The Nano-World

Nanotechnology is administered at the nanoscale, about 1 to 100 nanometers. It is science, engineering,

and technology combined with other sciences. Nanotechnology studies tiny things and applications of
these things in technology or nanoscience. It is useful across all the other science fields, such as chemistry,
biology, physics, materials science, and engineering (NNI, 2020).

Richard Feynman – a physicist and the father of nanotechnology.

- at an American Physical Society meeting at the California Institute of Technology

(CalTech) on December 29, 1959, described a process in which scientists would be
able to manipulate and control individual atoms and molecules.
- In 1959, he offered a prize for the world's smallest motor. Another award is given for
a challenge involving tiny writing. The text of the Encyclopedia could be put on the
head of a pin. It was in a 1959 talk entitled, "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom,"
where Feynman prompted thinking on micro-scale. He described the atomic scale
fabrication as the bottom-up approach instead of the top-down approach we were
used to.
- Feynman won the Nobel Prize together with Julian Schwinger and Shin'ichiro
Tomonaga in Physics in 1965. This Prize is for their independent work in quantum
electrodynamics.

The term nanotechnology was actualized in 1974 by Professor Norio Taniguchi. It describes semiconductor
processes such as thin film deposition and ion beam milling exhibiting characteristic control on a
nanometer's order. The development of a scanning electron microscope in the 1980s paved the way for
seeing individual atoms. It is at this time that nanotechnology began.

How Small Is a Nanoscale?

Nano came from the Latin word "Neus," which means dwarf. Hence Nanoworld means a small world. How
small is nano?” In the International System of Units, the prefix "nano" means one-billionth, or 10-9 ;
therefore, one nanometer is onebillionth of a meter. A human hair is approximately 80,000- 100,000
nanometers wide. The average diameter of an atom is 0.1 to 0.5 nanometers.
Nanomaterials are so small, and it cannot be seen using our naked eye. It is usually viewed by use of:

1. Electron microscope - uses a beam of accelerated electrons as a source of illumination with up to

about 10,000,000× magnification. Two types are:

a. Scanning electron microscope

b. Transmission electron microscope

2. Atomic Force Microscope – demonstrated resolutions of nanometer best for use in insulating samples
like DNA.

3. Scanning, tunneling microscope – displays images at an atomic level.

Nanofabrication

Manufacturing of nanoscale materials and developing new products from it is known as Nanofabrication.
• Top-Down – you start with extensive material and cut it to make a small product.

In a Top-Down/mechanical-physical production process, the traditional mechanical-physical

crushing methods for producing nanoparticles. It involves various milling techniques where particles are
ground or crushed until it is so small even than that of an atom.

• Bottom-Up – building material starting from atoms and molecules until it achieves the desired product's
size based on physicochemical principles of molecular or atomic self- organization. This approach
produces selected more complex structures from atoms or molecules, better-controlling sizes, shapes,
and size ranges. It includes aerosol processes (fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide and
silicon dioxide particles), precipitation reactions (produce nanoparticles for pharmaceutical and cosmetics
applications, Zeolite), and solgel processes (powders, fibers, ceramics, and coatings).

