Nanotechnology: the future that prevails

The term ”Nanotechnology” usually creates a portrayal of science fiction featured imagery in our mind. In recent days, Nanotechnology has become a buzzword-courtesy of sci-fi movies, particularly the Hollywood ones and the books of the sci-fi genre. Well, it’s time to take a closer look at the whole endeavor – is it really something to happen in the distant future? Or perhaps, this technology is already changing our lifestyle? The answer lies in the very understanding of nanotechnology and its existing real-life implications.

Nanotechnology is the nano-scale composition of science and engineering, enabling us to manage and integrate the properties of materials to the smallest possible extents – atoms and molecules. The scale for measuring these particles is known as nanometer which is one billionth of a meter. The most significant thing is, properties of particles in nanoscale, say 1 to 100 nanometers, differ quite substantially from those of the larger scales. Thus, if the properties of specific particles can be controlled in nanoscale, it can be modified according to the necessity.

Here comes the core part – “necessity”. Why would we need to change the properties of materials on such a small scale? Well, how about having stain free, self-cleaning clothes, boots and glasses, scratch-resisting coating on virtually every existing surface, super strong yet lightweight precision tools and machineries, state of the art food processing system and modified, healthier foods, energy saving electronics, super-fast, energy efficient computer chips, lightweight yet immensely powerful (say almost invincible) military hardwires, quick healing and even a cure for cancer. Just imagine the nanites (computer programmed nano-bots) running through the bloodstream and repairing the cancer cells! Actually, the scope of nanotechnology is beyond the limit. As the possibilities are sky high, what is the actual scenario of nanotechnology in present-day world?

Right now, there are a large number of cosmetic and healthcare products in the market – e.g. anti-wrinkle creams and sunscreens using nanoparticles. In 2005, the first nanotechnology-based drug was approved by FDA (named Doxil), following a series of medicines using nanoparticles. Nanotechnology has also developed brand new ways like electronic skin patch to deliver medicines into the human body. Moreover, this technological endeavor is also used in the diagnostic and surgical purposes, ensuring a higher level of accuracy. There are even bandages with nanoparticles, effective in quick healing.

Nanotechnology is also widely utilized in energy sector-e.g. batteries with better performance, efficient solar cells, reduced heat in computers and power plants etc. Perhaps, the highest numbers of nanotechnology-based products are available in IT sector. Faster computer chips and memories, OLED displays used in different types of devices, flexible displays, and scratchproof coatings are some of the examples. Simply put, these products make our life faster and easier-ranging from the complex chipset of supercomputers to the simple waterproofing sprays for taking care of electronic devices. There are even special nano waxes for cars, making the vehicle shinier!

With a projected $173.95 billion worth of market by 2025, nanotechnology is surely not a distant future. It’s already putting a considerable impact on healthcare, defense, IT and pharmaceutical sectors. Intermingling with our day to day life from different perspectives, products based on this technology is going to determine the demand of next-generation consumers. Corporate giants are looking forward with huge investments in this sector and guess what – nanotechnology is the next golden goose of the world economy. So, this is high time to get rid of those factious depictions of nanotechnology from movies and get prepared to adopt this technology in our day to day life.