Nano Science &

Technology - II
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (UPSC)

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Nano Science & Technology - II

Applications of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is helping to considerably improve, even revolutionize, many technology and industry sectors
ranging from information technology, homeland security, medicine, transportation, energy, food safety, and
environmental science, among many others.

Nanomedicine:
 Nanotechnology is already broadening the medical tools, knowledge, and therapies currently available to
clinicians.

 Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology in medicine, draws on the natural scale of biological
phenomena to produce precise solutions for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Source : ETP Nanomedicine

Below are some examples of recent advances in this area:

 Commercial applications have adapted gold nanoparticles as probes for the detection of targeted
sequences of nucleic acids, and gold nanoparticles are also being clinically investigated as potential
treatments for cancer and other diseases.

 Better imaging and diagnostic tools enabled by nanotechnology are paving the way for earlier diagnosis,
more individualized treatment options, and better therapeutic success rates.

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 Nanotechnology is being studied for both the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of
plaque in arteries by creating a nanoparticle that mimics the body’s “good” cholesterol, known as HDL
(high-density lipoprotein), which helps to shrink plaque.

 The design and engineering of advanced solid-state nanopore materials could allow for the development
of novel gene sequencing technologies that enable single-molecule detection at low cost and high speed
with minimal sample preparation and instrumentation.

 Nanotechnology researchers are working on a number of different therapeutics where a nanoparticle can
encapsulate or otherwise help to deliver medication directly to cancer cells and minimize the risk of
damage to healthy tissue.

 This has the potential to change the way doctors treat cancer and dramatically reduce the toxic effects of
chemotherapy.

 Research in the use of nanotechnology for regenerative medicine spans several application areas, including
bone and neural tissue engineering.

 Novel materials can be engineered to mimic the crystal mineral structure of human bone or used as a
restorative resin for dental applications.

 Researchers are looking for ways to grow complex tissues with the goal of one day growing human organs
for transplant.

 Researchers are also studying ways to use graphene nanoribbons to help repair spinal cord injuries with
preliminary research showing that neurons grow well on the conductive graphene surface.

 Nanomedicine researchers are looking at ways that nanotechnology can improve vaccines, including
vaccine delivery without the use of needles.

 Researchers also are working to create a universal vaccine scaffold for the annual flu vaccine that would
cover more strains and require fewer resources to develop each year.

Semiconductors and Computing

 Nanotechnology has greatly contributed to major advances in computing and electronics, leading to faster,
smaller, and more portable systems that can manage and store larger and larger amounts of information.

 These continuously evolving applications include:

 Transistors, the basic switches that enable all modern computing, have gotten smaller and smaller
through nanotechnology. Smaller, faster, and better transistors may mean that soon our computer’s entire
memory may be stored on a single tiny chip.

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 Using magnetic random access memory (MRAM), computers will be able to “boot” almost instantly.
MRAM is enabled by nanometer‐scale magnetic tunnel junctions and can quickly and effectively save data
during a system shutdown or enable resume‐play features.

 Ultra-high definition displays and televisions are now being sold that use quantum dots to produce more
vibrant colors while being more energy efficient.

 Flexible, bendable, foldable, rollable, and stretchable electronics are reaching into various sectors and
are being integrated into a variety of products, including wearables, medical applications, aerospace
applications, and the Internet of Things.

 Flexible electronics have been developed using, for example, semiconductor nanomembranes for
applications in smartphone and e-reader displays.

Source : ResearchGate

 Other nanomaterials like graphene and cellulosic nanomaterials are being used for various types of flexible
electronics to enable wearable and “tattoo” sensors, photovoltaics that can be sewn onto clothing, and
electronic paper that can be rolled up.

 Making flat, flexible, lightweight, non-brittle, highly efficient electronics opens the door to countless smart
products.

 Other computing and electronic products include Flash memory chips for smartphones and thumb drives;
ultra-responsive hearing aids; antimicrobial/antibacterial coatings on keyboards and cell phone casings;
conductive inks for printed electronics for RFID/smart cards/smart packaging; and flexible displays for e-
book readers.

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 Nanoparticle copper suspensions have been developed as a safer, cheaper, and more reliable alternative
to lead-based solder and other hazardous materials commonly used to fuse electronics in the assembly
process.

