Nanobiotechnology

Nano means:
o Prefix that means “one-billionth”

o 10⁻⁹

o For example: nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter

o Red blood cell is about 6,000-10,000 nm in diameter

o DNA molecule is about 3nm in width

Nanotechnology vs Nanobiotechnology
Nanotechnology: involves creating and manipulating
materials at the nano scale.
- Creating consumer products using nanotechnology

Nanobiotechnology: biotechnology at the nanoscale.

- Used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic medical
tests and regenerative medicine
Prior knowledge
Physical properties- can be measured without
changing the composition of the material. Ex: Boiling
and freezing temps of water, you don’t have to change
water to a different chemical.

Chemical properties- how the material will interact

with other materials. Ex. The ability of water to
dissolve many other substances.
Goals of nanoscale scientists:
Characterizing Materials:
Understanding the structure and properties of material
at a nanoscale
Most use specialized tools, can not be seen with naked
eye

Fabricating Materials
Making new materials with special properties
Tools and Techniques
One challenge of working at the nanoscale is how to
prevent contamination of the materials being
characterized or fabricated.
Cleanrooms are special facilities designed to keep
airborne particles out.
Special instruments are needed for characterizing and
manipulating materials at the nanoscale
scanning tunneling microscopes and atomic
force microscopes.
Concerns about Nano
the possibility of producing new kinds of particles that
were not previously found in nature, with negative
biological effects.
Consumer products being made with nanoparticle will
break down releasing nanoparticles into the
environment
 Silver nanoparticles can make soil unfertile
 Nanoparticles used in sunscreen can wash off and cause affect
in the aquatic food chain
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
regulates the use of nanoparticles in food and
medicine.
Innovations in Medicine
Developing new vaccines that are cheaper, safer and
more effective. The first of these new vaccines is aimed
at preventing influenza
Researchers are working on various nanoparticles to
help deliver medications to the brain.
Diagnosis and treatment of cancer- gold nanoshells
Careers in Nanobiotechnology
One would need: a strong basic background in
chemistry, physics and biology, as well as engineering
and design skills.
Nanoengineering
Nanoscale Science

Students have many options: certificate and diploma

programs, associate, bachelors, masters and Ph.D
Nanomanufacturing
3 main production techniques used in nanotechnology.

Top-down approach

Lithography

Self-assembly
Top-Down Approach
Nanoparticles are picked up and connected together
by outside tools.

(Similar to macro production techniques in an assembly

line factory.)

EX: a car being produced

Lithography
Pattern printing, think layers of material are printed at
the nanoscale

EX: a page printed with an inkjet printer

Self-assembly
Creating the conditions for particles to assemble into
desired pattern because of their properties

EX: Snowflakes forming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RekqLDjv80o
The Ethics of Nanotechnology
We must make well-reasoned judgments when deciding what is
beneficial and potentially dangerous.

Beneficial
Manufacturing (precision)
Medicine (disease treatment)
Environment (toxin cleanup

Potentially Dangerous
Weapons (explosives)
Rampant Nanomachines
Surveillance (monitoring and tracking)
What to consider before final decision
Relevant Facts

Professional/Legal/Ethical Issues

Stakeholders

Possible Actions

Consequences

Persons rights

Common Good