Introduction to Nanotechnology?

 Cosmetics and construction for

abrasives and high-strength
What is Nanotechnology? materials.
Nanotechnology refers to the study,  Automotive industry for
manipulation, and creation of materials structural materials, fuel cells, and
and devices at the nanoscale, typically batteries.
between 1 and 100 nanometers. The  Water filtration: Carbon
word "nano" means one billionth, nanotube-based filters can remove
indicating the incredibly small scale at bacteria and viruses from drinking
which nanotechnology operates. water and are cost-effective,
particularly in developing regions.
The Nano Scale: To understand the size  Medical research: Nanoparticles
of objects at the nano scale, the can deliver medications directly to
professor uses a scale bar that compares tumor sites, and nanotechnology
the size of various objects. For example: helps combat antibiotic-resistant
 A human is about 1.5 meters tall, bacteria.
which is at the far right of the scale
bar. Nanotechnology as a Diverse Field:
 A mobile phone is approximately Nanotechnology is an expansive field
0.12 meters long. with broad applications in science,
 A human hair is 0.1 millimeters medicine, and industry. It aims to create
wide, about 100 micrometers (or devices and materials at a scale that’s
microns). nearly invisible to the naked eye, with
 Bacteria like E. coli are about 2 immense potential for innovation.
microns in length.
 Viruses, such as the rhinovirus Tools and Techniques at the Nano
(common cold), are just 30 Scale: In this course, you'll learn about
nanometers wide, which is 10,000 various tools and techniques to study
times smaller than a human hair. and create at the nanoscale. Examples
 DNA molecules have a width of include:
around 2 nanometers, about one  Electron Beams: Used to create
billionth the size of a human. patterns as small as 10
This gives you an idea of the relative nanometers.
sizes, with nanotechnology dealing with  Atomic Layer Deposition:
features at or below 100 nanometers. Materials can be deposited one
atomic layer at a time, creating
Nanotechnology in Everyday Life: structures as small as a nanometer
Nanotechnology is used in various thick.
industries, often without us realizing it.  Electron Microscopy: Allows us to
Some applications include: image objects at the nanoscale by
 Consumer electronics like mobile using electrons rather than light.
phones and laptops.  Optical Characterization:
 Fabric coatings for stain Measures how light interacts with
resistance.
 materials to understand their Benefits of Nanotechnology in
properties. Agriculture

1. Nano-Based Agrochemicals
The Future of Nanotechnology:
Nanotechnology is a constantly evolving o Improves fertilizer efficiency
field. New applications are emerging (e.g., nano-copper and
every day, and the next big nano-nitrogen fertilizers),
breakthroughs are likely to come from helping plants absorb
the minds of those studying and working nutrients and fight diseases.
with nanotechnology today.
o Targets weeds and pests
Nanotechnology offers vast
precisely without damaging
opportunities in science and industry,
crops.
from medicine to consumer goods. This
course will explore how to fabricate and 2. Nanotechnology for Genetic
characterize at the nanoscale, providing Plant Engineering
you with the knowledge and skills to
o Scientists have genetically
become a "nano maker."
engineered plants to be more
resistant to pests and
What is Nanotechnology in Farming? diseases, improving crop
 Definition: Nanotechnology in productivity. By adding DNA
agriculture refers to the from plants with good traits,
manipulation of nanoparticles (1 to these plants can survive in
100 nanometers in size) to improve diverse conditions.
farming production. 3. Plant Disease Diagnosis
 How It Works: These tiny o Nanotechnology aids in early
particles can help plants grow detection of plant diseases,
better, protect crops from pests, preventing them from
and make farming more efficient. spreading.
Nanomaterials are only used after
thorough research to ensure they o Nanomachines can also
don't harm plants, animals, or check if food is spoiled before
humans. it reaches consumers.

 History of Nanotechnology in 4. Nanotechnology in Post-

Agriculture: Nanotechnology Harvest Management
gained momentum in the 1980s o Nanotechnology is used to
when scientists developed
improve the shelf-life of
microscopes capable of seeing
seeds and food, helping to
particles as small as atoms. This
reduce food waste and
breakthrough allowed
saving money for farmers
nanotechnology to be applied to
and consumers.
various fields, including agriculture,
to enhance food production and 5. Nanotechnology in Animal
improve farming techniques. Breeding and Animal Health
 o Detects diseases and Introduction to Nanotechnology
enhances animal health
 Definition: Nanotechnology
using nanoparticles.
involves manipulating atoms and
o Makes treatments more molecules at the nanoscale (100
effective and less expensive. nanometers or less).

