Scribd
Upload
12 views8 pages

Nanotechnology's Impact on Society

The instructional module from Nueva Vizcaya State University focuses on the impacts and applications of nanotechnology in various sectors such as health care, environment, and agriculture. It outlines desired learning outcomes, lesson content, and activities related to understanding nanomaterials and their manufacturing processes. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of addressing social, ethical, and environmental concerns associated with nanotechnology advancements.

Uploaded by

Raighley
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views8 pages

Nanotechnology's Impact on Society

The instructional module from Nueva Vizcaya State University focuses on the impacts and applications of nanotechnology in various sectors such as health care, environment, and agriculture. It outlines desired learning outcomes, lesson content, and activities related to understanding nanomaterials and their manufacturing processes. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of addressing social, ethical, and environmental concerns associated with nanotechnology advancements.

Uploaded by

Raighley
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY


Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES


Bayombong Campus

DEGREE PROGRAM CAS/BSAB/ COURSE NO. GE STS


BSCE/BAS/BSAF
/BSFish
SPECIALIZATION COURSE TITLE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
YEAR LEVEL 1&2 TIME FRAME 3 HOURS WK NO. 16 IM NO. 13

I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE: Chapter III – SPECIFIC ISSUES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND
SOCIETY

II. LESSON TITLE: Lesson 4 – The Nano World

III. LESSON OVERVIEW


Scientific researchers have designed and developed new
technological tools that greatly improve different aspects of
our lives.
• The use of nanoscale is one important interdisciplinary
area generated by advancement in science and technology.
• Scientists and engineers were able to build materials
with innovative properties as they manipulate nanomaterials.
• Indeed, research and application of knowledge of
nanomaterials will continue to bring widespread implications in
various areas of the society, especially health care,
environment, energy, food, water, and agriculture.

IV. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES


At the end of the lesson students should be able to:
1. Discuss the major impacts of nanotechnology on society
2. Analyze the issue through the conceptual STS lenses
3. Critique the issue on its costs and benefits to society
V. LESSON CONTENT: Lesson 4
4.1. How Small is a Nanoscale?
4.2. How to View Nanomaterials?
4.3. Nanomanufacturing
4.4. Distinct Features of Nanoscale
4.5 Government Funding for Nanotechnology in Different Countries
4.6. Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology
VI. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
You may watch the video by accessing the provided link for a better understanding of the concept:

[Link]

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 1 of 8


Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021
• Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale,
which is about 1 to 100 nanometers (NNI, 2017). Nanoscience and nanotechnology employ the study
and application of exceptionally small things in other
areas of science including materials science, engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry (NNI, 2017).

• The concepts of nanotechnology and nanoscience started in December 29, 1959 when
Physicist Richard Feyman discussed a method in which scientists can direct and control individual
atoms and molecules in his talk “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” during the American Physical
Society meeting at the California Institute of Technology.

• The term “nanotechnology” was coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi a decade after the dawn
of the use of ultraprecision machining (NNI, 2017).

• Various activities of the cells take place at the nanoscale. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
serves as the genetic material of the cell and is only about 2 nanometers in diameter. Furthermore, the
hemoglobin that transports oxygen to the tissues throughout the body is 5.5 nanometers in diameter.

How Small is a Nanoscale?


• A nanometer is a billionth of a meter, or 10−9 of a meter. The illustration below shows how
small nanoscale is compared to other particles or materials.

• Manipulation of nanomaterials need a deep understanding of their types and dimensions.

• The various types of nanomaterials are classified according to their individual shape and sizes.
They may be particles, tubes, wires, films, flakes, or shells that have one or more nanometer-sized
dimensions.

• One should be able to view and manipulate them so that we can take advantage of their
exceptional characteristics.

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 2 of 8


Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021

[Link]

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 3 of 8


Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021

[Link]
How to View Nanomaterials
Scientists use special types of microscopes to view minute nanomaterials. During the early 1930s.
Scientists used electron microscopes and field microscopes to look at the nanoscale. The scanning
tunneling microscope and atomic force microscopes are just among the modern and remarkable
advancements in microscopy.

1. Electron microscope

 German engineers Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll built the first electron microscope during the
1930s.
 This type of microscope utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up a specimen and develop
a well-magnified image.
 Electron microscopes produce higher and better resolution than older light microscopes
because they can magnify objects up to a million times while conventional light microscopes can
magnify objects up to 1,500 times only.
 Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) are the two
general types of electron microscope.

