The Nano World - PDF

# **Specific Issues in Science, Technology and Society** ## **The Nano World** ### **Learning Outcomes** 1. Discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized) of nanotechnology on society 2. Analyze the issue through the conceptual STS lenses 3. Critique the issue on its costs and benefits to...

# **Specific Issues in Science, Technology and Society** ## **The Nano World** ### **Learning Outcomes** 1. Discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized) of nanotechnology on society 2. Analyze the issue through the conceptual STS lenses 3. Critique the issue on its costs and benefits to society ### **What is Nanotechnology?** Nanotechnology refers to the development of products or manipulation of matter at the nanoscale. Nanoparticles are the building blocks of nanotechnology. They are particles that are 1 to 100 nanometers in size. A nanometer is a billionth of a meter. Nanoscience is the science of nanoparticles. ### **How Small is 'Nano'?** Nanoparticles or materials at the nanoscales are larger than atoms and molecules but are smaller than the size of bacteria and viruses. They are so small that even typical, common light microscopes cannot magnify them. To see nanoparticles, electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes must be used. ### **Nanoparticles** What is special about operating at nanoscales is that solids, liquids and gases can show their unique physical, chemical and biological properties at this level. When a material is manipulated or manufactured at a nanoscale, its properties change and the new properties can be used for a particular application. In the nanoscales, **quantum effects rule** which means properties such as fluorescence, melting point, boiling point, chemical reactivity and biotoxicity differ from the usual. ### **Gold Nanoparticle** **Gold nanoparticles** are different from the common gold metal in terms of physical and chemical properties. For instance, they are colored red or purple, not yellowish. Its reaction to light and electron stability is also different. Through nanotechnology, these particles can be manipulated for other potential applications. ### **Exosomes** In the nanoscales, many biological activities happen. Naturally-occurring biological nanoparticles are diverse in terms of function, structure and potential use. **Exosomes** are nanovesicles secreted by vessels primarily for transport. They contain loads of proteins and other biomolecules. Through nanotechnology, exosomes become potential **biomarkers** of cancer and other diseases. ### **Fe3O4 or Ferric Magnetic Nanoparticles** In the nanoscales, the surface area per mass increases. This allows for an increased surface area for reactions. This makes nanoparticles good catalysts. **Fe3O4 or ferric magnetic nanoparticles** have large surface area allowing the binding of other molecules. These binding can be used for potential industrial and biotechnological applications. ### **Uses and Applications of Nanotechnologies** Because of their unique properties and structures, nanoparticles have a wide array of uses and applications. They can be used in medicine, energy, environment, agriculture, food security, communication and other fields. - **Nanosensors** are nanotechnologies that can be used to detect a particular material or occurrence. One application of nanosensors is on food safety. Nanosensors are being developed to detect the presence of pathogens in the food. The signal of detection might be in the form of fluorescence. - **Bionanocomposites** are nanoparticles that resulted from the combination of biopolymers with inorganic molecules. These nanoparticles show flexibility and strength. One application of bionanocomposites is in the production of biodegradable plastics. Since they are naturally-occurring, bionanocomposites are biodegradable. - **Carbon nanotubes** are allotropes of carbon that have unusual properties. They have many potential applications. One potential application is on the development of supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have the ability to store electrical energy like batteries. Their development is important in the successful use of renewable energy sources like the solar power. - **Nanocapsules** are nanotechnologies made up of non-toxic polymers that can store biological or synthetic molecules. One good application of nanocapsules is in agriculture. They can be used to deliver soil nutrients and pesticides efficiently. - **Magnetic Nanoparticles** are nanotechnologies that can be manipulated using magnetic fields. They are made by combining a magnetic material like iron with a chemical material that has functionality. One good application of magnetic nanoparticles is in medicine. They can be used to detect cancer cells and tumors in the body. ### **Concerns and Issues About Nanotechnology** 1. **Its impact to human health is not clear.** Exposure to nanoparticles may pose potential health impacts. Exposure to nanoparticles can be through direct contact, inhalation, ingestion or insertion to the body. Many nanoparticles were found to cause pulmonary toxicity when inhaled. There is still a lot to understand and assess on the long-term health impacts of nanoparticles. 2. **It may impact the environment.** Like other technologies, nanotechnology may have an impact to the environment. The rise in the demand for nanotechnology requires raw materials from the environment. Likewise, the effects of nanoparticles to the environment and other organisms is not yet well understood. 3. **It has moral issues.** Nanotechnology is receiving opposition from some groups. It is being accused of altering or modifying life forms, hence, destroying the sanctity of life. Nanotechnology may also lead to the development of biological and chemical weapons, genome editing, development of synthetic organisms and others that are deemed controversial. 4. **There is an issue in terms of equality and equity.** Like other technologies, access to nanotechnology is an issue. There is unequal opportunity to access and use of these promising technologies. Usually, only those who can afford or have the means can use the technology. However, those who weren't able to access and use them may suffer from the risks or negative impacts of the technology. Hence, there is inequality. 5. **There is an issue in legality, privacy and security.** Nanotechnology is being viewed as a possible security and privacy threat in the future. There is a school of thought that government surveillance and violation of one's privacy may be enhanced through nanotechnologies. There is also a legal question on the right to own, monitor and control nanoparticles. 6. **It can negatively affect human behavior.** Like other technologies, humans may rely too much on nanotechnology. Some fear that nanotechnology may reduce human productivity and may lead to the development of many products that may be addictive to humans like computer games and social media. ### **Conclusion/Summary** - Nanotechnology refers to the development of products or manipulation of matter at the nanoscale. Nanoparticles are the building blocks of nanotechnology. - Nanotechnology has many practical uses and application in different fields like medicine and agriculture. - However, there are still some concerns and issues about nanotechnology that need to be addressed.