Food
 Nanotechnology is having an impact on several aspects of food science, from how food is grown to how it
is packaged. Companies are developing nanomaterials that will make a difference not only in the taste of
food, but also in food safety, and the health benefits that food delivers.

Source : Frontiersin

 Clay nanocomposites are being used to provide an impermeable barrier to gases such as oxygen or
carbon dioxide in lightweight bottles, cartons and packaging films.

 Storage bins are being produced with silver nanoparticles embedded in the plastic. The silver nanoparticles
kill bacteria from any material that was previously stored in the bins, minimizing health risks from harmful
bacteria.

 A novel method of spraying carbon nanotubes onto flexible plastic surfaces to produce sensors is being
developed. The researchers believe that this method could produce low cost sensors on surfaces such as
the plastic film wrapping food, so that the sensor could detect spoiled food.

 Researchers are using silicate nanoparticles to provide a barrier to gases (for example oxygen), or moisture
in a plastic film used for packaging. This could reduce the possibility of food spoiling or drying out.

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 Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be incorporated into plastic packaging to block UV rays and provide anti-
bacterial protection, while improving the strength and stability of the plastic film.

 Nanosensors are being developed that can detect bacteria and other contaminants, such as salmonella,
at a packaging plant. This will allow for frequent testing at a much lower cost than sending samples to a lab
for analysis. This point-of-packaging testing, if conducted properly, has the potential to dramatically
reduce the chance of contaminated food reaching grocery store shelves.

 Research is also being conducted to develop nanocapsules containing nutrients that would be released
when nanosensors detect a vitamin deficiency in your body. This could result in a super vitamin storage
system in your body that delivers the nutrients you need, when you need them.

 "Interactive" foods are being developed that would allow you to choose the desired flavor and color.

 Nanocapsules that contain flavor or color enhancers are embedded in the food which would be inert
until a hungry consumer triggers them.

 Researchers are also working on pesticides encapsulated in nanoparticles that only release pesticide within
an insect's stomach, minimizing the contamination of plants themselves.

 Another development being pursued is a network of nanosensors and dispensers used throughout a farm
field. The sensors recognize when a plant needs nutrients or water, before there is any sign that the
plant is deficient. The dispensers then release fertilizer, nutrients, or water as needed, optimizing the
growth of each plant in the field one by one.

Textiles

Source : ResearchGate

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 Nanomaterials in textiles have proved to be immensely valuable for the manufacturing of protective
garments for workers involved in emergency services such as military personnel, firefighters and medical
workers.

 Nanoparticles are also applied as a coating on the surface of the finished product. There are also different
coating techniques such as sol-gel, plasma polymerization and layer-by-layer that are used in the
application of nanoparticles onto textile fibers.

 Making composite fabric with nano-sized particles or fibers allows improvement of fabric properties
without a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness as might have been the case with
previously-used techniques.

Medical Uses:

 Fabrics are engineered so that they can be used for drug delivery and wound healing.

 Silver nanoparticles possess antimicrobial properties. Therefore, silver nanoparticles are extensively used
in products related to dressings for burns and scald.

 Nano-engineered fabrics are also used to screen heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rhythm.

Military Uses:

 Production of fabrics that are lightweight but show a high degree of resistance to extreme temperatures,
durable, antibacterial activity, improved camouflage, water-resistant, and embedded with multipurpose
nanosensors.

 The textiles also possess high anti-ballistic flame-retardant and RF-shielding properties. Such
characteristics are ideal for military usage.

General Uses:

 Anti-wrinkle cotton fabric: For cotton fabrics, wrinkle resistance can be developed by using the nano-
engineered cross-linking agents during the fabric finishing process. Besides the wrinkle resistance, such
finishing is also capable of eliminating toxic gases, while preserving the preferred comfort properties of
cotton.

 Odor-free fabric: Application of silver nanoparticles on fabrics prevent the nasty odor caused due to the
microbial activity. Many companies use fabrics coated with silver nanoparticles to develop odor-free
clothing, such as stockings, socks, and undergarments. Korean-based Hyosung develops nylon fibers
containing silver nanoparticles that reduce 99.9% growth of several harmful bacteria.

 Water-resistant fabric: Silica nanoparticles create a water-resistant coating when inserted into the fabric
or sprayed onto the fabric surface.