2. Atomic force microscope (AFM)


• It was first developed by Gerd Binig, Calvin Quate, and Christoph Gerber in 1986. It makes use of a
mechanical probe that gathers information from the surface of a material.
3. Scanning tunneling microscope
• This special type of microscope enables scientists to view and manipulate nanoscale particles,
atoms, and small molecules. In 1986, Gerd Binig and Heinrich Rohrer won the Nobel Prize in Physics
because of this invention.
Nanomanufacturing
• It refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials,
structures, devices, and systems.
• It also involves research, improvement, and incorporation of processes for the construction of
materials. Therefore, nanomanufacturing leads to the development of new products and improved
materials. There are two fundamental approaches to nanomanufacturing, either bottom-up or top-down
(NNI, 2017):
1. Bottom-up fabrication. It manufactures products by building them up from atomic- and
molecular-scale components. However, this method can be time-

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 4 of 8


Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021
consuming. Scientists and engineers are still in search for effective ways of putting up molecular
components that self-assemble and from the bottom-up to organized structures.
2. Top-down fabrication. It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale. This process
needs larger amounts of materials and discards excess raw materials.

• There are new approaches to the assembly of nanomaterials based on the application of
principles in top-down and bottom-up fabrication These include: o Dip pen lithography. It is a method in
which the tip of an atomic force microscope is "dipped" into a chemical fluid and then utilized to "write"
on a surface, like an old-fashioned ink pen onto paper. o Self-assembly. It depicts an approach wherein
a set of components join to mold an organized structure in the absence of an outside direction. o
Chemical vapor deposition. It is a procedure wherein chemicals act in response to form very pure, high-
performance films. o
Nanoimprint lithography. It
is a method of generating
nanoscale attributes by
"stamping" or "printing"
them onto a surface.
Molecular beam epitaxy is
one manner for depositing
extremely controlled thin
films. o Roll-to-roll
processing. It is a high-
volume practice for
constructing nanoscale
devices on a roll of
ultrathin plastic or metal.
o Atomic layer epitaxy. It is
a means for laying down
one-atom-thick layers on a
surface.

• With the use of


these techniques,
nanomaterials are made
more durable, stronger,
lighter, water-repellent,
ultraviolet- or infrared-
resistant, scratch-resistant
electrically conductive,
anti-reflective, antifog,
antimicrobial, self-cleaning,
among others.
• The
abovementioned
characteristics lead to the
manufacture of the present
variety of nanotechnology-
enabled products such as
tennis rackets and baseball bats to catalyze the purification of crude oil and ultrasensitive recognition
and classification of biological and chemical toxins.
• It is not impossible that soon, computers that are better, more efficient, with larger storage of
memory, faster, and energy-saving will be developed.
• Soon, the entire memory of a computer will be saved in a single tiny chip. Moreover,
nanotechnology has the potential to construct high-efficiency, low-cost batteries, and solar cells.
Hornyak, Gabor L. (2009). Fundamentals of Nanotechnology. Boca Raton, Florida: Taylor & Francis Group.

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 5 of 8


Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021
Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology
• Nanotechnology has various applications in different sectors of the society and environment.
• Salamanca-Buentello et al. (2005) proposed an initiative called "Addressing Global Challenges
Using Nanotechnology" to accelerate the use of nanotechnology to address critical sustainable
development challenges.
• They suggested a model that could help out the possible contributions of the community in
overcoming challenges that pose risk on health and other aspects of peoples' lives.
• However, there are concerns that need to be addressed before using and promoting materials
derived from nanotechnology (Dayril, 2005).
1. Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive.
2. Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific properties.
3. Nanotechnology may introduce new efficiencies and paradigms which may make some natural
resources and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete.
4. It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of
nanotechnology.
Benefits and Concerns of the Application of Nanotechnology in Different Areas

Example of Areas
Affected by Possible benefits Concerns
Nanotechnology

● Improved detection and ● High reactivity and toxicity


removal of contaminants ● Pervasive distribution in the
Environment ● Development of benign environment
and industrial processes ● No nano-specific EPA
and materials regulation

● Improved medicine ● Ability to cross cell members


Health and translocate in the body
● No FDA approval needed for
cosmetics or supplements

