What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the branch of technology dealing with particles of less than 100 nanometres, particularly management of discrete particles and bits. The field entails methods on an ultra-small scale and has developed into an area of in-depth technical study. The wide range of application of nanotechnology seeks to remedy some of the significant challenges which have been recurring over the years. Such problems range from legal, environmental, ethical, medical, and mental issues.

Application of Nanotechnology

The use of nanotechnology range from electronic, biomedical, and optical fields as well as biology, computing, communications, and engineering. The government fully supports projects aimed at advancing nanotechnology via the establishment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.

Medicine

In medicine, nanotechnology has led to significant development in health-related innovations. Through the use of nanoelectronic biosensors and nanomaterials, innovations of better health and drugs have been realized. The pharmaceutical industry expects new ideas especially through drug delivery, vivo imaging, and new therapies. Future speculations include tissue and cell repair through molecular nanotechnology.

Environment

The environmental aspect of nanotechnology is to seek long-term remedies to environmental pollution. Green nanotechnology aims at enhancing sustainability through the making of green nano-products. It aims to produce products that are harmless to the environment, use low temperatures, and green nanotechnology also boosts production of existing products with environmental-friendly nano-materials. The primary objective of eradicating environmental pollution seeks to provide answers to the environmental damages by using principles of green engineering and green chemistry.

Agriculture

Nanotechnology also seeks to provide solutions to food security. Globally, problems brought about by drought has led to the reduction in food production particularly in the agricultural sector. In this case, nanotechnology helps the existing technology of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in finding new ways of improving food production. Besides, nanotechnology aims at eliminating hazards associated with the GMOs. Therefore, extensive use of nanotechnology will lead to better and more production of food to curb the famine menace which has claimed lives in many countries.

Engineering & Sciences

Nanotechnology is also applicable in the field of engineering. Through nanotechnology, engineering has become more precise and reliable. The precision has shown a significant reduction of mechanical problems which had been rampant before associated with accidents and deaths. In biology, nanotechnology has also helped in the study of tissues and cells in a more accurate manner. In chemistry, more elements and atoms may be discovered by using nanotechnology hence better research as compared to the past studies. Lastly, nanotechnology is used in research and design (R&) to improve research and innovations. Technological advancements in research through this field will lead to inventions aimed at improving life.

Impacts of Nanotechnology

The use of nanotechnology over the recent years has brought significant improvement in many fields. However, experts have warned over its extensive application with unknown speculations of nano-particles hazards not yet established. Such particles are too tiny to be observed with naked eye. The environmental impacts of these small nano-particles may lead to enormous problems in the future if new measures are not invented. Therefore, nanotechnology should be carefully researched to determine the extent of damage caused by the accumulation of nanoparticles in the environment.