Nanotechnology

(Part-2)
Dr. K. Rajashekhar
 Quantum dots

• Quantum dots are semiconductor particles a few nanometres in size (2-10 nm),
having optical and electrical properties that differ from larger particles due to quantum
mechanics.

• Movement of electrons is confined. As a result, changing the size of a quantum dot

controls how it absorbs and emits energy.

• When UV light hits these semiconducting nanoparticles, they can emit light of various
colors.
Applications of Nanotechnology
 Applications in ‘Electronics’

Drastic reduction in size of components in electronic equipment such as Nanotransitors,

nanoprocessors, nano storage devices, resulted in small and highly efficient phones,
computers etc.

Vibrant displays Flexible screens

 Applications in Healthcare

• In diagnosis of infections and cancers: Antibodies attached to carbon nanotubes are

used detect cancer cells in the blood stream.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), often uses nanoparticles as contrast agents that
help make an image more visible.

• Drug delivery systems: Nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light to specific types of
cells (such as cancer cells).
• Particles are engineered so that they are attracted to diseased cells, which
allows direct treatment of those cells. This technique reduces damage to healthy
cells in the body.
 Applications in Healthcare

• Nanorobots could be programmed to enter blood stream and perform complicated

surgeries in human body.

• Bandages containing silver nanoparticles are effective in killing disease causing

microbes due to their antimicrobial properties.
Researchers at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus, have developed a gold nano particle-
based diagnostic kit, which is cheaper and quicker for early-stage detection of Hepatitis-
C infection.

The Hindu 12th March 2021

 SARS CoV2 Diagnosis & Disinfection

• Researchers from the University of Maryland, USA, have developed a diagnostic based
on gold nanoparticles capped with DNA antisense oligonucleotides specific for N-gene
(nucleocapsid phosphoprotein) of SARS-CoV-2. These oligonucleotides detect positive
COVID-19 cases within 10 minutes of obtaining the isolated RNA samples.

• Nanomaterial based hand sanitisers and disinfectants have also been developed to kill
microorganisms during Covid-19 pandemic.
 Cordy gold nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs)
Nov 2022 – The Hindu
A collaborative experiment by scientists from
Department of Biotechnology’s Technology Incubation
Centre (TIC) in Bodoland University (Assam).

These nanoparticles, derived from the synthesis of the

extracts of Cordyceps militaris and gold salts, help
more faster and accurate drug delivery in the human
body.

Cordyceps militaris is called as super mushroom because

of its tremendous medicinal properties, adds bioactive
components to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for
better penetration.
Application of nanoparticles in the development of therapeutic drugs which can be
delivered as ointments, tablets, capsules, and in other forms.
 'Smart Shirt' Developed by American Researchers Can
Monitor Heart Rate

Times of India
September
2021

• They transmit the information through Bluetooth technology to a computer.

• The threads can comfortably move with the wearer, and be washed, stretched and worn repeatedly
without breaking down.
• In future they can be used as antennas to track the location of military personnel.
Roger Federer’s Wilson tennis Rackets are made up of graphite with carbon nanotubes
 Bhabha Kavach
• The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre’s (BARC) next-
generation bulletproof jacket for the Indian armed forces.

• They are cheaper and much lighter.

• Weighs 6.6 kg in comparison to the 17-kg jackets in use

• Cost is ₹70,000, compared to 1.5 lakh for a similar

strength jacket in the international market.

• Designed to protect our soldiers against AK-47 (hard steel

bullets)

• Made using extremely hard boron carbide ceramics that

is hot-pressed with carbon nanotubes and composite
polymer.
 Applications in ‘Agriculture’

• Nanosensors dispersed in the field can detect plant viruses and the level of soil nutrients.
• Nanoencapsulated slow-release fertilizers have also become a trend to save fertilizer
consumption and to minimize environmental pollution.
 Indian Farmers
Fertiliser
Cooperative Limited

Half-litre bottle priced at Rs 240

Farmers now pay around Rs 300
for a 50-kg bag (Costs Rs 4000)
of heavily subsidised urea.
 Nano DAP

• DAP, or di-ammonium phosphate, is the second most

commonly used fertiliser in India after urea.

• Liquid Nano DAP, contains 8% Nitrogen and 16%

Phosphorus by volume.

• A 500 ml bottle of Nano DAP, equivalent to a 50-kg

bag of conventional DAP, is priced at only Rs 600
(compared to Rs 1,350 for the bag).

• Easier to transport, store, and use than 50kg bags.

• Significantly reduce this import burden of fertilizers.

 Miscellaneous Applications

• Clear nanoscale films on eyeglasses, computer and camera displays, windows, and other
surfaces.
• Water- and residue-repellent, antireflective, self-cleaning, antifog, antimicrobial, scratch-
resistant glass.
• Lightweight but strong vehicles (cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, and space crafts) with
significant fuel savings.
• Nanoscale titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have been used for years in sunscreen to
provide protection from the sun while invisible on the skin.
• Superior household products such as degreasers and stain removers
• Water filters, air purifiers; durable and washable paints etc.
• Dust-repellent, water-repellent, rust-resistant coatings for vehicles are already in the
market.
Issues of Nanomaterials
 Health Issues

• Nanoparticles appear to get absorbed easily when they encounter the tissues and reach the
target sites like liver, heart, brain etc.
• With decrease in particle size, in many nanomaterials the production of free radicals
increases, resulting in toxicity.
• Titanium dioxide, cobalt are responsible for respiratory toxicity.
• Titanium dioxide nanoparticles that are widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics, shown to
cause lung caner in rats.
• Studies have also shown that some carbon nanotubes can also cause the onset of
mesothelioma – cancer previously thought to be only associated with asbestos exposure.
 Environmental issues

• Use of nanopesticides/fertilizers can increase chemical pollution.

• Some nanomaterials are toxic to algae, fishes etc.
• Carbon nanomaterials
• delayed rice flowering, significantly affecting the yield of exposed rice plants.
• Also makes wheat plants more vulnerable to uptake of pollutants.
• Manufacturing nanomaterials and nano-devices is extremely energy-intensive.
 Societal & Legal issues

• Nanotechnology can enhance the gap in the society (Called ‘nano-divide’) due to the
reasons like affordability.
• Nanotechnology has the capability to produce new weapons, thus leading to new
security challenges.
• Legal issues with respect to patent applications and classification will pose another
challenge.
• Given the health and environmental risks associated with nanomaterials, implementing
companies to indicate (Label) the list of “nano ingredients” will be a challenge.