Disadvantages of Nanotechnology in  Focus: Design, fabrication, and

Agriculture application of materials and
systems with precise control over
1. Bioaccumulation
their properties.
o Metal nanoparticles may
 Techniques:
accumulate in animals’
bodies, potentially causing o Bottom-up approach:
health issues. Assembling materials from
the atomic/molecular level.
2. Unpredictability
o Top-down approach:
o Long-term effects of
Breaking down larger
nanoparticles on plants,
structures to nanoscale
animals, and humans are still
dimensions.
unclear.
What are Nano Robots?
3. Phyto-toxicity
 Definition: Nano robots (nanobots)
o Overuse or improper use of
are microscopic devices operating
nanoparticles can harm
at the nanoscale, designed for
plants, reducing their growth.
molecular or cellular-level tasks.
Potential and Challenges
 Field: Nanorobotics combines
 Promotes Sustainability: robotics, nanotechnology, and
Increases productivity while material science.
reducing pollution.
 Applications:
 Research Needed: More studies
1. Disease Detection and
are essential to ensure safety and
Diagnosis:
avoid complications from
nanotechnology in farming.  Detect molecular
biomarkers for early
Nanotechnology has the potential to
disease diagnosis.
revolutionize agriculture by improving
productivity, ensuring food security, and  Example: Identifying
reducing environmental impact. tumor markers in
However, careful research and regulation cancer.
are vital to address its risks and
2. Medical Treatment:
maximize its benefits.
 Perform minimally
Nano Robots invasive surgeries.
  Deliver targeted 5. Exploration and Sensing:
medications directly to
o Deep-sea exploration:
affected cells, reducing
Mapping ocean floors,
side effects.
studying marine ecosystems.
 Potential for cancer
o Space missions: Navigating
treatment with high
extreme environments on
precision.
celestial bodies like Mars.
Applications of Nano Robots
Potential and Challenges
1. Manufacturing and Assembly:
 Nano robots promise
o Precise control of materials at advancements in multiple fields,
the atomic level. including healthcare,
environmental science, energy, and
o Reduces material waste and
materials.
improves product quality.
 Challenges:
2. Energy Production:
o High production costs.
o Enhancing solar cells’
efficiency by improving light o Technical difficulties in
absorption. controlling nanoscale
devices.
o Improving energy storage
systems like batteries and o Ethical and safety
supercapacitors. considerations.
o Converting waste heat into Key Takeaways
electricity.
 Nano robots represent a
3. Environmental Cleanup: groundbreaking technology that
could revolutionize industries
o Remove pollutants from
through precision and efficiency.
water, soil, and air.
 Their applications range from
o Examples: Neutralizing heavy
improving healthcare treatments to
metals in water or capturing
enabling advanced exploration in
airborne pollutants.
extreme environments.
4. Material Science:
What is Gene Technology?
o Developing self-healing
materials to repair damage Gene technology refers to various
autonomously. methods that study and manipulate
genes to improve life. It includes:
o Creating smart coatings with
 Understanding gene expression.
adaptive properties (e.g.,
self-cleaning or anti-  Utilizing natural genetic variation.
corrosion).
  Modifying genes and transferring  What it is: Introducing new DNA
them to new hosts. into a patient’s cells to treat
genetic diseases.
Applications of Gene Technology
o Example: In cases like cystic
1. Genetic Engineering
fibrosis, a functioning gene is
 What it is: A process where introduced to correct a
human genes are transferred to mutated gene.
host organisms (e.g., bacteria) to
o How it works: New genes
produce substances like insulin.
are delivered via vectors,
 Example: Genetically modified usually non-harmful viruses,
(GM) crops. that carry the genetic
material into cells.
o Benefits: Increased
nutritional value, resistance  Applications: Can block harmful
to pests, drought, and decay- genes, switch off malfunctioning
causing fungi/bacteria. genes, or even kill diseased cells
(e.g., in cancer).
o Purpose: To enhance food
security and make crops 4. Genetic Testing
more durable, which is
 What it is: A process used to
essential with a growing
diagnose genetic disorders or
human population.
confirm suspicions of a genetic
2. Vaccines disease.

 How they work: Vaccines contain o Examples: Testing for cystic

inactive viral particles (antigens) fibrosis, Huntington’s
that trigger the production of disease, or prenatal testing
antibodies in the body. If exposed for conditions like Down
to the virus later, the body is syndrome or trisomy 18.
already prepared to fight it.
 Applications: Used when there
 Challenges: Vaccines can be are symptoms of a genetic disease,
expensive and require refrigeration, a family history of a genetic
which can be problematic in condition, or in pregnancy.
developing countries.

 Solution: Edible vaccines.

Ethical Considerations in Gene
Scientists inject altered viruses into
Technology
plants like bananas, which grow to
produce virus proteins. When 1. Environmental Impact
eaten, they act like traditional
o Could inserted genes
vaccines, helping the body build
spread to non-GM plants,
immunity.
affecting biodiversity?
3. Gene Therapy
2. Economic Concerns
 o Will farmers rely on are highly debated in science,
expensive GM seeds instead especially in agriculture, despite
of saving seeds for the next medical applications like GM insulin
season? being widely accepted.