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 Ultraviolet-protective fabric: When inserted into fabrics, nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
protect the skin from sun damage. These nanoparticles have the ability to scatter the ultraviolet light
present in the sun’s rays, reducing the risk of skin diseases linked to UV exposure.

 Other uses include incorporating nano-whiskers into fabric used to make pants and producing a
lightweight water and stain repellent material.

 Researchers are using carbon nanotubes to develop fabrics with both cooling and heating capability.

 Researchers are using nanowires to develop flexible capacitors for use in fabric.

 Piezoelectric fibers that could allow clothing to generate electricity through normal motions.

 Form fitting clothing made using fabric composed of proteins, this material may stretch as much as 1500
percent from its original size.

Sustainable Energy
 Nanotechnology is finding application in traditional energy sources and is greatly enhancing alternative
energy approaches to help meet the world’s increasing energy demands.

 Many scientists are looking into ways to develop clean, affordable, and renewable energy sources, along
with means to reduce energy consumption and lessen toxicity burdens on the environment.

 Nanotechnology is improving the efficiency of fuel production from raw petroleum materials through
better catalysis.

 It is also enabling reduced fuel consumption in vehicles and power plants through higher-efficiency
combustion and decreased friction.

Source : Nanowerk

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 Nanotechnology is also being applied to oil and gas extraction through, for example, the use of
nanotechnology-enabled gas lift valves in offshore operations or the use of nanoparticles to detect
microscopic down-well oil pipeline fractures.

 Researchers are investigating carbon nanotube “scrubbers” and membranes to separate carbon dioxide
from power plant exhaust.

 Researchers are developing wires containing carbon nanotubes that will have much lower resistance than
the high-tension wires currently used in the electric grid, thus reducing transmission power loss.

 Nanotechnology can be incorporated into solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently,
promising inexpensive solar power in the future.

 Nanostructured solar cells could be cheaper to manufacture and easier to install, since they can use print-
like manufacturing processes and can be made in flexible rolls rather than discrete panels.

 Newer research suggests that future solar converters might even be “paintable”.

 Nanotechnology is already being used to develop many new kinds of batteries that are quicker-charging,
more efficient, lighter weight, have a higher power density, and hold electrical charge longer.

 An epoxy containing carbon nanotubes is being used to make windmill blades that are longer, stronger,
and lighter-weight than other blades to increase the amount of electricity that windmills can generate.

 In the area of energy harvesting, researchers are developing thin-film solar electric panels that can be
fitted onto computer cases and flexible piezoelectric nanowires woven into clothing to generate usable
energy on the go from light, friction, and/or body heat to power mobile electronic devices.

 Similarly, various nanoscience-based options are being pursued to convert waste heat in computers,
automobiles, homes, power plants, etc., to usable electrical power.

 Energy efficiency and energy saving products are increasing in number and types of application.

 In addition to those noted above, nanotechnology is enabling more efficient lighting systems; lighter and
stronger vehicle chassis materials for the transportation sector; lower energy consumption in advanced
electronics; and light-responsive smart coatings for glass.

Environment
 In addition to the ways that nanotechnology can help improve energy efficiency, there are also many ways
that it can help detect and clean up environmental contaminants.

 Nanotechnology could help meet the need for affordable, clean drinking water through rapid, low-cost
detection and treatment of impurities in water.

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 Engineers have developed a thin film membrane with nanopores for energy-efficient desalination. This
molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) membrane filtered two to five times more water than current
conventional filters.

 Nanoparticles are being developed to clean industrial water pollutants in ground water through chemical
reactions that render the pollutants harmless. This process would cost less than methods that require
pumping the water out of the ground for treatment.

Source : ResearchGate

 Researchers have developed a nanofabric "paper towel" woven from tiny wires of potassium manganese
oxide that can absorb 20 times its weight in oil for cleanup applications.

 Researchers have also placed magnetic water-repellent nanoparticles in oil spills and used magnets to
mechanically remove the oil from the water.

 Many airplane cabins and other types of air filters are nanotechnology-based filters that allow
“mechanical filtration,” in which the fiber material creates nanoscale pores that trap particles larger than
the size of the pores. The filters also may contain charcoal layers that remove odors.

