Posts Tagged ‘nanoparticle’
Nano particles go by many different monikers: Quantum Dots, Nanostructures, Colloidal gold, Silver/Iron/Platinum Nanoparticles; but they all have one thing in common — they’re between 1 and 100 of a nanometer in size. How big is a “nanometer,” you say? A nanometer is about one-five-thousandth the width of a human hair. “It’s difficult to imagine dividing a meter up into a million pieces and then a nanometer is a thousandth of that. These are very tiny particles,” says nanomaterial researcher Pratim Biswas Ph.D. of Washington University in St. Louis. Today these microscopic molecules and atoms are being used in some very exciting research.
“These tiny particles could without a doubt go all the way to the placenta,” says Viennese Dr. Hans Peter Hutter. He added that nano particles can enter the body through the mouth, the nose, the digestive system or the skin. Once it is inside you, it can spread throughout blood vessels and individual cells. The effect of nanomaterials once inside the body is largely unknown, he warned. There are many potential benefits, as these particles can lead to stain-resistant fabrics, healthier food and effective cancer treatments; even so, Susanne Stark of the Consumer Information Association warns, “There are more questions than answers on the effects of nanoparticles.”
Despite rising worries over potential risks, 2009 has been a big year for the nano particle. MIT researchers discovered that nanoparticles carrying killer genes can effectively suppress ovarian tumor growth in mice. Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University researchers found success in animal trials of using a nano particle cream to treat erectile dysfunction, without all the usual side effects. University of Michigan studies confirm that a nanomaterial can be used to administer morphine on the battlefield, without dangerous side effects. Scientists at the Sharif University of Technology in Iran see promise in using coatings made of dioxide titanium nano materials to bolster the strength of steel and other building materials. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, silver nanoparticles are helping archaeologists examine ancient, diluted dyes by absorbing and enhancing the dye molecules, while also preventing fluorescent substances from reflecting too much light when a laser is shined on them. All these exciting breakthroughs are evidence that we can’t just walk away from this new science.
Hopefully, the future of nanoparticles involves more revolutionary breakthroughs and ways of ensuring that nano materials are safe for use in the human body, rather than numerous class action lawsuits and litigation. Currently it’s being studied how combining nano particles with other molecules can limit the risks associated with these materials. If we do not dream, then we will not realize the infinite potential of nanoscience. And yet, if we do not keep a watchful eye, this tiny technology could lead us toward destruction.
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Researchers have discovered that carbon nanotubes in mass quantities can have a number of vital nanotechnology applications. Using large nanotube sheets, these nano-sized superstars can conduct electricity, emit light or heat, absorb solar power, create more flexible surfaces, provide even light distribution and strengthen sails. “When you have a remarkable material, it’s easy to make advances in terms of applications,” said head researcher Ray Baughman at the University of Texas, Dallas. Truly, carbon nano tubes are the way of the future.
It has been generally presumed that the nanoparticle only really shines when it is alone. Larger bundles change properties, researchers concluded. However, the new nanotubes made of carbon appear to have the same abilities as the single tubes, as well as increased strength to boot! These nano sheets can withstand extreme sunlight and radiation exposure and extreme temperatures. The sheets are highly susceptible to manipulation by electrical current, heat and light. This may all sound rather obtuse, but Baughman believes they can use these sheets of nanomaterials to create artificial human muscle fibers to use in prosthetic limbs, humanoid robots and flying animal simulators.
Nanotubes are incredibly small, versatile and responsive to the molecules surrounding them. As a result, scientists are curious to see how they may be able to sense toxins and treat chemical spills. They want to see how nanotubes can be used medically to detect, identify and treat life-threatening diseases. They want to examine how the carbon nanotube and the inorganic nanotube can be used to create stronger industrial materials and longer lasting energy cells. The possibilities are limitless, but it’s important that the proper protocol is followed, that tests are conducted and that it is safe to work with such tiny and powerful particles.
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The NanoScale Corporation’s goal mission statement is to “serve customer needs through advanced chemistry.” Founded in 1995 by Dr. Kenneth J. Klabunde as Nantek Inc, the company hoped to commercialize some recent discoveries made at Kansas State University. The name “NanoScale” came about in January of 2001 and they became reincorporated in July 2007. Today the company works with private, commercial and government clients to develop and manufacture metal oxides and other nanomaterials that will go into consumer goods.
