9 and 10. Nanotechnology

Question 1

What is nanotechnology?

Answer 1

Nanotechnology is the study of controlling matter on an atomic and molecular scale.

Question 2

How big is a nanometer?

Answer 2

One billionth of a metre.

Question 3

What is the size range for nanotechnology structures?

Answer 3

1-100 nm

Question 4

What types of materials are nanomaterials?

Answer 4

Metals ceramics polymeric materials or composite materials.

Question 5

How has nanotechnology been used in stained glass?

Answer 5

The red colour of stained glass windows is due to gold nanoparticles trapped in the glass matrix. These particles allow red light to pass through but block blue and yellow light.

Question 6

How has nanotechnology been used in medieval pottery?

Answer 6

Found in medieval pottery, the decorative glass known as lustre contains metallic spherical nanotechnology particles dispersed in a complex way in the glaze which results in its special optical properties.

Question 7

How is nanotechnology being used to treat cancer?

Answer 7

Quantum dots, cadmium selenium nanoparticles are used in tumour removal as they glow when exposed to uv light and ,ale cancer cells glow so that the surgeon can remove them.

Question 8

How is nanotechnology being used in regenerating nerves?

Answer 8

Nanotechnology is being injected into the spinal tissue of paralysed lab mice and has prevented harmful scar tissue from developing ones which enables spinal cord fibres to regenerate.

Question 9

What are the advantages of using nanobots?

Answer 9

So small they can interact with the particles of our bodies

Damaged tissue can be repaired without pain and trauma.

Question 10

How is nanotechnology used in silver being used?

Answer 10

Silver has anti microbial properties which can be incorporated into fibres which can be used in bandages or to control odour.

Question 11

How is nanotechnology used in sunscreen?

Answer 11

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used in sunscreens to filter out uv light and nanoparticles in sunscreen will minimise the white colour when applied to skin.

Question 12

What are some concerns about nanotechnology?

Answer 12

• can be toxic, nanoparticles in clothing can end up in local water supplies.
• has an effect on the ecosystem, kills fish
• can damage dna in cells
• self assembly will get out of control
• concerns about their removal
• so small they could be absorbed by cells.