COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Potia, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

I. THE NANO WORLD

The Nature of the Nano World
Role of Nanotechnology
Applications of Nanotechnology
Impact of Nanotechnology to human lives
Impact of Nanotechnology to the Society
Impact of Nanotechnology to the Environment
Ethical and social implications of Nanotechnology
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nanotechnology
II. LEARNING OUTCOME
a. Discuss the major Impact (both potential and realized) of nanotechnology on society.
b. Analyze the issue through the conceptual STS lenses.
c. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Nanotechnology.
III. LESSON OVERVIEW
This topic covers the implication of Nano technology in the 21st century. Covers the advantages and disadvantages of Nano
technology and also discusses the costs and benefits of this technology of the future.
IV. LESSON CONTENT
The Nature of Nano World
The Latin word for Nano is “nenus” which means dwarf. Hence Nano in mathematical scale is 1x10-9.
Nano Technology is a field of science that deals with innovation and developing tools and machines utilizing the scale size of
atoms and molecules.
Measuring the atomic radii of chemical elements is a complicated task as the size of an atom is of the order of 1.2×10-10 m.
(byjus.com)
For Comparison, a single sheet of paper is approximately 100, 000 nm thick and a strand of DNA is 2.5 nm across.
A nanometer size is described as 1/1 000 000 000 meters which is equivalent to ten times the diameter of a hydrogen atom.
A Nanomachine is a tiny machine capable of doing human tasks at Nano level.
A Nanorobot is a tiny machine that performs work like miniature surgeon which are implanted in the body to diagnose or treat
disorders.
A Nanomedicine is a field of science which deals with using nanotechnology in the field of medicine.
A Nanoelectronics is a field of science in electronics that uses nanotechnology.
By studying and controlling matter at this Nano scale (1-100 nm), scientists can alter individual atoms and molecules. These
alterations can lead to changes in the physical, chemical, biological, and optical properties of matter.

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Types of nanotechnology

The different types of nanotechnology are classified according to how they proceed (top-down or bottom-up) and the medium
in which they work (dry or wet):

Descending (top-down)

Mechanisms and structures are miniaturized at the Nanometric scale from one to 100 Nanometres in size. It is the most
frequent to date, especially in electronics.

Ascending (bottom-up)

You start with a Nanometric structure a molecule, for example and through a mounting or self-assembly process you create a
larger mechanism than the one you started with.

Dry nanotechnolgy

It is used to manufacture structures in coal, silicon, inorganic materials, metals and semiconductors that do not work with
humidity.

Wet nanotechnology

It is based on biological systems present in an aqueous environment including genetic material, membranes, enzymes and
other cellular components.

The Role of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology emerges as a significant factor to the future of environmental science, information technology, medical
science, energy, transportation, internal security, food safety and those related to human and environmental health.

Nano-engineered materials make superior household products such as degreasers and stain removers; environmental
sensors, air purifiers, and filters; antibacterial cleansers; and specialized paints and sealing products, such a self-cleaning
house paints that resist dirt and marks.

Nanoscale materials are also being incorporated into a variety of personal care products to improve performance. Nanoscale
titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have been used for years in sunscreen to provide protection from the sun while appearing
invisible on the skin.

Applications of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology can be applied in electronics with the use of carbon nanotubes.