● Better products ● Redistribution of wealth


● New jobs ● Potential cost of cleanups and
Economy healthcare
● Accessibility to all income
levels
(Source: University of Washington, n.d.)
Government Funding for Nanotechnology in Different countries (Dayrit, 2005)
1. U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative
● The best-known and most-funded program is the National Nanotechnology Initiative of the United States.
The NNI was established in 2001 to coordinate
U.S. federal nanotechnology R&D. The NNI budget in 2008 and 2009 were $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion,
respectively.
2. European Commission
● In February 2008, the EC officially launched the European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council
(ENIAC).
3. Japan (Nanotechnology Research Institute, under the National Institute for Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology, AIST)
4. Taiwan (Taiwan National Science and Technology Program for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
5. India (Nanotechnology Research and Education Foundation)
6. China (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology)
7. Israel (Israel National Nanotechnology Initiative)
8. Australia (Australian Office of Nanotechnology)
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 6 of 8
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021
9. Canada (National Institute for Nanotechnology or NINT)
10. South Korea (Korea National Nanotechnology Initiative)
11. Thailand (National Nanotechnology Center or NANOTEC)
12. Malaysia (National [Malaysia] Nanotechnology Initiatives of NNI)

[Link]
[Link]
Possible Applications of Nanotechnology in the Philippines (Dayrit, 2005)
1. ICT and semiconductors 4. Food and agriculture
2. Health and medicine 5. Environment
3. Energy

Nanotech Roadmap for the Philippines (funded by PCAS- TRD-DOST)


1. ICT and semiconductors 5. Agriculture and food
2. Health and biomedical 6. Health and environmental risk
3. Energy 7. Nano-metrology
4. Environment 8. Education and public awareness

Social and Ethical Considerations in Conducting Research on Nanotechnology


1. Who will benefit from it? On the other hand, who won't?
2. For whom and what are your objectives for developing your product?
3. How will it affect social, economic, and political relationships?
4. What problem is your "product" trying to solve?
5. Who will have access to it? Who will be excluded?
6. Are there dangers involved with its development (e.g., safety, health, pollution)? How can you minimize
them?
7. Who will own it? How can you assure access to it?

SUMMARY

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 7 of 8


Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:IM-GE STS-1ST SEM-2020-2021
Nanotechnology is an advanced interdisciplinary field that encompasses science and technology that
manufactures materials of great help to the improvement of various areas of society especially health care,
environment, energy, food, water, and agriculture. It is a field that needs to be explored, not only by known
experts but also neophytes, in order to advance our knowledge of science and technology, and more
importantly, to help improve our quality of life. But, before we engage in nanotechnology, we need to take into
account the social, ethical, and environmental concerns of using such nanomaterials.

VII. ASSIGNMENT
Illustrate or design or describe a product or output that is made up of nanomaterials you want to
create. Explain the raw materials that make up your project, the steps involved for developing your
product, and the specific use of the final product. What is the significance of your output for the
society? (20 points)
VIII. EVALUATION
Research on the recent innovations or advancements in nanotechnology in different countries. Cut
out pictures (copy/paste) and provide descriptions. Do not forget to indicate your source. (20 points)
REFERENCES
Serafica, Janice Patria [Link]. (2017) Science, Technology and Society. Rex Printing Company Inc.
Quezon City
Bautista, D.H.S, [Link]. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. MaxCor Publishing House Inc.
Quezon City, Philippines

Dayrit, F.M. (2005). “Nanotechnology: Business and Practical Applications: Where the Philippines Is
and Where It Should Be. “Ateneo de Manila University.

National Nanotechnology Initiative. (2017). “Manufacturing at the Nanoscale.” Accessed February 25,
2017. [Link]

National Nanotechnology Initiative. (2017). “What is Nanotechnology?” Accessed February 25,


2017. [Link]

National Nanotechnology Initiative. (2017). “What's so special about the nanoscale?” Accessed
February 25, 2017. [Link]

Roco, M. “National Nanotechnology Initiative: The Long-Term View.” In Proceedings Nanotechnology


and the Environment:Applications and Implications. Progress Review Workshop III. EPA, Oct
26-28,2005,Arlington,VA

Salamanca-Buentello et al. (2005). “ Nanotechnology and the Developing World,” PLoS Medicine.
Accessed February 25, 2017. [Link]

Serafica, J.P.J, [Link]. (2019). Science, Technology, and Society 1st Edition. REX Bookstore, Inc.
Quezon City, Philippines

University of Washington. “Societal and Ethical Implications of Nanotechnology.” Accessed February


25, 2017. [Link]

Prepared by:
STS Instructors/Professors from the CAS – Natural Sciences Department

NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 8 of 8

Common questions

Powered by AI

The conceptualization of nanotechnology began with Richard Feynman's 1959 talk, "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom," where he explored the idea of controlling individual atoms and molecules . The term "nanotechnology" was later coined by Norio Taniguchi in the 1970s . Over the decades, the development of advanced microscopy and manufacturing techniques, such as electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, and nanomanufacturing methods like bottom-up and top-down fabrication, facilitated the practical manipulation of nanomaterials . This evolution has led to extensive research producing innovative materials with unique properties, significantly impacting various sectors such as healthcare, the environment, and energy .

