Nanotechnology *

Recently we have been hearing the term “nanotechnology” a lot, but only a few people know what it really means. Actually, it’s been a part of people’s lives for a long time, mainly in electronic components, and it can include everything from computers to medical devices as well as numerous other hightech items. The term nanotechnology comes from a simple term referring to measurements, a measure like any other, such as a meter or centimeter. However, a “nanometer” is the smallest measurement imaginable -- it’s equivalent to one billionth of a meter.

The field of nanotechnology started with Richard P. Feynman, a 20th century American physicist, who first introduced the term in a lecture he gave in 1959. The term was translated into a concept in 1974, when it was used to describe technologies that would require the construction of materials on the scale of a nanometer. Nanotechnology is based on the potential ability to create things in the smallest possible size, using techniques and tools that try to put every atom and molecule in its desired place, which, if successful, results in technology components so small no humans can see them.

Currently, nanotechnology is being applied to hundreds of products and is a major element used in computer processors. There are applications of nanotechnology in medicine, chemistry, quantum physics, and the industries that create aerospace prototypes, oil refineries, etc. Some examples of nanotechnology products in use today are: automobile paint to reduce scratches and dirt; stain-resistant fabrics that don’t wrinkle; “nano-glue” that can stick any material to another; and products that clean toxic residue. In medicine, nanotechnology is now being used to make catheters, heart valves, pacemakers, orthopedic implants, etc.

It is believed nanotechnology will lead to further developments and perhaps even an unprecedented revolution in areas such as detection and treatment of diseases, production and transport of electricity, radiation emission detection, information technology, production, storage and energy consumption, and treatment of pollutants. It’s even possible the basic component of computer chips, called silicon, could be replaced by this new technology.

Much more remains to be discovered in nanotechnology. For example, more research is necessary into this promising new field to combat some of its potential problems such as nano-pollution from nano-materials or nano-particles, released during the formation process ,which can be very dangerous, as they float easily in the air due to their small size and lightness and can enter the cells of humans, animals, and plants. Since most of these nano-pollutants do not exist in nature, living tissue cells are unlikely to have the appropriate resistance, which might cause as yet unknown types of damage. Nevertheless, this is just the beginning of nanotechnology, and it holds great promise as one of the major discoveries of the modern world.

* Article published on Curitiba in English.