NANOTECHNOLOGY an Interesting write-up on Nano-Science (Nano Science in India an Overview)

About Nanotechnology

• Nanoscience is the study of materials that are in the nanoscale range (size scale range of 1 to 100nm).

• Conversion of any material in nanoscale results in alteration of its physicochemical, biological, mechanical, optical, electronic, etc. properties which can be utilized for various useful activities.

• Nanotechnologies are the design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shape and size on a nanometre scale.

Current status of Nanotechnology in India

• India ranks third in the number of researches in the field of nanotechnology after China and the USA.

• This significant share in global nanotech research is a result of sharp focus by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to research in the field in the country. 

• Nanotechnology in India evolved through the years. The 9th Five-Year Plan (1998-2002) had mentioned for the first time that national facilities and core groups were set up to promote research in frontier areas of S&T which included superconductivity, robotics, neurosciences and carbon, and nanomaterials.

• In 2007 a Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) was launched by the DST to foster, promote and develop all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology which have the potential to benefit the country.

• According to a report by ASSOCHAM and TechSci Research study, the global nanotechnology industry would require about two million professionals from 2015 onwards, and India is expected to contribute about 25% of professionals in the coming years. 

Applications of Nano Technology  

Medical field

Disease Diagnosis & treatment: Nanomedicine has resulted in the formation of Nanoscale diagnostic devices which are more efficient & able to detect cancer, bacterial, and viral infection.

        Nanotechnology can help to repair damaged tissue through tissue engineering.

Drug Delivery: For the formation of Nanosize drug which will help in lowering overall drug consumption & side effects by depositing active agents at specific places in the body.

Medical Nanorobot: These Nano size robots can navigate the human body, transport important molecules, manipulate the microscopic object,s and communicate with physicians by way of the miniature sensor.

Superbugs and anti-microbial resistance: Nanotechnology holds the key to stopping antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the deadly infections they cause.

In the Defence sector like Precision guiding tools, supplement to traditional weaponry for close combat situations. etc.

Environment: Water treatment and remediation through nanomembranes for water purification, desalination, and detoxification; Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants and pathogens etc.

Construction: Nanomolecular structures to make asphalt and concrete more robust to water seepage; Heat-resistant nanomaterials to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation; etc.

Energy: Novel hydrogen storage systems based on carbon nanotubes and other lightweight nanomaterials; Carbon nanotubes in composite film coating etc.

 Agriculture like food processing, soil health etc.

In the food processing industry, antimicrobial nanoemulsions are used for applications in decontamination of food equipment, packaging, or food, nano-based antigen detecting biosensors for identification of pathogens contamination.

Challenges in Nanotechnology

Health and environmental impact: Nanoparticles are believed might be able to disrupt cellular, enzymatic, and other organ-related functions posing health hazards. On the other hand, nanoparticles might also be non-biodegradable and on disposal, these disposed of materials might form a new class of nonbiodegradable pollutants and pose a new threat to the environment (air, water, soil) and health.

Information asymmetry: This includes a lack of information on the nature and characteristics of nanomaterials in applications, insufficient methods for detecting and measuring nanomaterials, inadequate breadth of risk-related research.

Lack of infrastructure and human resources: There is poor lab firm integration, which is compounded by the scarcity of skilled manpower that could provide linkages between the technology and commercial domains.

High costs of technology: High nanotechnology costs for acquisitions of intellectual property rights, nanotechnology infrastructure, lack of human and policy capacity, financial constraints often act as an impediment.

Governance issues: As nanotechnology is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, it has given rise to various issues. This has led to significant overlaps in the areas of R&D support identified by different agencies.

Ethical consequences: For instance, nanotechnology may be used in warfare, may invade people’s privacy, or may impinge on the relationship between human beings and technology.

Effect on developing and underdeveloped countries: Reverse effects of nanotechnology developments on material demands and consequently on developing countries’ export of raw materials. Properties at the nano-scale may be used to imitate the properties of rare minerals, thus affecting the export rates of their main producers.

Conclusion

    The development of Nanoscience and technology in India has huge potential to help the country address societal challenges such as the provision of drinking water, healthcare, etc., and simultaneously achieve economic gains through growth in the nanotech-based industrial sector. Therefore, it is necessary to develop responsible nanotechnology governance, encourage the development of appropriate products targeted to help meet critical human development needs, and include methods for addressing safety, appropriateness etc.