Soceital Implication of Nanotechnology Essay

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 9

Waterford Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Innovative Technology Engineering

Nanotechnology

CA1: Assignment 1

Essay on

The Societal Implications of Nanotechnology

JOTHISH

WIT20096200

22nd October 2021


INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology is one of the major mechanical breakthroughs in the 21st century.


The ability to measure, analyse, control, organise, engineer, and regulate matter at the
nano scale has finally opened an universe of possibilities that were previously
inconceivable at larger scale.

Nanotechnology-related research is advancing at a rapid pace all across the world.


Nanotechnology offers a diverse set of successful novel applications in a variety of
industries, and it has the potential to unleash a tremendous technological and
economic revolution unlike any other. Many nanotechnology discoveries and products
are currently commercially available, while others are still overcoming technical
restrictions, cost-effectiveness, and potential hazards. The attending discoveries in this
field have led to an array of developments such as improved agricultural yields to
meet the needs of the increasing population, more economical water purification
processes, improved medical care and reduction of energy consumption by more than
10% resulting in a cleaner environment.

In this essay, the recent advancement of nanotechnology in a few different industries


and its societal implications are discussed.

1.HEALTH CARE

Nanotechnology has made strides toward omnipresence over the previous two
decades, and this trend has been hastened by substantial study in several healthcare
industries. Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology and its associated
nano-carriers/nano-systems to medicine, a field that has yielded several improvements
in disease prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.
The advancement in this field improved the quality and extended human physical
capabilities. Some of the recent development of nanotechnology in the health care
industry are discussed below.

1.1 COVID-19 Diagnosis

The COVID-19 is a global epidemic that is having a negative effect on the healthcare
system and causing severe socioeconomic and human losses. Despite a vast
multinational effort and the introduction of countless clinical testing aimed at
containing the epidemic, no effective treatment has yet been identified. For
coronaviruses (CoVs), and notably for SARS-CoV-2, a number of NP-based
diagnostic tools have been reported which have proven to be accurate and useful.

1.1.1 Optical biosensor

COVID-19 can be identified in about half an hour using optical biosensor


nanotechnology. This new technique will almost certainly be able to tell whether a
patient has COVID-19 or the virus. This cutting-edge biosensor gadget is also being
used to study different types of coronavirus infections detected in the bodies of
animals such as dogs, cats, bats, and marine mammals in order to detect and monitor
the viruses' likely pathways in order to avoid future outbreaks.
1.1.2 Nanopore Target sequencing

In about 6–10 hours, the nano-pore target sequencing (NTS) method detects CoV-2
and 10 other lung related diseases. This approach is now necessary for COVID-19
diagnosis. The blueprint can also be used to analyse different bacteria and virus
(Sushil et al., 2021).

1.2 Brain diseases

Brain diseases are now effectively treated with the help of nanotechnology. NPs use
organic and inorganic materials as a core. Silica, molybdenum, cerium, iron, and gold
(organic materials) and PLA, PLGA, and trehalose (inorganic materials) are used in
curing brain diseases. Their compact size, drug - loading capacity, and efficient
imaging performance make them ideal for treating neurodegenerative diseases(Anjum
et al., 2021).

1.3 Nervous system diseases

In severe neurological catastrophes, such as post-stroke neuroprotection and spinal


cord damage, NPs are modulated. These two areas may appear to be quite
complicated, but studies have shown that nanotechnology can aid in the treatment of
these serious diseases over time (Anjum et al., 2021).

Fig. 1 Application of various nanosytems in allied healthcare systems

In the previous two decades, nanotechnology research has risen at an exponential rate,
and the focus on the healthcare industry has grown in perfect sync. With the help of
nano-medicine, theranostic development has led to a greater knowledge of some of
the complicated etiologies involved, as well as increased the odds of early diagnosis
and treatment potential. Various nano-systems have been exploited and integrated on
a small scale, but have proven to be effective in alleviating various bottlenecks in the
healthcare industry.

2.AGRICULTURE

Current farming techniques have resulted in agricultural contamination, which has led
to environmental, eco-system, and habitat destruction. The increasing utilisation of
synthetic fertilisers, insecticides, and polluted water for irrigation wreaks havoc on
agriculture. By introducing practical applications to traditional agricultural processes
and procedures, nanotechnology has broadened the agriculture sector's innovative and
resourceful frontiers. Agri-nanotechnology does have a fair possibility of having a
major effect on crop development. The potential usage of nanoscale agrochemicals
such as nano-insecticide, nano-fertilisers, and nano- sensors has transformed
traditional agricultural procedures.

