Nano means: o Prefix that means “one-billionth” o 10⁻⁹ o For example: nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter o Red blood cell is about 6,000-10,000 nm in diameter o DNA molecule is about 3nm in width
Nanotechnology vs Nanobiotechnology Nanotechnology: involves creating and manipulating materials at the nano scale. - Creating consumer products using nanotechnology Nanobiotechnology: biotechnology at the nanoscale. - Used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic medical tests and regenerative medicine
Prior knowledge Physical properties- can be measured without changing the composition of the material. Ex: Boiling and freezing temps of water, you don’t have to change water to a different chemical. Chemical properties- how the material will interact with other materials. Ex. The ability of water to dissolve many other substances.
Goals of nanoscale scientists: Characterizing Materials: Understanding the structure and properties of material at a nanoscale Most use specialized tools, can not be seen with naked eye Fabricating Materials Making new materials with special properties
Tools and Techniques One challenge of working at the nanoscale is how to prevent contamination of the materials being characterized or fabricated. Cleanrooms are special facilities designed to keep airborne particles out. Special instruments are needed for characterizing and manipulating materials at the nanoscale scanning tunneling microscopes and atomic force microscopes.
Concerns about Nano the possibility of producing new kinds of particles that were not previously found in nature, with negative biological effects. Consumer products being made with nanoparticle will break down releasing nanoparticles into the environment Silver nanoparticles can make soil unfertile Nanoparticles used in sunscreen can wash off and cause affect in the aquatic food chain
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of nanoparticles in food and medicine.
Innovations in Medicine Developing new vaccines that are cheaper, safer and more effective. The first of these new vaccines is aimed at preventing influenza Researchers are working on various nanoparticles to help deliver medications to the brain. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer- gold nanoshells
Careers in Nanobiotechnology One would need: a strong basic background in chemistry, physics and biology, as well as engineering and design skills. Nanoengineering Nanoscale Science Students have many options: certificate and diploma programs, associate, bachelors, masters and Ph.D
Nanomanufacturing 3 main production techniques used in nanotechnology. Top-down approach Lithography Self-assembly
Top-Down Approach Nanoparticles are picked up and connected together by outside tools. (Similar to macro production techniques in an assembly line factory.) EX: a car being produced
Lithography Pattern printing, think layers of material are printed at the nanoscale EX: a page printed with an inkjet printer
Self-assembly Creating the conditions for particles to assemble into desired pattern because of their properties EX: Snowflakes forming
The Ethics of Nanotechnology We must make well-reasoned judgments when deciding what is beneficial and potentially dangerous. Beneficial Manufacturing (precision) Medicine (disease treatment) Environment (toxin cleanup Potentially Dangerous Weapons (explosives) Rampant Nanomachines Surveillance (monitoring and tracking)
What to consider before final decision Relevant Facts Professional/Legal/Ethical Issues Stakeholders Possible Actions Consequences Persons rights Common Good