Insights+into+Nanotechnology+101

= **Nanotechnology** =

The study of manipulating matter in fields such as science, engineering, and technology conducted at the atomic and molecular scale
= **Uses of Nanotechnology** =

**__Food__**
Nanotechnology is a natural part of food processing, having an impact on several different aspects of food science. These impacts range from the way that food is grown to the way that food is packaged. Companies are developing nanomaterials that will make differences in the taste of food, safety, and also health benefits that food delivers. Advocates of nanotechnology guarantee an improvement in these aspects. Storage bins with silver nanoparticles embedded into the plastic are being used. These silver nanoparticles can kill any bacteria from previous stored food, which greatly contributes to the packaging of food.

__**Sports**__
Nanotechnology is used in many ways with sports. Wilson, a manufacturer that makes golfclubs and other sports equiptment, makes golfclubs with nanometal coatings. These coatings have a crystalline structure and even though they are 100 times smaller then regular metals, they are 4 times stronger. Nanotechnology is also used in swimming. Nanotechnolgy is allowing scientists to make ultra-lightweight swimwear that allows the swimmers to glide throught the water. Testing shows that developers were able to reduce the water absorbed by the new material forom 50% to 2%. Nanotechnology is also increasing the strength of tennis raquets by adding nanotubes to the frames which increases control and power when you hit the ball.



__**Medicine**__
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the world of medicine. It may lead to a more effective way of diagnosis, detection and treatment of various dieseases such as cancer. The nanorobots can help make repairs at the cellular level and help certain cells receive drugs, heat, light or other substances. If the particles only treat the diseased cells than damage to healthy cells can be prevented. This may also help doctors to detect an illness earlier, which may lead to more productive treatment. Nanoparticles may also be very effective in replacing stitches used during surgery. Stictches may cause blood leaks and other difficulties during surgery, but using nanoparticles, a doctor may use nanoparticles to weld the two tissues together. This method could also help prevent infection. Nanoparticles could change the world of medicine as it is known today.



= Applications for Silver Nanoparticles = Silver Nanoparticles are used generally to help prevent and help kill bacteria.

__ **Wound dressings** __
Silver particles have been introduced to the world of antimicrobial bandages. Releasing a low level of silver ions to wounds, these bangages help fight infections and prevent any bacterial from reproducing and causing future problems.

__**Household Items**__
Major consumer goods manufacturers like LG and Samsung already produce household items that have the properties of silver nanoparticles. These products include nano-silver lined refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines.



__**Military Clothing**__  Nanotechnology is being used in the making of clothing for soldiers. This clothing is beneficial in regulating temperature in extreme weather conditions and protecting the soldiers from contamination.



= Draw Backs of Silver Nanoparticles = Although silver nanoparticles have many positive uses, there are some draw backs. These particles increase human exposure and can be toxic to the human body. The toxicity can effect many different cells in the body from skin, liver, lung, and brain to the vascular and reproductive systems. Also, equipment scientists need to use to determine the presence of silver nanoparticles are very expensive.