1. Nanoscale science and engineering: How nanotechnology is impacting our everyday lives
Aldrin E. Sweeney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Science Education
Miami Science Museum
May 2-3, 2008

2. A little bit about me… Program Coordinator, Science Education at UCF
Academic background in biochemistry, organic chemistry and science education
Work with colleagues at UCF and worldwide on issues relating to science and engineering education (elementary-undergraduate)
Current research efforts in nanoscale science and engineering education (NSEE)

3. Overview: How nanotechnology is impacting our everyday lives
Defining nanoscale science and engineering (“nanotechnology”)
Why the excitement about nanotechnology? Examples of “nanotech” in current research … and everyday life
U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative and NSEE
Examples of NSEE research 3

6. What is nanoscale science & engineering?
The study of materials and associated
physical, biophysical and biochemical
phenomena on the scale of ~1-100 nm.
The primary appeal of nanotechnology is the
potential to manipulate matter at
the nanoscale. This leads to the
possibility of preparing novel materials
(nanomaterials) that have specific,
manipulable physical properties and
functions.

7. “There’s plenty of room at the bottom”
What makes the nanoscale special?
High density of structures is possible with small size.
Physical and chemical properties can be different at the nano-scale (e.g. electronic, optical, mechanical, thermal, chemical).
The physical behavior of material can be different in the nano-regime because of the different ways physical properties scale with dimension (e.g. area vs. volume).
Prof. Richard Feynman
“There’s plenty of room at the bottom”

8. Physical/chemical properties can change as we approach the nano-scale
Melting point of gold particles
Fluorescence of semiconductor
nanocrystals
Decreasing crystal size
K. J. Klabunde, 2001
M. Bawendi, MIT: web.mit.edu/chemistry/nanocluster
Evident, Inc.:
By controlling nano-scale (1) composition, (2) size, and (3) shape, we can create new materials with new properties  New technologies

9. Popular perceptions of nanotechnology
I, Robot (2004)
Outer Limits: The New Breed (1995)
Star Trek: TNG ( )

10. Popular perceptions of nanotechnology10

11. Nanotechnology is estimated to become a trillion dollar market by ~2010
Areas in which nanotechnologies are expected to impact our everyday lives:
Mechanical engineering
Aerospace
Environmental remediation
Pharmaceuticals & drug delivery
Biotechnology -- CdSe nanocrystals
Electronics
Photonics (communications & computing using photons)
Information storage
Energy storage/transport
Materials engineering
Textiles

12. NANO

13. Nanoshells & SWNTs in cancer therapy

14. Research area 1: Lightweight, multi-functional nano-fibers and materials
Research area 2: Battle suit medicine
Research area 3: Blast and ballistic protection
Research area 4: Chem/bio materials science (detection & protection)
Research area 5: Nanosystems integration

15. Nanofibres help nerves in brain regrow
Researchers at MIT, US, Hong Kong University and Fourth Military Medical University, China, have used a nanofibre scaffold to help nerve cells regenerate in the brains of hamsters.
Peptide nanofibre solution injected into the animals' brains; fibres self-assembled into a network in the void in the brain caused by injury; technique restored at least some sight to ~75% of the animals.
Technique being tested on spinal cord injuries; plans to launch trials in primates and eventually in humans; technique ultimately could help people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and stroke.
Ellis-Behnke et al, 2006, PNAS

16. Social and ethical issues in nanoscale science & technology

17. What is the National Nanotechnology Initiative?
Federal R&D program that coordinates multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
Launched in 2001 after approval by U.S. Congress in November 2000 ($422 million in funding, 2001 fiscal year)
23 federal agencies comprise the Initiative, 11 of which have a nanotechnology R&D budget.
2004 fiscal year … $961 million in funding; fiscal year …. ~$1,445 million in funding; 2009 budget, $1.5 billion in funding

18. Participants in the National Nanotechnology Initiative

19. Societal implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology
* National and global economics
* Environmental sustainability
* Development of pharmaceuticals
* Human lifespan and quality of life
* Education/workforce preparation
-- Future of K-16 science/engineering education

20. K-16 science & engineering education
Estimated that up to 2 million workers will be needed worldwide in various nanotechnology fields within the next years (M. Roco, NSF, International Journal of Engineering Education, 2002).
Fields with greatest immediate anticipated needs: biomedical applications, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, opto-electronics, information storage, pharmaceuticals and microelectronics (S. Fonash, Pennsylvania State University, Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 2001).

21. Higher education & career options in nanoscale science and engineering

22. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS:
Aldrin E. Sweeney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator, Science Education