3. Moral Questions Humans have been modifying

plants and animals for thousands of
o Is it ethical to modify
years through selective
genomes between species?
breeding.
o Should gene therapy be used
 Difference from Selective
for non-medical
Breeding:
enhancements (e.g.,
baldness, obesity)? o Traditional methods rely on
chance for favorable traits
4. Potential for Misuse
over generations.
o Could gene technology be
o GMOs allow precise selection
exploited to create
of traits, like pest resistance
"superhumans" for
or higher yields / bigger
intellectual or physical
fruits.
advantages?
Concerns about GMOs
o Raises concerns about
individual consent and 1. Gene Flow
human rights.
o GM crops could mix with non-
Regulation and Future GM crops, potentially
spreading engineered traits.
 Most countries have strict laws
(e.g., bans on human embryo o Terminator Seeds (sterile
editing). plants) were proposed to
prevent this but sparked
 Science creates possibilities, but
public backlash.
humans must decide their
responsible use. 2. Health and Safety

Gene technology holds immense o After 30+ years and

potential for improving health, food thousands of studies, GM
security, and quality of life. However, food has been deemed as
ethical, legal, and moral questions must safe as non-GM food.
be addressed to ensure its benefits
o Example: BT Crops produce
outweigh its risks.
proteins targeting specific
Are GMOs Good or Bad? pests, harmless to humans
but lethal to insects.
What are GMOs?
3. Herbicide Resistance
 GMO (Genetically Modified
Organism):
 o Most GM crops are resistant reducing fertilizer use and
to glyphosate, leading to its mitigating climate change.
increased usage.

o Over-reliance on herbicides
Future of GMOs
may lead to unsustainable
farming practices. 1. Climate Resilience

4. Corporate Practices o Development of crops

resistant to drought, floods,
o Critics often target business
and erratic weather.
models of large agrochemical
corporations rather than the 2. Carbon Capture
technology itself.
o Engineering plants like the
o Farmers may face economic American chestnut to capture
dependency on GM seed carbon and combat climate
producers. change.

Benefits of GMOs 3. Feeding a Growing Population

1. Pest Resistance o By 2050, global food demand

is expected to rise by 70%.
o Example: BT Eggplant/ BT
Talong in Bangladesh o GMOs offer a solution to
reduced pesticide use by intensify farming without
80%, improving farmer expanding agricultural land.
health and income.
Conclusion
2. Disease Resistance
 GMOs are a tool with immense
o Example: Hawaiian Papaya potential to revolutionize
was genetically modified to agriculture and combat
resist the ringspot virus, environmental challenges.
saving the industry.
 While concerns about corporate
3. Nutritional Improvement practices and ecological risks are
valid, GMOs themselves are not
o Development of crops with
inherently harmful.
enhanced nutrients (e.g.,
vitamin-enriched rice,  By integrating GMOs responsibly,
antioxidant-rich fruits). they could help save our biosphere
and secure a sustainable future for
4. Environmental Impact
humanity.
o GMOs reduce the need for
"Genetic Engineering in 6 minutes |
fertilizers, pesticides, and
What Is Genetic Engineering?"
land clearing.
 Examples: Breeds like Golden
o Potential for plants that draw
Retrievers (loyal, friendly) or
nitrogen from the air,
 Samoyeds (great fur) demonstrate o Institutions like Sophia
desirable traits. Genetics use AI for
personalized medicine.
 These traits are linked to DNA
structure.  Gene Cloning:
 Genetic Engineering: Aims to o Produces exact DNA
transfer or modify these traits in duplicates, aiding medical
other organisms to address specific research like vaccine
problems or improve development.
characteristics.
Applications of Genetic Engineering
What is Genetic Engineering?
1. Agriculture:
 Definition: The process of altering
o Enhances crop productivity,
DNA by adding or removing genes
nutrition, disease resistance,
to create desirable traits.
and fertilizer efficiency.
 Applies to animals and plants,
o High-yield crops developed
creating GMOs (Genetically
using recombinant DNA and
Modified Organisms).
tissue culture.
 Became possible in the 1980s
2. Medicine:
when Bob Fraley and others
introduced new DNA into plant o Produces large quantities of
cells. vaccines, enzymes, and
hormones at low costs.
Types of Genetic Engineering
o Vaccines created with gene
1. Adding Genes:
cloning are safe and
o Introduces new features, e.g., contaminant-free.
using plant genes to facilitate
3. Biofuels:
pest resistance.
o Bioengineered energy crops
2. Removing Genes:
produce biomass for
o Eliminates unwanted traits, conversion into fuels like oils,
e.g., removing genes linked alcohol, and diesel.
to cancer risk.
4. Scientific Research:
Advancements in Genetic
o GMO animals (e.g., mice)
Engineering
used for studying genes
 Machine Learning and AI: related to health and disease.
o Tools like Google’s Deep o Some GMO animals, like
Variant and Deep Genomics salmon, are created for
accelerate gene sequencing human consumption.
and drug testing.
Risks of Genetic Engineering
 1. Food Allergies:

o GMOs might introduce

unexpected allergens.

2. Gene Spread:

o Foreign DNA could transfer to

non-GMO plants or animals.

3. Animal Health:

o Genetically modified animals

could develop unforeseen
genetic issues.

Precaution: Research must be thorough

and regulated to prevent potential risks.