Nanotechnology Impacts on Human Lives

Various Uses of Nanotechnology helps us in ways we never imagined

1. Materials and Coating

Carbon nanotubes (aka CNTs) are made from graphene sheets consisting of a single atomic layer
of carbon atoms in a framework that can be rolled into a tube measuring a nanometer (one-
billionth of a meter) in diameter. CNT can clean water, boost solar energy storage, make molecular
syringes and probes. Nano liquids are used as protectors in glasses and screen protectors in our
cellphones. The applied liquid, once dried, is five times stronger than tempered glass in protecting
screens from scratches. It could also be used in mirrors and make the surface of materials resistant
to bacterial growth.
2. Medicine
Medical diagnostic pieces of equipment that are more powerful and accurate are now available.
Nanomedicine helps make smart drugs that improve the absorption of medicines within the body
like chemotherapy drugs, which only attacks specific cancer cells, thus minimizing risk to normal
tissues surrounding it. Nanobots that only attack cancer cells are promising to cut the risk of
destroying healthy cells. Nanotechnology can also improve cosmetics coverage or absorption
(shampoos, lotion, sunscreen, make-up). Nanomachines or Nanites (nanoscale robots) could be
expected in the near future to aid in the medical field.
3. Food Science
Nanotechnology is enhancing the yield of crops, so we are assured of food security. Better
packaging of food extends storage life, improved flavor, and nutrient delivery. Pathogen, toxin,
and pesticide detection are done for serving functional foods in the food industry. Silver
nanoparticles, together with nanocomposites, are one of the most widely used nanomaterials.
These are used as antimicrobials. Achievements have been made in various areas of food systems,
particularly in food packaging. Most researches emphasize the regulation of nanotechnology in
food packaging and processing (Xiaojiae, He, Huey Min H., 2016).
4. Electronics
Nanoelectronics increases the capabilities of electronic devices. It also enhances the density of
memory chips. It reduces power consumption and the size of transistors used in integrated
circuits. Nanotechnology in electronics offers faster and more portable systems. It is also
becoming popular in making materials like semiconductors with electric properties by ejecting
these semiconductors' metal alloys (such as the silicon element), with atomically-precise
nanoparticles like phosphorus particles, for example, will form diodes and also transistors. The
manufacturing of computers uses these chips and Central Processing Units. All electronic and
electrical devices also include polymeric Nano-films such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
5. Engineering
Cutting tool bits, chemical sensors, Molecular sieves, pigments, and selfcleaning glass using
titanium dioxide are the nanotech's development in engineering. Nano ultrafine particles are also
used in fighter planes, which absorb electromagnetic waves of different bands to deceive radar
to hide planes in military activities against insurgents.
6. Forensics
Forensic techniques have been improved by nanotechnology. For instance, the material used to
develop fingerprints is replaced with many tiny nanoparticles. The said materials increase by
orders of magnitude the sensitivity of the forensic search. The nanoparticle substituted materials
used to develop fingerprints are carbon black, aluminum flake, and gentian violet. Old or faint
fingerprints will be easier to detect, especially those left on difficult surfaces, such as adhesive or
textured ones. Nanoparticles bind with the fingerprint's pattern and make it visible. A typical
strategy is engineering fluorescent nanoparticles to make the development easier (Catanzaro,
2013). Sweat left in the fingerprint on the crime scene will also allow for identifying drug use, thus
giving rise to lifestyle intelligence where people left traces on the things they touch.
7. Manufacturing
Nano-sized water filters can remove all viruses and bacteria. Nano clays incorporated in the (pet)
drinking bottle increase the product's shelf life by several months. Carbon nanofibers are used in
the manufacture of safety wear sometimes. It is also used especially bio textiles, where they can
provide liquid and stain resistance and antimicrobial properties and flame resistance.
Nanopowders, when applied to plastics, make it behave like ceramics or metal.
8. Automotive
Lighter, more robust metal built for vehicles and improved fuel consumption means better gas
mileage for automobiles. Manufactured high-end tires using polymer nanocomposites increases
its durability or wear and tear.
9. Environment
Improved industrial processes and materials with less environmental wastes and hazards
constitute green technology. Green technology is a global aim at present. Better water and air
treatment of industries or cleaner technology lessen environmental pollution. Lesser
environmental pollution is good for our environment to sustain Biodiversity. Water treatment
devices incorporating nanoscale materials are already available.
10. Economy
Better products are a factor in boosting the economy. Countries will profit with patented Nano-
products, which is a significant source of income.

