Nanotechnology is defined as the execution of all functional systems like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, etc. at a molecular level. Nanotechnology operates with elements of size 100 nanometers (one billionth of a meter) or less, and develops technologies An within that size. Such quantum level properties allow for exceedingly high levels of control and monitoring, creating a core platform for building systems with exact specifications. Scientists believe that the extraordinary properties possessed by materials at a nanoscale can lead to discoveries like cancer cure, technological enhancements, environmental harmony and several other benefits.

History of nanotechnology

Credit for the first ever use of this term goes to physicist Richard Feynman, while delivering a speech to the American Physical Societyat Caltech on December 29, 1959. He stressed that the principles of physics do not depend on the size of the object. According to him, small machines could be used to create smaller ones, and the process be repeated till the atom level is reached. The thesis was well received and thus began research on the most talked about technology of the 21st century. The first working definition of nanotechnology (which is still followed today) was given by Norio Taniguchi of Tokyo Science University in 1974. His definition was “Nanotechnology mainly consists of the process of separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or one molecule.”  During the 1980s, this idea was minutely researched by Dr. Eric Drexler, a former student of Feynman, whose books Engines of Creation: The coming Era of Nanotechnology and Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing and Computation went on to be the building blocks of modern nanotechnology as we know it.

Applications of nanotechnology

Some of the nanotechnology applications in use today include:

• Bugbot for tracking and photographing the human digestive system: Developed by Carnegie Mellon University
• MEMS and NEMS (Micro and nano electro mechanical systems): Developed by Sandia National Labs.
• World’s smallest mobile robot : Developed by Dartmouth College
• Iron nanoparticles used to cleanse water of poison : Developed by Lehigh University
• Gold nanoparticles to combat cancer cells : Developed by University of Illinois, Georgia Tech, Rice, U. Texasand UCSF)
• Carbon nanotube (CNT) transistor for future computer chips: Developed by Stanford, UC Berkely
• Flat panel displays using carbon nanotubes: Developed by Motorola and Samsung.

Concerns

Even though nanotechnology has been around for several years, people are yet to understand its implications. As such, nanotechnology has been rife with speculation and awe. Since the technology operates at such a miniscule level, it remains an unknown entity for most. Studies have drawn unproven parallels between use of nanotechnology and incidents of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), asbestosis, stress and inflammation. Religious groups have condemned the attempt to ‘play God’ by tampering with molecular substances, including DNA. The greatest concern is that nanotechnology will usher in an era where technology may eventually get out of control, a scenario so far restricted to science fiction movies. Despite the concerns, nanotechnology is undoubtedly the most successful technology of the millennium, with applications increasing multifold in a variety of fields.