What is Nanotechnology?
Summary – Nanotechnology (“nanotech”) is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. The earliest, widespread description of nanotechnology referred to the particular technological goal of precisely manipulating atoms and molecules for fabrication of macroscale products, also now referred to as molecular nanotechnology. A more generalized description of nanotechnology was subsequently established by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which defines nanotechnology as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers. Watch the video below to get a good explanation of Nanotechnology.
Agnes Ostafin, Phd Talking About Nanotechnology:
Details – In 1974, Norio Taniguichi while studying at Tokyo Science University, coined the term nanotechnology. His definition still stands as the basic statement today: “Nanotechnology mainly consists of the processing of separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or one molecule.”
The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) provides the following definition:
“Nanotechnology deals with the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel nanotechnology applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick; a single gold atom is about a third of a nanometer in diameter. Dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers are known as the nanoscale…..” A true advantage of nano-sizing any particle or nutrient (i.e. NanoEyeZ) results in much greater efficacy at the cellular level due to the massive increase in the total surface area of nanoparticles versus the same nutrient or particle at the “macro” level as demonstrated below.
Nano-nutrient particles are so miniscule that they are difficult to detect under common microscopes. Their extremely small size makes it difficult to detect under some of the most sophisticated laboratory testing. It’s only been during the past few years that high-tech methods have provided a means to even see them.
Working at the amazing nanoscale, scientists are creating new tools, products, and technologies to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, including:
- Smaller, faster, more portable electronics with larger data storage capacity.
- Medical devices and drugs to detect and treat diseases more effectively with fewer side effects.
- Low-cost filters to provide clean drinking water.
- Stronger, lighter, more durable materials.
- Techniques to clean up hazardous chemicals in the environment.
- Sensors to detect and identify harmful chemical or biological agents.
For Perspective – How Small Is Something That Has been Nano-Sized?
Check out the comparisons to get an idea of how small nanotechnology can make our five nutrients.