These are just a few of the various uses of nanotechnology in our society. This technology grows
every minute, and the output of this technology will further enhance the benefits humanity is
experiencing.
Nano Technology in The Philippines
The Philippines' DOST or Department of Science and Technology has outlined a roadmap for
nanotechnology in the Philippines for 2012-2016. The DOST roadmap outlines research and
development in nanotechnology, exploring and exploiting its high impact and life-enhancing
benefits.
After the required separation, consolidation, and re-development of materials by one atom or
one molecule, several innovations were developed:
1. Nanofiber from Zeolite for purifying methane gas in methane-running pipelines is ideal for
industries powered by biogas digesters and a 100 percent biodegradable food cutlery.
2. Fiber membrane/ filter for treating heavy metal contaminated water using chitosan (chitosan
is made by treating shells of shrimp and shellfishes), suitable for waste management.
DOST, together with Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research
and Development (PCIEERD-DOST), has outputs for nanotechnology in Food and Agriculture,
Chemicals, and Semiconductors. In Food and Agriculture, the development and optimization of
Nanosensors to detect soil nutrients were made.
Nano silica has been applied in the production of Nanofluid for heat exchanger.
Semiconductors have plenty of development like Process technology for the fabrication of
nanostructured solar energy devices: scaling-up process, direct ethanol fuel cell-powered LED
emergency light, novel cathode material for direct ethanol fuel cell, Biofuel from Nano-carbon
based catalysis of biomass, nanomaterials for printed, electronic devices using carbon ink and
carbon nanotubes (CNT) - Silicon Heterojunctions for the Fabrication and Assembly of a Solar
Panel.

Major Impact of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology encompasses a broad range of tools, techniques, and applications. It is widely
perceived as one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. Their unique
physicochemical (e.g., size, shape) and surface (e.g., reactivity, conductivity) properties contribute
to the evolution of materials with new properties and technical solutions to challenging problems
with conventional technologies. Research outputs made these innovations possible. Although it
is a promising technology, it still has its advantages and disadvantages.
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Therapy has shared this poster on their website to
encourage precaution in using nanotech products. Research in nanotechnology's effect on human
health and the environment are still few, so necessary caution is encouraged when using these
products, particularly those that could enter the human body via different routes (mouth, skin,
nose, and veins).

Nanomaterials and COVID 19

Nanomaterials are available in the global market. In this time of the pandemic, different products
with nanomaterials are accessible to the public. Nanoshel company (www.nanoshel.com) offers
Covid-19 safety gears protective Nano silver-coated three-ply face masks. These masks are
guaranteed antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. They also have silver nanoparticle-based
organic sanitizers and different innovative nanomaterials. Producing products at a molecular level
like Diamonds, for example, can be mass-produced The bankruptcy of jewelry making markets.
Counterfeit pieces of jewelry will flourish Cheaper production of the atomic weapon More
accessible nuclear weapons which could create mass destruction Revolutionizes a lot of electronic
products in the market Expensive costs since it is difficult to build Helps in creating smart drugs or
medicines that are target specific Not all people can afford it
How Nanotechnology Is Being Used to FIght Covid-19
1. Filters made with cellulose nanofibers can block virus size particles.
2. This was discovered by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology. Researchers
make use of gold nanoparticles to make probes that attach to Covid-19 RNA. Testing equipment
using these gold nanoparticles in probes that they believe will produce fast turnaround testing
with low error rate are being developed.
3. Sona Nanotech (a nanotechnology life science firm) is developing a diagnostic test for Covid-
19. They are using gold nanorods. Fast results are expected in about 5 to 15 minutes and do not
require lab analysis. Gold nanorods can also stop the migration of cancer cells in different parts
of the body.
4. Moderna produced a Covid-19 vaccine using mRNA molecules encapsulated in lipid
nanoparticles but have a legal battle with Arbutus Biopharma Corporation to patent the lipid
nanoparticles.
5. Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a filter
mask using orthogonal nanofibers. The report is equivalent to the N95 masks needed for the
coronavirus, with the advantage that the mask can filter small particles even after being washed
several times.
6. Novavax has developed a coronavirus vaccine candidate using protein nanoparticles has a
promising early trial result as of July 2020.
7. Mologic is developing and testing a handheld, nanoparticle-based, diagnostic system for Covid-
19 intended to provide results at the point of use, rather than waiting for lab results.
8. Some organizations apply a coating of titanium dioxide nanocrystals on surfaces such as walls
and ceilings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. When the body is illuminated with VU light,
the nanocrystals act as a photocatalytic disinfection system, helping kill viruses on the surface.
9. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a test for
Covid-19 that doesn't require reagents (which are in limited supply). The test uses silica-coated
magnetic nanoparticles of which RNA from the virus is attracted to the nanoparticles, extracted
from the sample with a magnetic field