 Nanotechnology-enabled sensors and solutions are now able to detect and identify chemical or
biological agents in the air and soil with much higher sensitivity than ever before.

 Researchers are investigating particles such as self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports

(SAMMS™), dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes to determine how to apply their unique chemical and
physical properties for various kinds of toxic site remediation.

 Another sensor has been developed by NASA as a smartphone extension that firefighters can use to
monitor air quality around fires.

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Transport
 Nanotechnology offers the promise of developing multifunctional materials that will contribute to building
and maintaining lighter, safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, and ships.

Source : Science Direct

 In addition, nanotechnology offers various means to improve the transportation infrastructure.

 Nano-engineered materials in automotive products include:

 polymer nanocomposites structural parts;

 high-power rechargeable battery systems;

 thermoelectric materials for temperature control;

 lower rolling-resistance tires;

 high-efficiency/low-cost sensors and electronics;

 thin-film smart solar panels; and

 fuel additives and improved catalytic converters for cleaner exhaust and extended range.

 Nano-engineering of aluminum, steel, asphalt, concrete and other cementitious materials, and their
recycled forms offers great promise in terms of improving the performance, resiliency, and longevity of
highway and transportation infrastructure components while reducing their life cycle cost.

 New systems may incorporate innovative capabilities into traditional infrastructure materials, such as self-
repairing structures or the ability to generate or transmit energy.

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 Nanoscale sensors and devices may provide cost-effective continuous monitoring of the structural
integrity and performance of bridges, tunnels, rails, parking structures, and pavements over time.

 Nanoscale sensors, communications devices, and other innovations enabled by nanoelectronics can also
support an enhanced transportation infrastructure that can communicate with vehicle-based systems to
help drivers maintain lane position, avoid collisions, adjust travel routes to avoid congestion, and improve
drivers’ interfaces to onboard electronics.

 Game-changing benefits from the use of nanotechnology-enabled lightweight, high-strength materials

would apply to almost any transportation vehicle.

 For example, it has been estimated that reducing the weight of a commercial jet aircraft by 20 percent
could reduce its fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent.

 A preliminary analysis performed for NASA has indicated that the development and use of advanced
nanomaterials with twice the strength of conventional composites would reduce the gross weight of a
launch vehicle by as much as 63 percent.

 Not only could this save a significant amount of energy needed to launch spacecraft into orbit, but it would
also enable the development of single stage to orbit launch vehicles, further reducing launch costs,
increasing mission reliability, and opening the door to alternative propulsion concepts.

Space:
 Nanotechnology may hold the key to making space flight more practical.

 Advancements in nanomaterials make lightweight solar sails and a cable for the space elevator possible.

 By significantly reducing the amount of rocket fuel required, these advances could lower the cost of
reaching orbit and traveling in space.

 In addition, new materials combined with nanosensors and nanorobots could improve the performance of
spaceships, spacesuits, and the equipment used to explore planets and moons, making nanotechnology
an important part of the ‘final frontier.’

 Researchers are looking into the following applications of nanotechnology in space flight:

 Employing materials made from carbon nanotubes to reduce the weight of spaceships while
retaining or even increasing the structural strength.

 Using carbon nanotubes to make the cable needed for the space elevator, a system which could
significantly reduce the cost of sending material into orbit.

 Including layers of bio-nano robots in spacesuits. The outer layer of bio-nano robots would
respond to damages to the spacesuit, for example to seal up punctures.

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 An inner layer of bio-nano robots could respond if the astronaut was in trouble, for example by
providing drugs in a medical emergency.

 Deploying a network of nanosensors to search large areas of planets such as Mars for traces of
water or other chemicals.

 Producing thrusters for spacecraft that use MEMS devices to accelerate nanoparticles. This should
reduce the weight and complexity of thruster systems used for interplanetary missions.

 One cost-saving feature of these types of thrusters is their ability to draw on more or less of the
MEMS devices depending upon the size and thrust requirement of the spacecraft, rather than
designing and building different engines for different size spacecraft.

 Using carbon nanotubes to build lightweight solar sails that use the pressure of light from the sun
reflecting on the mirror-like solar cell to propel a spacecraft. This solves the problem of having to
lift enough fuel into orbit to power spacecraft during interplanetary missions.

 Working with nanosensors to monitor the levels of trace chemicals in spacecraft to monitor the
performance of life support systems.

