L&D 2020: Shaping change in learning

Technology

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology¹ is the highly multidisciplinary field of applied science and technology covering the use of matter at the atomic and molecular level and fabricating machines of that size. Nanotechnologies have already resulted in the creation of products such as cosmetics, fabric coatings², specially strengthened materials, batteries and stain resistant clothing.

These technologies have moved beyond materials redesigned at the nanoscale to actual nanoscale devices³. For example, ‘identi-chips’, tiny position locators for anything from pets to humans, which can be worn in clothing or introduced into the body. Some devices sense the environment by exploiting the huge surface area of carbon nanotubes⁴ and other nanostructured materials to detect environmental contaminants. Other nanodevices can process information, or convert energy from one form to another.

In recent years, molecular nanosystems have come to operate in a wide range of environments. Minute computers and robots have been developed that play a part in gene therapies and anti-aging treatments. Ever more sophisticated interfaces are linking people directly to electronic and communications devices to improve knowledge share and information processing.

Scientists have copied cell biology to create sophisticated nanoscale machines such as the molecular motors driving muscle, converting chemical energy to mechanical energy or ion pumps that control the flow of molecules through membranes³. However, the release of new nanoproducts into the public domain is now more restricted than at the turn of the millennium. New materials, particularly for use inside the human body, are taking time to get into commercial production and require rigorous testing.

Medical scientists have developed sophisticated ways of encapsulating molecules and delivering them on demand for targeted drug delivery⁵. These advances have led to the increasing business and educational application of dispensing ‘smart’ drugs to help learning, memory retention and feelings of well-being.

Workers continue to cultivate expertise with systems of nanostructures, directing large numbers of intricate components to specified ends⁶. One application is the guided self-assembly of nanoelectronic components into three-dimensional circuits and whole devices. Medicine employs these systems to improve the tissue compatibility of implants, create scaffolds for tissue regeneration and build some artificial organs, such as the liver, to assist damaged tissue.

Competencies in nanotechnology are increasingly important⁷ – both in terms of creating jobs and for companies to remain competitive. Globally, universities and companies are collaborating closely to ensure nanomanufacturing continues to innovate, increase profitability and provide employment.

1. http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm

2. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4059011.stm

3. http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/print/19961

4. http://www.research.ibm.com/topics/popups/serious/nano/html/nanotubes.html

5. http://www.forbes.com/2004/10/21/cz_jw_1021soapbox.html

6. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=00029E0B-34C6-14C0-AFE483414B7F4945

7. http://www.bmbf.de/en/nanotechnologie.php