Nanotechnology can be applied to the energy sector due to the development of a new semiconductor which made possible to
manufacture solar panels that doubles the amount of sunlight converted into electricity.
Nanotechnology also lowers costs, produces stronger and lighter wind turbines, improves fuel efficiency and, thanks to the
thermal insulation of some nanocomponents, can save energy.
Nanotechnology can also be applied in the area of Biomedicine where the properties of some nanomaterials make them ideal
for improving early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. They are able to attack cancer cells
selectively without harming other healthy cells. Some nanoparticles have also been used to enhance pharmaceutical products
such as sunscreen.
Nanotechnology is also relevant on the environment as it is capable of doing air purification with ions, wastewater purification
with Nanobubbles or Nanofiltration systems for heavy metals are some of its environmentally-friendly applications.
Nanocatalysts are also available to make chemical reactions more efficient and less polluting.
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 In what we consume, nanobiosensors could be used to detect the presence of pathogens in food or nanocomposites to
improve food production by increasing mechanical and thermal resistance and decreasing oxygen transfer in packaged
products.
Nanotechnology makes it possible to develop smart fabrics that don't stain nor wrinkle, as well as stronger, lighter and more
durable materials to make motorcycle helmets or sports equipment.
The Impact of Nanotechnology to human lives
Faster, smaller, and more powerful computers
Nanotechnology contributes to compact, efficient computers that consume far less power and use long-lasting batteries.
Circuits made from carbon nanotubes could be vital in maintaining the growth of computer power, allowing Moore's Law to
continue.
Faster, more accurate medical diagnostic equipment
With lab-on-a-chip technology enabling point-of-care testing in real-time, nanotechnology helps to speed up the delivery of
medical care. Additionally, nanomaterial surfaces on implants improve wear and resist infection.
Improved Pharmaceutical products
The use of nanoparticles in pharmaceutical products makes them easier for the body to absorb and easier to deliver, often
through combination medical devices. Nanoparticles can also deliver chemotherapy drugs to specific cells, such as cancer
cells.
Improved Vehicle fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance
By building vehicle parts from nanocomposite materials that are lighter, stronger, and more chemically resistant than metal,
nanotechnology helps to improve fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance.
Nano filters remove nearly all airborne particles from the air before it reaches the combustion chamber, further improving gas
mileage.
Strain resistant, water resistant, and flame resistant fabrics.
Nanoparticles, or nanofibers, in fabrics can enhance stain resistance, water resistance, and flame resistance without a
significant increase in the weight, thickness, or stiffness of the fabric.
Improved Water Quality
Water filters that are only 15-20 nanometers wide can remove Nano-sized particles, including virtually all viruses and bacteria.
These cost-efficient, portable water treatment systems are ideal for improving the quality of drinking water in emerging
countries.
Stronger, lighter weight sports equipment
Carbon Nano Tubes have a variety of commercial uses, such as improving the design of sports equipment.
Reduced UV exposure
Most sunscreens today are made from nanoparticles that effectively absorb light, including the more dangerous ultraviolet
range. They also spread more easily over the skin. These same nanoparticles are also used in food packaging to reduce UV
exposure and prolong shelf life.
Increased shelf life of plastic bottle
Many drink bottles are made from plastics containing Nano clays, which increase resistance to permeation by oxygen, carbon
dioxide, and moisture. This helps retain carbonation and pressure and increases shelf life by several months.
Enhanced surveillance and security system
A huge variety of chemical sensors can be programmed to detect a particular chemical at amazingly low levels. This capability
is ideal for surveillance and security systems at labs, industrial sites, and airports. On the medical front, Nano sensors can
also be used to accurately identify particular cells or substances in the body.
The impact of Nano Technology to the society
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 Military Applications
The advanced developments in the military technology may have implications for societal and political relations within the
community. Modern defense armies are protected from today’s civilian threats in a way that never had before. It is likely that
nanotechnology will further widen the gap between the means of political violence available to the military and those available
to the civilian population.
Intellectual Property Issues
Access to Nano scale was paved by the invention of the scanning tunneling electron microscope which earned Gerd Binnig
and Heinrich Rohrer a noble prize in the same year. Nanotechnology differs from other technology in that it is difficult to
classify when compared to other technology. Moreover, patents involving Nanotechnology are potentially a new territory in
patent applications. For one technology involves the Nanoscale, a previously unknown realm when the patent laws were
formulated.
Although the inventions in the Nanoscale are treated similarly, to conventional inventions, the issue lies with the intricacy,
complexity, and the multidisciplinary nature of Nanotech patents.
Effect on employment
Nanotechnology is not about making all things small, but about making things new. And where there are new things, there are
opportunities for entrepreneurs. Yes, the components of nanomaterials and Nano-devices are very small, but miniaturization is
not the main goal. What makes this technology powerful is its ability to radically change how materials behave and are used.