2.1 Nanosensors

Nanotechnology-based sensing systems have exploded in popularity, owing to their


numerous uses in agriculture and the food industry. Nano-sensors have the capability
to identify the presence of soil nutrients, synthetic fertiliser, insecticides, moisture
content, toxins such as surplus fertilisers, pesticide residues, plant pathogens (bacteria,
fungi, and viruses), and heavy metals in agricultural water and soil. Nano-sensors
feature an excellent surface-to-volume ratio, real-time detection, excellent stability,
sensitivity and selectivity over conventional sensor ( Srivastava et al., 2018). Nano-
biosensors are future generation sensing devices that include both a biorecognition
element and a converter for measuring the chemical signal. Even at extremely low
concentrations of the analyte or a parameter that has been specified, the response can
be obtained. Graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots
and magnetic nanoparticles are all samples of NMs. NMs is also used to identify soil
quality and nutrients like urea, ammonium, nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, and
urease, which can be harmful in excessive concentrations (Bhardwaj et al. 2019).

2.2 Nano-pesticides

The use of insecticides to control pests and weeds is a standard practice in agriculture.
Pesticides and crop protection strategies now in use are ineffective in terms of
environmental safety. Nanoinsecticides, nano-weedicides, nano-fungicides, and nano-
bactericides are examples of nano-pesticides, which are employed for their efficient
delivery systems, cheap cost, and ease of administration. The most effective technique
to boost the insecticide efficacy of a reactive chemical that has been covered by a
protective coating is to make use of nano-encapsulation. Nano-carriers aid in the
improvement of active component solubility and give excellent protection against
volatilization and degradation. They are biocompatible, safe to use, and ecologically
friendly. Regulated and delayed distribution, enhanced stability and porosity, and
resistance to premature deterioration are just a few of their amazing properties.

2.3 Nano-fertilisers

Nano-fertilisers have made a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture by


improving production while causing minimal environmental harm (Zulfiqar et al.,
2019). Nano-fertilisers are known as smart macro/micronutrient transporters because
they improve the availability and range of active ingredients to plant sections,
resulting in increased crop yields and improved vegetation. Micronutrients (like zinc,
copper, iron, and manganese) as well as macronutrients (like nitrogen, potash,
phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium) can be encapsulated within NPs and delivered
directly as nano-emulsions.

Fig. 2 Application of nanotechnology in agriculture

The synthesis and application of nano-agrochemicals in the agricultural sector has led
to increased trust in nanotechnology in agriculture among researchers and
scientists. Nanotechnology can help the agro-food industry with new tools including
nanofertiliser and micronutrient delivery, agrochemical encapsulated nano-carrier
systems, and more. Agricultural personnel have benefited greatly from the detection
of plant diseases and the monitoring of plant growth with nano-sensors

3. TRANSPORTATION

Individual transportation is an essential component of modern civilisation and an


essential human requirement. The global automotive sector will grow from 750
million now to 1.5 billion by 2030, according to the United Nations (Matthias et al.,
2008). Passenger comfort, sophisticated traffic guiding systems, reduced emissions,
and successful recycling at the final stage of the value chain to protect scarce
resources are all growing in importance. In the automotive, aerospace, and
marine transportation sectors, nanotechnology is crucial for the development and
manufacture of innovative materials and techniques. For instance, nanoscale soot
particles and silica provide high grip and durability for the modern tyres. Nano-
particles and nano-scale coatings have a positive and beneficial effect on inner and
outer surfaces, as well as the body, engines, and transmission.

As a result of nanotechnology, the transportation sectors have seen substantial


changes, and their outlook is shifting. Using nanotechnology, it is now possible to
make transportation more economical, efficient, and enduring. Paint coatings, body
parts, engines, tyres, and compartments benefit from the usage of nanotechnology and
nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, carbon nanotubes,
and carbon black in automobiles. Nano-clay and nanoparticles like titanium dioxide,
graphene, silicone dioxide, and carbon nanotubes are used in aerospace to improve the
durability, compact size, fire retardancy, and ultraviolet resistance. Paints containing
metal oxide nanoparticles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide and
aluminium dioxide are used to prevent corrosion damage and contamination on ships.
The ship's weight is reduced while its strength is increased by employing aluminum
nanoparticles and nano-tubes inside the hull. The widespread application of
nanotechnology has boosted the scale of vehicle production.

Role of modern engineers in advancing society

Modern engineers have social obligations and acts as potential enablers in society.
They are enablers who are continuously dealing with ambiguity and contradictory
demands from clients, governments, environment, and societal landscape (Zandvoort,
2008). They are responsible for every generation’s extraordinary technological
advancement. In fact, they have completely transformed our society from modern
houses to bridges, spaceships, automobiles, latest mobile technology and so on. They
also play a major role in health care. Engineers and scientists played a significant role
in the advancement of medical science resulting in higher mortality rate, efficient
diagnosing, artificial intelligence, vaccination development and so on. Engineers
apply their skills to build new avenues and address any problems that arise, and they
might even use their creative ideas to do so.