Nanotechnology has the potential to render some natural resources and current practices obsolete by introducing new efficiencies and materials with superior properties . For instance, nanotechnology-enhanced batteries and solar cells could reduce reliance on traditional energy resources by offering low-cost, high-efficiency alternatives . Similarly, advanced materials in manufacturing may outperform conventional materials in terms of strength, weight, and durability, prompting shifts away from resource-intensive production methods . This shift could alter economic structures, affecting industries reliant on traditional resource exploitation .

The widespread adoption of nanotechnology can lead to significant societal impacts, including improvements in healthcare through advanced medical treatments, environmental enhancements via better detection and removal of contaminants, and economic shifts with the creation of new jobs and redistribution of wealth . However, potential concerns include high reactivity and toxicity of nanomaterials, complicated regulation and detection issues, and socio-economic disparities in accessibility and affordability . The implications of these impacts require careful consideration of social, ethical, and environmental factors .

Key technological advancements that have enabled the development of nanotechnology include the invention of the electron microscope in the 1930s, which allowed scientists to visualize materials at the nanoscale . The later development of atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopes in the 1980s enhanced manipulation capabilities at the atomic level . Furthermore, advances in nanomanufacturing processes, both top-down and bottom-up, have facilitated the scalable production of nanoscale materials and devices . These innovations collectively underpin current nanotechnology research and applications .

Top-down and bottom-up nanomanufacturing processes differ in their approach to creating nanoscale materials. Top-down processes involve trimming down larger materials to nanoscale dimensions, often resulting in material waste . Bottom-up processes, on the other hand, build structures from atomic or molecular components, which can be time-consuming and require precise control to ensure self-assembly into organized structures . Both methods face challenges: top-down fabrication can be inefficient and costly, whereas bottom-up fabrication struggles with scalability and reliability .

Nanotechnology can provide environmental benefits, such as improved contamination detection and removal, and the development of benign industrial processes . However, it also poses risks like the high reactivity and toxicity of nanomaterials, and challenges in regulating their pervasive distribution in the environment . The lack of specific environmental protection regulations for nanomaterials further exacerbates potential risks, necessitating careful management to balance the benefits against the environmental hazards associated with nanotechnology .

Modern microscopy techniques, such as scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), transmission electron microscopes (TEMs), atomic force microscopes (AFMs), and scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs), allow scientists to view and manipulate materials at the nanoscale . These techniques offer higher magnification and resolution than traditional light microscopes, enabling the detailed study of nanoscale structures and their exceptional characteristics, facilitating the development of new materials and nanotechnologies .

The development and deployment of nanotechnology-based solutions raise several ethical implications. These include determining who benefits from advancements and who may be excluded, the potential impact on socio-economic and political relationships, and addressing safety and health concerns associated with nanomaterials . Ethical considerations also involve ensuring equitable access to technologies, minimizing associated dangers such as pollution, and addressing ownership rights . These factors necessitate comprehensive consideration to responsibly harness nanotechnology's potential benefits while mitigating risks.

Nanomaterials are unique and advantageous over traditional materials due to their nanoscale dimensions, which allow them to exhibit enhanced properties such as increased strength, durability, and reactivity. They can be lighter, more water-repellent, and resistant to UV and infrared radiation . Furthermore, their structure can be manipulated to conduct electricity, reflect less light, and possess self-cleaning, antifog, or antimicrobial properties . These exceptional characteristics make nanomaterials highly desirable for a range of applications from energy-efficient batteries to advanced medical devices .

Government funding plays a crucial role in advancing nanotechnology research and development globally. Initiatives like the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative, which had a budget of $1.5 billion in 2009, help coordinate federal R&D efforts and encourage innovation . Similar programs exist in the European Union, Japan, China, and other countries, indicating widespread international support for advancing nanotechnology . This financial backing enables scientific advancements, addresses challenges in various fields, and supports the commercialization of nanotechnology-derived products .

You might also like