NANO-SCOPE


The nano-power!
Nanotechnology is used for a wide range of applications.

Medical
The size of nanomaterials is similar to that of most biological molecules and structures. So they are ideal for developing faster, flexible and more sensitive diagnostic devices, analytical tools, contrast agents (contrast agents for cell imaging), drug-delivery vehicles and developed tissue engineering (reproducing or repairing damaged tissue).

Chemical
Chemical catalysis and filtration techniques are two prominent examples where nanotechnology already plays a role. Waste-water treatment, air purification and energy storage devices can also be vastly improved by using nanoparticles.

Energy
Lights, fans, airconditioners, refrigerators--any electrical good that we use at home or office or in school--can be produced more cheaply by applying nanotech. These products are also far more energy efficient than the run-of-the mill alternatives. For example, efficient lighting like LEDs (Light-emitting diodes) or QCAs (Quantum Caged Atoms) reduce energy consumption Most importantly, nanotech batteries can be recycled!!

Consumer goods
Nanotechnology products have many other useful characteristics. They range from being easy-to-clean to scratch-resistant. Modern textiles are wrinkle-resistant and stain-repellent. It is used very widely in the field of cosmetics as well.

It can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food.

Its most useful application in household products is self-cleaning or “easy-to-clean” surfaces on ceramics or glasses. Nanoceramic particles have improved the smoothness and heat resistance of common household equipment like the flat iron.

Nano-risks
Potential risks of nanotechnology health and environment are due to certain aspects that make nanoparticles risky, mainly their mobility and their increased reactivity.

Health
Nanoparticles within the body are highly mobile and in some instances can even cross the blood-brain barrier. They can cause “overload” on phagocytes, cells that ingest and destroy foreign matter, thereby triggering stress reactions that lead to inflammation and weaken the body’s defense against other pathogens.

Environment
Not enough data exists to know for sure if nanoparticles can have undesirable effects on the environment. But studies of the health impact of airborne particles for assessing potential health risks from free nanoparticles have generally shown that the smaller the particles get, the more toxic they become.

Risk regulations
Regulatory bodies in the US and in the European Union have concluded that nanoparticles form the potential for an entirely new risk and that it is necessary to carry out an extensive analysis of the risk. So far, these products and materials that contain them are not subject to regulations.