Over the past 14 years, NanoScale Corporation has been recognized as the leading nanotechnology company in America. Since 1995, their company has won more than 10 SBIR Bridge Awards and two KTEC Applied Research Matching Funds awards given out by the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation. KTEC explained, “NanoScale synthesizes reactive nano-particles, which are composed of tiny clusters of atoms that have unusual chemical and physical properties. These nano-particles aggressively interact with and break up other molecules. The potential for commercial applications includes detoxification of hazardous chemicals, odor control, air and water filtration, drug delivery, improving sun protection and skin care products, protection systems for microchips, and more. The total market size for nanotechnology products and services, as projected by various U. S. industry associations, will be $1 trillion annually in 10 to 15 years.”
The last thing we ever want to imagine is a chemical attack from terrorists right here, on our home soil. While we all hope for the best, companies like NanoScale are planning for the worst. Using tiny nano-materials like structured magnesium oxide and titanium oxide within a pressurized cylinder, the award-winning FAST-ACT nano-powder acts quickly to knock sarin nerve gas, mustard gas and other chemical agent vapors to the earth, leaving behind an innocuous solid that can be swept up. In studies against nerve gas, the nano-powder has tested 99.9% effective at converting killer gas into harmless materials. “Instead of a simple defensive technology like duct tape and plastic, this allows the user to be active in neutralizing a threat,” explains Stephen J. Lee, director of organic chemistry at the U.S. Army Research Office. “It is one of the first nanotechnology products to make it to the marketplace. Ultimately, it will save lives.”
So far, NanoScale has found a number of useful nanotechnology applications. Their most famous product, FAST-ACT, can neutralize industrial chemicals or warfare toxins. Their NanoActive nano-materials are being added to a number of products to keep out harmful substances like pollutants, odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi and deadly chemicals. The NanoZorb line destroys decomposition and decay odors, which is especially useful for morticians and other scientists working with cadavers. ChemKlenz targets chemical spills and accidental releases used at a number of chemistry labs. OdorKlenz is the next generation of cleaning products that can eliminate noxious odors from spoiled food, tobacco smoke, pets, flooding and decay. In addition, NanoScale runs laboratory tests and studies, creates custom materials for client usage and publishes promotional copy regarding nano-materials.
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The discovery of nanoparticles 20 years ago has revolutionized a number of industries. Nano systems are busy at work seeking out cancerous tumors, providing anti-aging effects in creams, resisting stains on clothing, keeping bacteria off countertops and leading toward energy independence. New nanotechnology applications are being discovered every day, but regulation and oversight have not kept pace with this new technology. In fact, only a fraction of the products using nano materials inform consumers of the fact, which is why many consumer advocates really have a problem.
Currently, the U.S. FDA doesn’t seem overtly alarmed about nanoparticles, which must have been clinically tested for safety by the manufacturer. FDA spokesperson Christopher Kelly admits that, “Nanoparticle versions of [FDA-approved] materials may well be new materials” that may trigger new investigations, but “this is considered on a case-by-case basis.” Since nanotechnology applications is such a new branch of science — just 20 years old — it’s hard to say when any real risks from overexposure would be revealed, but physicist Andrew Maynard warns, “We need to better understand how nano can be benign in foods, but [also] where the dangers are.” He adds, “It all comes down to the need for more research. We can’t fly blind here. We need to know what’s going on,” Maynard says. “There is no hard evidence that nanomaterials in products on the market will harm humans or the environment, but there is enough evidence to say that we need to reexamine.”
Despite rising worries over potential risks, 2009 has been a big year for the nano particle. MIT researchers discovered that nanoparticles carrying killer genes can effectively suppress ovarian tumor growth in mice. Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University researchers found success in animal trials of using a nano particle cream to treat erectile dysfunction, without all the usual side effects. University of Michigan studies confirm that a nanomaterial can be used to administer morphine on the battlefield, without dangerous side effects. Scientists at the Sharif University of Technology in Iran see promise in using coatings made of dioxide titanium nano materials to bolster the strength of steel and other building materials. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, silver nanoparticles are helping archaeologists examine ancient, diluted dyes by absorbing and enhancing the dye molecules, while also preventing fluorescent substances from reflecting too much light when a laser is shined on them. All these exciting breakthroughs are evidence that we can’t just walk away from this new science.
A History Channel documentary about threats to our world recently featured nanoparticles. In their “worst case scenario,” researchers wondered: What might happen if these little particles encounter a glitch in their programming and suddenly begin eating all the carbon-based materials on our planet? What if the glitch causes uncontrolled replication? Suddenly, these microscopic molecules will eat up every living thing on the planet, leaving a “grey goo” in its wake. This end-of-the-world theory seems pretty improbable, but it is important to study the risks and benefits of nano science.
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