What is Nanotechnology?

How small?

The prefix “nano” comes from the word “nanometer,” which is one billionth of a meter. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter, a millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter, and a micrometer is one-millionth of a meter.

Need some better perspective?

Try this for size. For the Penn State Nittany Lions football team to get a first down, they must gain at least 10 yards in four downs.

That is equivalent to 9,146,341,463 nanometers, which sounds pretty tough for the offense!

Solve big problems

• Create functionalized nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.
• Develop nanoparticles for fluorescence imaging of tumors.
• Produce cleaner, more affordable energy.
• Detect and cleanup hazardous chemicals in the environment.
• Enable medical devices that can eliminate the need for surgery.
• Give antibacterial properties to cell phones, refrigerators, and toys.
• Produce odor-free shoes, socks, and clothing.
• Make sunscreen and cosmetics more effective.
• Ensure that food stays fresher longer.
• Create smaller and faster electronic components.

Glossary

Atom: The smallest unit of a chemical element, about a third of a nanometer in diameter. Atoms make up molecules and atoms and molecules make up all matter (solids, liquids, and gases).

Characterization: The process of identifying the atoms in a sample of matter, determining the sample’s properties, or both.

Matter: The substance of which physical objects are composed.

Molecule: A group of atoms held together by chemical bonds.

Nano: A prefix meaning one billionth.

Nanofabrication: The practice of manipulating matter to make structures with at least one dimension of 100nm or less. May include synthesis, processing, or both.

Nanoscale: Between 0.1-100 nanometers.

Nanotechnology: The characterization and manipulation of matter to create materials, devices, and systems with new and unique properties.