 Employing nanotechnology in space could be illustrated with an example of NASA:

Source : Slideplayer

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Agriculture
 Nanotechnology in agriculture has gained good momentum in the last decade with an abundance of public
funding, but the stage of development is good, even though many methods came under the umbrella of
agriculture.

 This might be attributed to a unique nature of farm production, which functions as an open system
whereby energy and matter are exchanged freely.

 The scale of demand of input materials is always being large in contrast with industrial nanoproducts with
the absence of control over the input of the nanomaterials in contrast with industrial nanoproducts.

Source : ResearchGate

 Nanotechnology provides new agrochemical agents and new delivery mechanisms to improve crop
productivity, and it promises to reduce pesticide applications.

 Nanotechnology can increase agricultural production, and its applications include:

 nanoformulations of agrochemicals for applying pesticides and fertilizers for crop improvement;

 the application of nanosensors in crop protection for the identification of diseases and residues
of agrochemicals;

 nanodevices for the genetic engineering of plants;

 plant disease diagnostics;

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 animal health, animal breeding, poultry production; and

 postharvest management.

 Precision farming techniques might be used to further improve the crop yields but not damage soil and
water.

 In addition, it can reduce nitrogen loss due to leaching and emissions, and soil microorganisms.

 Nanotechnology applications include nanoparticle-mediated gene or DNA transfer in plants for the
development of insect-resistant varieties, food processing and storage and increased product shelf life.

 Nanotechnology may increase the development of biomass-to-fuel production.

 Experts feel that the potential benefits of nanotechnology for agriculture, food, fisheries and aquaculture
need to be balanced against concerns for the soil, water and environment and the occupational health of
workers.

 Nanotechnology uses are currently being researched, tested and in some cases already applied in food
technology.

 Nanomaterials are considered with specific chemical, physical and mechanical properties.

 In recent years, agricultural waste products have attracted attention as a source of renewable raw
materials to be processed in substitution of several different applications as well as a raw material for
nonmaterial production.

 Insecticide resistance is one of the best examples of evolution occurring on an ecological time scale. The
study of insecticide resistance is needed, both because it leads to understanding mechanisms operating in
real time and because of its economic importance. It has become an increasing problem for agriculture
and public health.

 Agricultural practices could include a wide range of selective regimes.

 Nanotechnology applications are being tested in food technology and agriculture.

 The applications of nanomaterials in agriculture aim to reduce spraying of plant protection products and to
increase plant yields.

 Nanotechnology means nanocapsules, and nanoparticles are examples of uses for the detection and
treatment of diseases.

 Nanotechnology derived devices are also explored in the field of plant breeding and genetic
transformation.

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 The potential of nanotechnology in agriculture is large, but a few issues are still to be addressed as the risk
assessment.

 In this respect, some nanoparticle attractants are derived from biopolymers such as proteins and
carbohydrates with low effect on human health and the environment.

 Nanotechnology has many uses in all stages of production, processing, storing, packaging and transport of
agricultural products.

 Nanotechnology will revolutionize agriculture and the food industry such as in the case of farming
techniques, enhancing the ability of plants to absorb nutrients, disease detection and control pests.

Adverse Health and Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology

 Some concerns have been raised on the potential environmental, health, and safety risks associated with
nano-materials (NEHS risks).

 Increasing number of research has indicated the adverse effects on animals and plants due exposure to
nanoparticles. These effects include cellular and DNA damage, carcinogenic and oxidative stresses, brain
damage of animals, and bioaccumulation.

 Reduction in size to the nanoscale level results in an enormous increase of surface to volume ratio, so
relatively more molecules of the chemical are present on the surface, thus enhancing the intrinsic toxicity.

 This may be one of the reasons why nanoparticles are generally more toxic than larger particles of the
same insoluble material when compared on a mass dose base.

 Nanoparticles in ambient air can have a very complex composition, and these components, such as
organics and metals, can interact.

 Metallic iron was able to potentiate the effect of carbon black nanoparticles, resulting in enhanced
reactivity, including oxidative stress.

 Multifocal granulomatous lesions were observed without accompanying inflammation, cell proliferation or
cytotoxicity, which was suggested to indicate a potentially new mechanism of pulmonary toxicity and
injury by carbon nanotubes which imitate the properties of fibres in the macro world, not following the
normal paradigm of toxic dusts.

 Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are used in large numbers of sunscreens, cosmetics, personal care and
food products. Titanium dioxide is a known photocatalyst. But even in the absence of UV light and at low
doses, in a test tube experiment 20 nm nanoparticles of titanium dioxide caused complete destruction of
supercoiled DNA.

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Source : Springer Nature

 Also in the absence of UV, in another test tube experiment titanium dioxide produced reactive oxygen
species in brain immune cells.

 Pilot data from test tube experiments show nanoparticle titanium dioxide exposure negatively affected
cellular function and caused death of brain immune cells after 24 hours exposure.

 The potential for nanomaterials in sunscreens and cosmetics to result in harm is made greater as
production of reactive oxygen species and free radicals increases with exposure to UV light.

 Photo-activated nanoparticle titanium dioxide has been demonstrated to cause oxidative damage to
DNA in cultured human fibroblasts. In test tube experiments, photo-activated titanium dioxide
nanoparticles were toxic to skin fibroblasts and nucleic acids and to human colon carcinoma cells.

 Nanoparticles of silver are now used in toothpastes, soaps and face creams, food packaging, clothing,
household appliances, disinfectants and wound dressings. Silver nanoparticles have a potent ability to kill
bacteria.

 In fact, the manufacturers of a washing machine which uses silver nanoparticles claim that their product
will kill over 650 different bacteria. However there are concerns that silver nanoparticles may also kill
beneficial bacteria in environmental systems.

 The United States Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to regulate pesticides products
that contain silver nanoparticles and which make antimicrobial claims.

 At the same time, silver nanoparticles may also compromise our ability to control harmful bacteria.

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 Harmful bacteria may become resistant to silver nanoparticles, but because of the type of resistance
mechanism developed, they may also potentially develop resistance to 50% of commonly used antibiotics
(beta-lactams).

 Silver nanoparticles may also be toxic to humans as test tube studies show that silver nanoparticles are
highly toxic to rat brain cells, mouse stem cells and rat liver cells.

 Carbon fullerenes (“buckyballs”), currently used in some face creams and moisturisers, have been found
to cause brain damage in fish, kill water fleas and have bactericidal properties.

 Test tube studies have found that even low levels of exposure to water soluble fullerenes are toxic to
human liver cells, carcinoma cells and skin connective tissue.

 This is cause for serious concerns given the capacity of fullerenes to enter human cells and to localise
within cell nuclei.

 Fullerene-based amino acids damage human skin cells.

 In test tube studies in the presence of biological reducing agents (e.g. NADH) similar to the concentrations
found in biological systems, photoactivated fullerenes destroyed supercoiled DNA.

 Nanoparticles can interact with plants’ roots by being absorbed from the surface of the roots, entering
the cell wall, and being absorbed into the roots’ cells.

 It also is possible that nanoparticles enter the intercellular space where they can be absorbed by the
membranes.

 The surfaces of plants’ cells have a negative charge, which allows the entry of negatively-charged species
into the intercellular space of the roots’ bark. Nanoparticles can find their way into the woody tissue of the
plant by entering this space.

 The interaction of nanoparticles with toxic material and organic compounds can either increase or reduce
their toxicity.

 Thus, even though nanoparticles can have harmful environmental effects, they also can be helpful for the
environment.

 The contaminants may be absorbed by nanoparticles, thereby reducing the concentrations of the free
molecules of pollutants around the cells and reducing the toxic effects of the pollutants.

 However, if the nanoparticle and its combination with the pollutant would not be toxic, no toxic effects
may be seen.

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Social and Ethical Impacts

 It is important to note that nanotechnology also raises important social issues and ethical challenges.

 Proponents suggest that a nanotechnology-enabled “revolution” will bring far reaching changes to
economic, social and ecological relations.

 The United States National Nanotechnology Initiative predicts: “If present trends in nanoscience and
nanotechnology continue, most aspects of everyday life are subject to change”.

 Till date there has been a dearth of critical discussion about public interest issues associated with the
predicted nanotechnology “revolution” and in particular what role civil society should have in decision
making.

 The social implications of nanotechnology encompass so many fundamental areas such as ethics, privacy,
environment, and security.

