We are said they have unique properties, for example: capability of bearing extreme weights as for ropes, impenetrability for water or other small particles like germs as for clothes or superior use as containers for conducting a wide variety of experiments as for science.
In the picture: Some of commonly used nanomaterials.
We have to admit, that opportunities what-to-do with these materials are really amazing. They are used in almost every field of industry. Here are some interesting aplication:
a) Medicine - absorption ability of nanomaterials is tested to treat cancer diseases. They are also used as vessels to deliver a medicament into demanded destination without interacting with body imunity elsewhere.
Nanorobots are developed for surgery without a regular need for an incision.
b) Food production - Marks on food to secure the knowledge of their origin. Means of fighting microorganisms.
c) Electronics - Extremely big memory carriers in a small size. Display devices superb in quality of the image.
d) Engineering - Very durable materials with low friction and extreme persistence against water.
e) Space shuttles - Materials for satellites, developments of new fuel cells.
It is no secret that for the last year the nanotechnology market made 225 billions USD in sales.
However, do we really understand these nanomaterials? First vital thing to be aware of: In the world of the smallest particles the physical rules, as we know them, are not applied. When we reach the size of single molecules, particles cease to behave as would react their counterparts in the macroscopic world. They bend light, non-conducting materials start to conduct electricity and much more. These phenomena are under scrupulous research in a branch of science called: quantum physics.
Recently, scientists dispute about health risks regarding nanomaterials. The things is: Nobody knows for sure. There is a lack in research of these negative effects on human body. As nanomaterials vary greatly in their structure both chemical and spatial, testing just a fraction of them would be well beyond capacity and money availability of any facility in the world.
Generally, as nanomaterials are so tiny, they can be easily ingested, inhalated or possibly absorbed through skin. And they can also seep into the environment during disposal or manufacturing. There are fears, that nanomaterials can have for example for lungs the same harmful effect as small asbestos particles.
Furthermore, nanomaterials can be perilous for the environment. They are persistant and can remain in the ecosystem long after the purpose, for they had been build to, was fullfiled. For example, the silver particles in socks against microorganism can harm organisms living in the biosphere and then influence higher organisms, too.
As a result, whatever endless possibilities with nanomaterials we have, we need to stay vigilant and thoroughly consider pros and cons before putting some of them in use. The effect on us, humans, and on our environment could be anything, but not incosiderable.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/science/nanomaterials-effects-on-health-and-environment-unclear-panel-says.html?_r=1&ref=science
http://www.khsova.cz/01_aktuality/nanotechnologie.php?datum=2009-03-18
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3502/3727355787_d61d0b0f76.jpg
http://www.nanomaterialscompany.com/images/Nanomaterials-growth-graph.gif
http://theviewspaper.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nano-material.jpg
http://ncl.cancer.gov/objects/img_objectives/ncl_fig_4.gif
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/images/8135/applications.gif
http://plus.maths.org/issue5/qm1/cartoon.gif
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http://www.lifesorigin.com/chap6/micro-states1.GIF
http://www.npl.co.uk/upload/img/toxicology%2Becotoxicology-of-nanomaterials.jpg
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