Abstract

Applications Of Nanotechnology

Author(s): Jennifer Stewart

Nanotechnology refers to atomic, molecular, and macromolecular scale research and development that leads to the controlled manipulation and study of structures and devices with length scales ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Objects at this scale, such as "nanoparticles," have unique features and functions that are not found at the bulk scale. Nanoparticles' small size, surface tailorability, increased solubility, and multifunctionality provide biologists with a plethora of new study opportunities. Nanomaterials' unique features allow them to engage with complicated biological functions in unprecedented ways, acting at the size of biomolecules. This article gives a biologist's perspective on nanotechnology and discusses "nanotech" tactics and constructions that have already shown success in vitro and in vivo.