Chapter 9

• Nano is a prefix used in the metric scale to represent one billionth
• A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter.
• Nano comes from the Greek word for dwarf, so in combination with technology, it becomes dwarf technology.
• Technology applies science and materials for human uses, and nanotechnology applies science and materials at the nanoscale.
• People refer to nanotechnology as “tiny tech” or “nanotech”
• Triclosan, commonly found in antimicrobial soaps and cleaning products, is among many consumer-used chemicals found in the river and drinking water sources
• Antimicrobial resistance is a big problem because bacteria are no longer susceptible to the treatments developed to kill them, and outbreaks can occur that cannot be managed.
• In 2011, the government announced a 10-year strategic plan/road map for the development of the R&D strategy of nanotechnology covering at least six industrial sectors – the semiconductor, information technology, energy, agriculture, medicine, and environmental protection
• Nanotechnology has been identified as one of the priority areas of research identified by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCASTRD).
• Nanotechnology products that are already on the market allow us to identify three common characteristics: the products have multiple functions that previously required more than one product (multifunctional), the products remain useful longer, and the products use fewer raw materials.
• elevtronics


  Single electron transistor (SET), spin valves and magnetic tunnel junctions (MT)s are based on nanotechnology. Spin valve-type devices are already being used in personal computers to “read discs,” which has enabled the increase of data storage capacity of hard discs.
• energy


  Some metal hydride nanoparticles like nickel hydrides or high surface area, ultra lightweight materials like aerogels are found to be better options than the conventional materials in improved batteries. Carbon nanomaterial (CNM) has been used in improving the efficacy of lithium secondary batteries, supercapacitors and in hydrogen storage.
• environment


  Efficient production of nanomaterials following the low temperature synthesis route would help to reduce industrial pollution. Use of nanomaterials as hydrogen storage or efficient oil filters may reduce pollution from vehicles. Efficient nanomaterials are lightweight and needed only in small quantities. This may help reduce the price of many products, making them commonly affordable
• automobiles


  Nanosensors will help in assessing emissions from the vehicle and help in controlling pollutants. Car paints/coatings using nanoparticle are being used to provide smooth, thin attractive coatings that are scratch resistant, can repel dirt and are anti-reflective. Biocide paints and anti-fogging coatings are even being developed.
• agriculture and food


  Application in combating plant diseases: • Controlled delivery of functional molecules Nanoparticles used as Trojan horse for delivery of active ingredients.

  As a diagnostic tool for disease detection For detection purpose, both nanoparticles and quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as pivotal tools for detection of biological markers. Nanotechnology can play important role in treatment by diagnosing a disease at its very early stage.