What is Nanotechnology?
What did you first imagine when you heard the term nanotechnology? the word nano itself comes from the Greek which means ‘dwarf’.
Nanotechnology is a science or technology that study very small objects (billions of meters) which are then manipulate to produce new objects with the desired special character. Nanotechnology is a technological leap to engineer new objects from existing objects.
The word nanotechnology was first used by Norio Taniguchi in 1974 who revealed that materials can be control and engineer beyond the micrometer scale.
Functions of Nanotechnology
Referring to the definition of Nanotechnology above, it is considere to have the potential to increase energy consumption efficiency, help clean the environment, and solve major health problems. It is said to be capable of massively increase manufacturing production at significantly reduce costs. Nanotechnology products will be smaller, cheaper, and lighter but more functional, and require less energy and fewer raw materials to produce, claim proponents of nanotechnology.
Benefits for Human Life
Here are some of the benefits of this cutting-edge technology for human life.
Environmental Field
It is helping to create batteries that can store more energy for electric cars as well as the creation of solar panels. This is the latest development in overcoming climate change that occurs with more efficient and optimal technology.
Medical
One example, the application of nanotechnology can be seen in cancer therapy where chemotherapy agents have toxic effects on tumor cells as well as other normal cells. Additionally, nanotechnology is use to develop pacemakers that can prevent heart failure.
Agriculture
In food science, the use of nanotechnology has the potential to extend the life of fruits and vegetables. This is achieve by incorporating nanoparticles into food that act as anti-bacterial agents and as a result fruits and vegetables will last longer.
Electronics and Computers
Can be use to create quantum dots, which are tiny light-producing cells that can be use for lighting computer screens or other electronics.
Security
Increases the possibility of creating microscopic recording devices that are almost undetectable. Another possibility is the creation of “smart bullets”, which are computerize bullets that can be control and aimed very accurately.
Manufacturing
One of the latest inventions in the field of manufacturing is the discovery of transparent wood material which has strength equal to or even exceeding steel but with a lighter weight.
Beauty
The nanoparticles in this product can maximize the absorption of cosmetic ingredients into the skin. This product can also distribute cosmetic ingredients more evenly which can protect the skin from harmful radiation.
Development of Nanotechnology in the World and Indonesia
In developing countries, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, Thailand, and Indonesia have demonstrated their commitment to nanotechnology by establishing government-funded research programs and institutions.
Based on research results from the University of Toronto’s Joint Center for Biotics, These coChina, South Korea, and India are the top three nations developing this nanotechnology. Thailand, the Philippines, South Africa, Brazil, and Chile are following the list of leading countries.
In addition, Argentina and Mexico are “up and down” although they have research groups studying nanotechnology, their governments have not organized any special funds.
Impact of Nanotechnology on Health and Sanitation
In January 2005, researchers at the US Massachusetts Institute of Technology used “optical tweezers” a pair of tiny glass beads attached or moved using a laser beam to study the elasticity of red blood cells infected with the malaria parasite (see Small tool for treating malaria).
This technique helps researchers to better understand how malaria spreads throughout the body.
Development Goals of Nanotechnology
Referring to the definition of Nanotechnology above. Nanotech knowledge is growing rapidly. The number of scientific publications in this field grew from about 200 in 1997 to more than 12,000 in 2002. However, relatively few products using nanoparticles are currently on the market.
They focus on consumer applications that include better sunscreens, crack-resistant paint, and scratch-resistant eyeglass lenses.
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