Sustainable development has become a necessity in the modern world. Fortunately,


there has been an evident change of the role of engineers in the advancement of
society to the creation of sustainable innovations. Engineers have a degree of ethical
responsibility in regard to the innovative technologies that are unfolded to the society
(Beagon et al., 2019). This is critical for the efficient and safe delivery of a new idea
or project to the society.

Ethics relating to the development and introduction of innovative technology

Innovation and ethics may appear to be as two completely opposing ideas on the
surface. But when investigated the two concepts in deeper depth, ethics and
innovation go hand-in-hand. Ethics is prescriptive in nature. It defines what is right
and wrong. It limits the options and opportunities available. Innovation, on the other
hand, entails doing things in a different way, breaking the pattern or stereotype, and
overcoming limitations. There is a common misunderstanding that ethics will hinder
innovation in this way. However, this perspective fails to understand what ethics is all
about. A constructive and holistic perspective of ethics will lead to
the understanding that innovation and ethics are inextricably linked (Fontrodona,
2013). Ethics encourages and empowers innovation.

Ethics ensures that innovation takes place with the underlying idea of sustainable
development (Bryden and Gezelius, 2017)). It is critical to make sure that
development takes place sustainably so, that the requirements of the current
generation are fulfilled without sacrificing the life conditions for the future generation.
The main thread of ethics related to innovation is the creation of responsible
innovation (Grinbaum and Groves, 2013). Integrity, transparency, lucidity,
authenticity, and neutrality are some of the other ethical virtues that can assist in the
development of an innovative project or idea.

Conclusions

This essay discusses the importance of nanotechnology in the modern world. In short,
nanotechnology is the study of particles in nano scale. It has made several societal
implications on sectors like healthcare, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and
so on. These implications are explained in the essay in detail. Modern engineers have
played a critical role in these innovations. The essay also includes discussion on the
ethics related to the technological innovations.
REFERENCES

1) Anjum, S., Ishaque, S., Fatima, H., Farooq, W., Hano, C., Abbasi, B.H., Anjum,
I., 2021. Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology in Healthcare Systems:
Grand Challenges and Perspectives. Pharmaceuticals 14.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14080707

2) Beagon, U., Tabas, B. & Kövesi, K. 2019 Report on the Future Role of Engineers
in Society and the Skills and Competences Engineering will Require, A-STep
2030 - Report 1 Literature REview) 2019

3) Bhardwaj, N., Bhardwaj, S.K., Bhatt, D., Lim, D.K., Kim, K.-H., Deep, A., 2019.
Optical detection of waterborne pathogens using nanomaterials. TrAC Trends in
Analytical Chemistry 113, 280–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2019.02.019

4) Fontrodona, J., 2013. The relation between ethics and innovation. In Social
innovation (pp. 23-33). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.

5) Grinbaum, A. and Groves, C., 2013. What is “responsible” about responsible


innovation? Understanding the ethical issues. Responsible innovation: Managing
the responsible emergence of science and innovation in society, pp.119-142.

6) K. Mehta, I. Gorski, 2016. Preparing engineers for careers in social innovation


and sustainable development, in: 2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference
(FIE). Presented at the 2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), pp.
1–5. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE.2016.7757558

7) Mathew, J., Joy, J., George, S.C., 2019. Potential applications of nanotechnology
in transportation: A review. Journal of King Saud University - Science 31, 586–
594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2018.03.015

8) Srivastava, A.K., Dev, A., Karmakar, S., 2018. Nanosensors and nanobiosensors
in food and agriculture. Environmental Chemistry Letters 16, 161–182.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-017-0674-7

9) Upadhyay, S.K., Dan, S., Girdhar, M., Rastogi, K., 2021. Recent Advancement in
SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis, Treatment, and Vaccine Formulation: a New Paradigm
of Nanotechnology in Strategic Combating of COVID-19 Pandemic. Current
Pharmacology Reports 7, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40495-021-00250-z

10) Werner Matthias, Kohly Wolfram, Simic Mirjana, 2008. Nanotechnologies in


Automobiles – Innovative potentials in Hesse for the Automotive Industries and
its Subcontractors, vol. 3

11) Zandvoort, H., 2008. Preparing engineers for social responsibility. null 33, 133–
140. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043790802024082
12) Zulfiqar, F., Navarro, M., Ashraf, M., Akram, N.A., Munné-Bosch, S., 2019.
Nanofertilizer use for sustainable agriculture: Advantages and limitations. Plant
Science 289, 110270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110270

You might also like