanotechnology, there are concerns about new health risks associated with nanoscale phenomena. Processes and products identified at this scale may expose humans and the environment to unforeseen health risks, especially concerning free nanoparticles generated during nanotechnology processes and released either intentionally or unintentionally. Individuals regularly in contact with free nanoparticles due to their work may face specific health risks. The challenge lies in the fact that the human species has evolved protective mechanisms against environmental agents based on the nature of encountered agents, and exposure to nanoparticles with novel characteristics may challenge these defense mechanisms.
To address these concerns, a comprehensive risk analysis is essential. Numerous international organizations, governmental bodies, national institutions, non-governmental organizations, and learned societies have emphasized the need for a thorough risk analysis of nanotechnology. The European Council and Commission, in particular, stress the importance of considering potential risks throughout the life cycle of nanotechnology-based products and are working towards establishing international principles for the safe, sustainable, responsible, and socially acceptable use of nanotechnologies.
In terms of definitions and scope, nanotechnology involves the design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanoscale. Key terms include nanoscale, nanoscience, nanomaterial, nanoparticle, nanocomposite, and nanostructured. The nanoscale is generally considered to have dimensions up to 100 nm, where materials exhibit substantially different properties due to increased surface area-to-mass ratios and quantum effects. However, challenges exist in precisely measuring parameters at the nanoscale, and inconsistencies in terminology and data in the literature are acknowledged.
The unique properties of nanomaterials arise from the increased surface area-to-volume ratio, quantum effects, and other phenomena that become significant at the nanoscale. Researchers in nanotechnology aim to exploit these properties for practical purposes, leading to innovations with potential benefits in areas such as improved drug delivery, more efficient energy storage, and smaller and more powerful electronic devices.
The opinion distinguishes between nanostructures where the structure itself is a free particle and those where the nanostructure is an integral feature of a larger object. Health risks are particularly associated with free nanoparticles, which may be released into the environment during production or use. The report emphasizes the need for careful consideration of potential risks associated with the manufacture and use of products incorporating engineered nanomaterials, excluding nanostructures of biological origin from this specific context.
However, the field also raises ethical, environmental, and safety considerations, as the potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials need to be carefully assessed and managed. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, nanotechnology continues to be an area of active research and development with ongoing advancements and discoveries.