Week 5: NanoTech + Art

            The introduction of nanotechnology created a paradigm shift, opening myriad new pathways for the exploration of both science and art. While modern nanotechnology can be traced back to Physicist Richard Feynman’s 1959 talk, “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom,” nanotech principles can be found both in nature and in antiquity.

            One of the oldest examples of nanotechnology is a Roman cup from around AD400, the Lycurgus Cup, made of dichroic glass, which has embedded colloidal gold and silver nanoparticles that cause the glass to change color when light passes through it. In nature, the nanoscale patterns in a butterfly’s wing manipulate light waves, creating the illusory perception of beautiful, vibrant colors.

            A common applications of nanotechnology is in semiconductor manufacturing, allowing for today's compact computers.

Nanowire array I created via nanoimprint lithography, a common process in semiconductor manufacturing

3D image of nanowire array taken with an atomic force microscope

Analysis of nanowire array taken with an atomic force microscope

            Nanotechnology is prevalent in our everyday lives, even though we generally don't realize it. Some modern clothing contains nanoparticles to give them stain and wrinkle resistance, as well as antimicrobial properties. Another application of nanoparticles is in food packaging, often to keep it from spoiling. Unfortunately, there’s no regulation of this in the United States, leading to toxic nanoparticles leeching into the food without the consumer’s knowledge.

            Nanotechnology is on the forefront of scientific research, leading to revolutionary products such as lab-on-a-chip, which combine multiple laboratory functions onto a single microchip. It has also paved the way for the possibility of drug-delivering nanoparticles, which could increase the potency and decrease the side effects of conventional drugs. 

Cancer cells displaying phosphorescence as a result of GFP that I delivered to incubated cells via polyethylenimine nanoparticles

            Technological applications aside, nanotechnology can be used to create unbelievably small art pieces, such as Dirty Dice.

Dirty Dice: Imaged with a scanning electron microscope, each die measures 200 microns across

Source: http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=3811.php

My attempt at nanoscale art: SEM image of a happy face, create using electron beam lithography

            Now that we have the ability to manipulate individual atoms, there are very few limits to what we can create, given an infinite amount of time. As research in the field of nanotechnology continues, there's no telling what amazing technologies will result.

Works Cited

Daw, Rosamund. "Nanotechnology Is Ancient History." Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 July 2014. <http://www.theguardian.com/nanotechnology-world/nanotechnology-is-ancient-history>.

Duncan, Timothy V. "Applications of nanotechnology in food packaging and food safety: barrier materials, antimicrobials and sensors." Journal of colloid and interface science 363.1 (2011): 1-24.

Fair, Richard B. "Digital microfluidics: is a true lab-on-a-chip possible?."Microfluidics and Nanofluidics 3.3 (2007): 245-281.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. "The nanoneme syndrome: Blurring of fact and fiction in the construction of a new science." Technoetic arts 1.1 (2003): 7-24.

Kaounides, L., Hailing Yu, and T. Harper. "Nanotechnology innovation and applications in textiles industry: current markets and future growth trends."Materials Science and Technology 22.4 (2007): 209-237.

De Jong, Wim H., and Paul JA Borm. "Drug delivery and nanoparticles: applications and hazards." International journal of nanomedicine 3.2 (2008): 133.