And that is great news for entrepreneurs, as better materials mean new business opportunities and new jobs.
Nanotechnology can be expected to concentrate political power in the hands of governments.
Nanotechnology can be expected to be applied to further miniaturize and advance surveillance technologies such as cameras,
listening devices, tracking devices, and face and pattern recognition systems.
The improvements in the field of electronics and computer memory that nanotechnology makes possible capacity of
government to collect, store, and examine data. Developments in nanotechnology, can therefore, be expected to increase
significantly the ability of governments to keep track of their citizens.
The Impact of Nanotechnology to the Environment
Nanotechnology is being used to help improve water quality by removing contaminants from water supplies.
Some nanoparticles that can be used for remediation of water are carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zeolites, nanoparticles of zero
valent iron (ZVI), silver nanoparticles, etc. Other nanomaterials like zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO 2), tungsten oxide,
serve as photo catalyst.
Another technology, known as Nanofiltration, can be used in water treatment in homes, offices, and industries. Molybdenum
disulphide (MoS2) nonporous membrane is used for energy-efficient desalination of water, which filters five times more than
the conventional ones.
To clean oil spills in the water bodies, a Nanofabric paper towel has been developed, which is woven from tiny wires of
potassium manganese oxide that can absorb oil 20 times its weight. Thus, nanotechnology provides a solution to clean
contaminated water and prevent new pollution.
Nanotechnology is also used to protect the environment by cleaning up outdoor air pollution. It allows toxic gases to be
removed from the air so that people can be protected from breathing in harmful contaminants. Nanotechnology has been
utilized to detect pollutants at the molecular level using precise sensors.
A sensor called a Nanocontact sensor has been developed, which can detect heavy metal ions and radioactive elements.
These sensors have a small size, are inexpensive and are easy to use on-site. Currently, single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs)
are being used to detect NO2 and NH3 gases.
Ironically, while nanomaterials have been developed in many applications that clean up pollution and contaminants, studies
have also shown that exposure to some nanomaterials can have a negative impact on the environment.
Recent research has shown that nanoparticles that have been released into the environment in the form of waste can have a
significant negative health impact on marine organisms. Studies have found increased cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in
marine microalgae and copepod organisms as a result of this type of nanoparticle exposure.
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 Other studies have revealed that the accumulation of nanoparticles in the soil, particularly copper oxide, lanthanum oxide,
cerium oxide, and nickel oxide, can reduce the rate of photosynthesis and transpiration of plants growing in the soil.
Ethical and Social implications of Nanotechnology
Ethical questions about nanotechnology in the workplace arise from the state of knowledge about the dangers of
nanomaterials and the hazards and risks they may pose to workers’ health. As this knowledge is still incipient, it is imperative
to carry out a provisional assessment of the hazards and risks. Workers can exercise their autonomy only if the processes
leading to hazard identification and risk assessment are transparent, comprehensible, and credible. (Schulte & Salamanca-
Buentello, 2007).
Advantages of Nano Technology
It enables new way of obtaining and store energy. It also makes solar panel cheaper.
It extends the limits of electronic components as unlike silicon microchips; Nano chips will make it possible to build extremely
precise circuits in the atomic level.
It allows more effective medicine. Arteries can be unlocked cells can be selectively attacked, damaged genes can be repaired
and faster and more precise surgeries can be performed.
Disadvantages of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology could cause negative effects on the environment by generating new toxins and pollutants.
The obsolete materials and changes in production process could destroy jobs but also creates new ones in the process.
It compromises safety. The properties of this technology could facilitate espionage, the production of Nano weapons and
smart bullets.
V. ASSESSMENT. Write your answer on a clean sheet of bond paper. Take a picture of it and send it to the email provided
[email protected]. The activity will equate to 50 pts and must be submitted at April 24, 2024 not before 5 PM.
1. As a learner and as a part of a society, what do you necessarily need to know about Nanotechnology?
2. Who should play a major role in deciding the future of Nanotechnology?
3. What is the role of Nanotechnology in environmental protection?
4. What potential hazard does Nanotechnology brings?
5. What area of the society does Nanotechnology can make a significant impact and why?

VI. REFERENCES
https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/10-ways-nanotechnology-impacts-lives
https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4992
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
343755967_Nanotechnology_in_the_Philippines_Status_and_Intellectual_Property_Rights_Issues
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/07/what-can-nanotech-do-for-entrepreneurs-and-job-creation/
https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5114#:~:text=Nanotechnology%20is%20also%20used%20to,molecular
%20level%20using%20precise%20sensors.
https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2202/2202.01063.pdf
https://www.iberdrola.com/innovation/nanotechnology-applications

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