About Nanotechnology
• Nanoscience is the study of materials which are in nanoscale range (size scale range of 1 to 100nm).
• Conversion of any material in nanoscale results in alteration of its physicochemical, biological, mechanical, optical, electronic, etc. properties which can be utilized for different useful activities.
• Nanotechnologies are the design, characterisation, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size on a nanometre scale.
Current status of Nanotechnology in India
• India ranks third in the number of researches in the field of nanotechnology after China and USA.
• This significant share in global nanotech research is a result of sharp focus by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to research in the field in the country.
• Nanotechnology in India evolved through years. The 9th Five-Year Plan (1998-2002) had mentioned for the first time that national facilities and core groups were set up to promote research in frontier areas of S&T which included superconductivity, robotics, neurosciences and carbon and nano materials.
• In 2007 a Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) was launched by the DST to foster, promote and develop all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology which have the potential to benefit the country.
• According to a report by ASSOCHAM and TechSci Research study, the global nanotechnology industry would require about two million professionals from 2015 onwards and India is expected to contribute about 25% professionals in the coming years.
Applications of Nano Technology
• Medical field
Disease Diagnosis & treatment: Nano medicine have resulted in formation of Nano scale diagnostic device which are more efficient & able to detect cancer, bacterial and viral infection.
✓ Nanotechnology can help to repair damaged tissue through tissue engineering.
Drug Delivery: For the formation of Nano size drug which will help in lowering overall drug consumption & side effect by depositing active agent at specific places in body.
Medical Nanorobot: These Nano size robots can navigate the human body, transport important molecule, manipulate microscopic object and communicate with physician by way of miniature sensor.
Superbugs and anti-microbial resistance: Nanotechnology holds the key to stopping antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the deadly infections they cause.
• In Defence sector like Precision guiding tools, supplement to traditional weaponry for close combat situations.etc.
• Environment: Water treatment and remediation through nanomembranes for water purification, desalination and detoxification; Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants and pathogens etc.
• Construction: Nanomolecular structures to make asphalt and concrete more robust to water seepage; Heat-resistant nanomaterials to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation; etc.
• Energy: Novel hydrogen storage systems based on carbon nanotubes and other lightweight nanomaterials ; Carbon nanotubes in composite film coating etc.
• Agriculture like food processing, soil health etc.
o In the food processing industry antimicrobial nanoemulsions are used for applications in decontamination of food equipment, packaging or food, nano-based antigen detecting biosensors for identification of pathogens contamination.
Challenges in Nanotechnology
• Health and environmental impact: Nanoparticles is believed might be able to disrupt cellular, enzymatic and other organ related functions posing health hazards. On the other hand nanoparticles might also be non-biodegradable and on disposal, these disposed materials might form a new class of non-biodegradable pollutant and pose a new threat to the environment (air, water, soil) and health.
• Information asymmetry: This includes lack of information on the nature and characteristics nanomaterials in applications, insufficient methods for detecting and measuring nanomaterials, inadequate breadth of risk related research.
• Lack of infrastructure and human resources: There is poor lab firm integration, which is compounded by the scarcity of skilled manpower that could provide linkages between the technology and commercial domains.
• High costs of technology: High nanotechnology costs for acquisitions of intellectual property rights, nanotechnology infrastructure, lack of human and policy capacity, financial constraints often act as an impediment.
• Governance issues: As nanotechnology is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, it has given rise to various issues. This has led to significant overlaps in the areas to R&D support identified by different agencies.
• Ethical consequences: For instance nanotechnology may be used in warfare, may invade people’s privacy, or may impinge on the relationship between human beings and technology.
• Effect on developing and underdeveloped countries: Reverse effects of nanotechnology developments on material demands and consequently on developing countries’ export of raw materials. Properties at the nano-scale maybe used to imitate the properties of rare minerals, thus affecting the export rates of their main producers.