Nanoparticles

• What are nanoparticles?

  Extremely small particles that have a diameter of around 1nm - 100nm
• Why do nanoparticles have a large surface area : volume ratio?

  As particles decrease in size, the size of their surface area increases in relation to their
• How many atoms do nanoparticles contain?

  Roughly a few hundred atoms; they're bigger than atoms and simple molecules but smaller than pretty much anything else
• What is the advantage to have a large surface area to volume ratio

  It allows them to have different properties from larger particles due to a much greater proportion of their atoms being available to interact with substances they come into contact with
• Using nanoparticles is known as what

  Nanoscience
• Why do nanoparticles have a huge surface area to volume ratio

  So they can make good catalysts
• Why are cosmetics, sunscreen and deodorant being made by using nanoparticles

  The small particles do their job and doesn't leave white mark residue on the skin
• What is nanomedicine

  The idea that tiny fullernes are absorbed more easily by the body than most particles
• Why is nanomedicine good for the body

  The tiny fullerenes being absorbed can deliver drugs right into the cells where they're need
• Why are lubricant coatings being developed using fullerenes?

  The coatings reduce friction a bit like really tiny ball bearings and can be used in all sorts of places from artificial joints to gears
• Nanotubes can conduct electricity. Why is this an advantage

  They can be used in tiny electric circuits for computer chips
• Why are nanoparticles added to plastics in sports equipment

  They make the plastic much stronger and more durable without adding much mass
• What are polymer fibres used for

  Used to make surgical masks and wound dressings
• Why are silver nanoparticles added to the polymer fibres

  Gives the fibres antibacterial properties
• The way nanoparticles affect the body isn't fully understood so why is it significant that the nanoparticle product are tested thouroughly

  To minimise the risks
• Some people have concern that nanoparticles have been made available before any possible harmful effect on human health has been investigated properly. What does this mean

  We still don't know all the possible side effects of what the long term impacts on health could be