Source : ResearchGate

 To support sustainable, ethical, and economic nanotechnological development, it is imperative that we

educate all nanotechnology stakeholders about the short-term and long-term benefits, limitations, and
risks of nanotechnology.

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 Nanotechnology, like its predecessor technologies, will have an impact on all areas. For example, in
healthcare it is very likely that nanotechnology in the area of medicine will include automated diagnosis.

 This in turn will translate into fewer patients requiring physical evaluation, less time needed to make a
diagnosis, less human error, and wider access to health care facilities.

 And, with nanomedicines, if the average human lifespan increases, the larger number of elderly persons
requiring medical attention will likely result in increased health expenditures.

 It is essential for nanotechnology stakeholders to strive to achieve four social objectives:

1. developing a strong understanding of local and global forces and issues that affect people and
societies,

2. guiding local/global societies to appropriate uses of technology,

3. alerting societies to technological risks and failures, and

4. developing informed and ethical personal decision-making and leadership to solve problems in a
technological world.

Nano-science and Nano-technology in India

 One possible means of bridging the gap between India’s abundant, varied natural resources and her ever-
increasing requirements like clean water, food and rapid, low cost diagnostic machinery is the use of
nanotechnology, advocate scientists in India.

 Self reliance in nanotechnology can make good use of the natural and human resources India has and
also help make India self reliant in sectors like defence and anti-terrorism.

 Efforts to promote research in nanotechnology in India began early in the millenium.

 The “NanoScience and Technology Initiative” started with a funding of Rs. 60 crores.

 In 2007, the government launched a 5 year program called Nano Mission with wider objectives and larger
funding of USD 250 million.

 The funding spanned multiple areas like basic research in nanotechnology, human resources development,
infrastructure development and international collaboration.

 Multiple institutions like the Department of Information Technology, Defence Research and
Development Organisation, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Department of Biotechnology
provided the funding to researchers, scholars and projects.

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 National Centers for Nanofabrication and Nanoelectronics were started in Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore and Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.

 The efforts have paid off well with Indian researchers publishing over 23000 papers in nanoscience
in the past 5 years.

 In 2013, India ranked third in the number of papers published, behind only China and the USA.

 There have been 300 patent applications in the Indian Patent Office in 2013, ten times that of 2006.

 Clearly, this points to the success of the Nano Mission initiative.

 But there is a lot of room for improvement. The amount India spends on nanotechnology research is still
just a fraction of the research spending of countries like Japan, USA, France and China.

 The quality of research has shown only a little improvement from the NSTI phase (till 2006) to the nano
mission phase (post 2007).

 Only 16 papers from India appeared in the top 1% of the publications in 2011.

 Also, the number of patents applied from India to the US patent office contributes to only 0.2% of the total
applications.

 Though people look at nanoscience and technology very positively, the number of students following
undergraduate and graduate degrees in the area is low and career prospects still extremely limited.

 The number of PhDs awarded in nanoscience and technology is about 150 per year; a very small number
compared to the target of producing 10,000 PhD students annually over the next decade articulated by the
Ministry of Human Resource Development.

 The contribution of the private sector to nanotechnology research has been minimal.

 Research from academic institutions has indicated how much impact nanotechnology can have on the
needs of the Indian market.

 For example, a team from IIT Madras has used nanotechnology for arsenic decontamination of water.

 Another team from IIT Delhi has come up with a water based self cleaning technology for use in the textile
industry.

 It is a matter of concern that, in spite of such enormous potential, the private sector is not investing
enough in nanoscience research.

 Nano technology holds great potential for India and a multi pronged approach will ensure that this is fully
leveraged.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (UPSC) | Nano Science & Technology - II PAGE 21

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 Funding should be increased and long term funding which can accommodate coherent research
programs with high-impact outcomes is needed.

 Various research centers throughout India must work together so that the collective efforts can lead to
better results.

 A highly equipped central facility should plan and initiate research activities.

 The administrative aspects of new projects should be streamlined.

 Most importantly, remuneration for people trained in the field should increase, to attract high calibre work
force to join these research facilities.

 The good news is that the Nano Mission was extended till 2017 as Phase II and is expected to reap
significant benefis.

 Since nanotechnology is an emerging technology and India has abundant skilled workforce, India can aim
to become a global leader in nanotechnology.

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