Nanotechnology is much more present in our lives than we are
aware of and its presence is increasing rapidly into the future. Many of our
clothes, cosmetics, and even food contain some variety of nanoparticles. They
are typically modeled based on something in nature that has a particular
quality we want to replicate. For example, the water repellence of a lotus leaf
inspired technology to create self-cleaning glass, concrete, and fabric.
This isn’t a new concept; nanoparticles can be found in
ancient art and were used to achieve qualities that cannot be formed from basic
pigments. The Lycurgus Cup from the Roman era of 400 AD contains a glowing red
color when seen in the dark that comes from nanoparticles of gold. When
particles are resized, their properties often change which can be both
dangerous and beneficial. For example, gold on a nanoscale becomes a catalyst.
This is why there is some debate over using nanoparticles in food or items that
we regularly interact with. It is difficult to determine what unsolicited effects
these particles will have on humans when their chemical properties are completely
altered.
Quantum dots are one example of the progression of
nanotechnology. They are created in different colors corresponding to their
size. Currently they are used to tag diseases because they are small enough to
enter cells and can be sent to target specific ones. However, in the future
they will be used even more commonly to replace chemicals in cosmetics. They
offer similar benefits to other, larger chemicals but with the advantage of a
smaller size. They can potentially increase the strength, texture, shelf life,
and UV protection of common cosmetics.
Lycurgus Cup. N.d. Photograph. Nicola Ginzler Design. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.
"Nanotechnology." Cosmetics Info. N.p., 2013. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.
Quantum Dots. N.d. Photograph. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. <http://lamp.tu-graz.ac.at/~hadley/nanoscience/week2/>.
Hey Kristina! I really liked your post on nanotechnology. I also thought that it was interesting that these particles are so common in our everyday lives and yet we hear so little about them. It will certainly be interesting to see how this technology progresses and how it continue to effect our lives, especially as quantum dots are used increasingly in everyday products like makeup. This technology has the potential to really change how we think about art and color, and I agree that its relevance in daily life will only increase.
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