Abstract

Nanotechnology is described as the control and perception of material at dimensions amid one and hundred nanometer where distinctive phenomena facilitate new applications. The word “Nano” in Nanotechnology appears from the Greek expression “Nanos” that signifies dwarf. Researchers make use of this prefix to signify 10-9 meter or one billionth; 1 One billionth fraction of a meter; a nanometer or lesser 10,000 times than the diameter of a single human hair. A substance that is that has diameter between the range of 1 to 100 nanometer is recognized as nanoparticle or ultrafine particle. Nanotechnology is amalgamation of the nanostructures into better systems for actual-world applications and Nanotechnology is a rising interdisciplinary technology that has been flourishing in lots of regions during the past ten years, counting medicine, material science, energy electronics, electronics, optics, mechanics, plastics, and aerospace. The key prospective applications of Nanotechnology to many fields of research are summarized in this context.

Keywords: Nanotechnology; Nanoparticle; Nanostructures; Nanobiotechnology; Nanoscience

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Introduction

The Nanotechnology, a border line of twenty first-century, was born out of such visions. It is described as the control and perception of material at dimensions amid one and hundred nanometer where distinctive phenomena facilitate new applications. (NNI, 2011) Though human contact to nanoparticles (NPs) has happened all the way through the human history, it has remarkably accelerated during the industrial era. The study of NPs is not something new. The idea of a ‘‘nanometer’’ was 1st suggested by Richard Zsigmondy, the Nobel award Laureate of 1925 in the subject of chemistry. He invented the word nanometer clearly to distinguish the size of particle and he was the first to microscopically describe particles, such as gold colloids. Contemporary nanotechnology was invented by Richard Feynman, the Nobel award Laureate of 1965 in physics. Throughout the American Physical Society meeting at Caltech in year 1959, he offered a lecture named, ‘‘There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom’’, in which he established the proposal of influencing matter at the level of atoms. This innovative idea revealed novel ways of thinking about matter and Feynman’s hypotheses have been confirmed. It is for these reasons that he is regarded as the father of contemporary nanotechnology. Feynman illustrated how substantial phenomena alter their manifestations depending on the scale and caused two challenges: manufacturing at a nanometer scale and reducing the size of letters to the extent that the entire Encyclopedia Britannica could fit on the top of a needle. At that time, Feynman’s concepts were accepted as mere science fiction. In contrast, nowadays, modern tools permit us to accurately assess Feynman theoretical expectations: moving atoms independently and generate physical structures. The word 'nanotechnology' was coined by Norio Taniguchi (1912-1999), a Japanese researcher who in a 1974 technology paper described operations at nanometer scale.

In 1986, Drexler co-established The Institute of Foresight to increase public acceptance of nanotechnology concepts, contributing to the inception of nanotechnology. Dressler’s academic and community work became accepted by the public at large, leading to significant progress in working at atomic level. Drexler’s vision in nanotechnology is also known as ‘‘molecular nanotechnology.’’ In 1991, Iijima, (Iijima et al., 1991), another Japanese researcher, developed carbon nanotubes, allowing researchers to discern materials at the atomic level. This resolution scale led to the 1986 awarding of Nobel Prize in physics to Heinrich Rohrer and Gerd Binnig of Zurich IBM Research Laboratory (Binning et al., 1986, nobelprize.org, 1986). Another development took place in1985 when the structure of carbon atom was identified as a bucky ball, consisting of a circular structure comprised of sixty particles. This constituted the avant-gard which preceded the 1991 discovery of carbon nanotube. Carbon nanotubes remain the nanotechnology area in which most progress was accomplished as these structures are nearly a hundred times stronger, while weighing 1/6 of the steel weight.

Today, nanotechnology is a growing interdisciplinary field that has been flourishing in many regions of the world during the past ten years, contributing to the development of various disciplines, including medicine, material science, energy electronics, optics, mechanics, plastics, and aerospace industry. Researchers make use of this prefix nano to denote a length of 10-9 meter or one billionth part of a meter. This size is one billionth of a meter or about ten thousand times smaller than the diameter of a human hair (Qian et al., 2004). A length in the range of 1 and 100 nanometer in diameter is defined as ultrafilne particle or nanoparticle (Vertet al., 2012).

Nanotechnology in Biology

Nanotechnology is the amalgamation of the nanostructures into better systems for actual-world applications. NPs are around thousand times smaller than the regular human cells. It is this minute size and other distinctive physiochemical properties that make them exceptionally attractive for therapeutic applications (Dasilva et al., 2017; Wen et al., 2016, Pathak et al., 2015; Barua et al., 2014) Over the past two decades, nanotechnology has become significant for contemporary biology and medicine and is currently the top developing field (Barua et al., 2014). Nanoparticles allow the delivery of therapeutics with utmost precision and comprise vehicles for intracellular administration (JM et al., 2009). Currently, enormous progress has been made in the utilization of micelles, carbons, artificial polymers, liposomes, and medicine–polymer polysaccharide linkages, to name a few (Ding et al., 2017, Kermanizadeh et al., 2018, Lanone et al., 2013, Vega et al., 2008) Additional benefits of nanoparticles include drug stability and extended shelf-life (Vega et al., 2008). The biomedical implementation of nanotechnology and nanoscience has enormous potential in development of new therapeutics and promises better cure for various diseases. The nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology makes use of chemistry, biology, technology, medical science and clinical sciences at nanomolecular level towards development of new therapeutic possibilities.

Miniaturized robotics, proposed in 1980s, boosted research and development of new drugs, delivery methods and advanced therapeutics at nanometer scale. Since then the field of nanomedicine has grown exponentially and many new drugs are currently administred vis nanocarriers (Pelaz et al., 2017).

Other applications of Nanotechnology

Contemporary models of economic growth are also operated by nanoscience and nanotechnologies which correspond to a novel “Technological System” (Freeman and Soete, 1987, p. 67). Studies of nanoscience are flourishing in a number of countries and researchers publish more and more on this topic (Islam et al., 2010; Bainbridge et al., 2006). The significance of nanoscience and nanotechnologies is going beyond the exposed associates of research centers and laboratories and is currently well represented in multiple domains of industrial innovation (Goddard et al., 2007). Nanoscience is the consequence of interdisciplinary collaboration of biotechnology, physics, material sciences, chemistry, and engineering in the direction of studying assemblies of atoms and molecules (Renn and Roco, 2006). The field of Nanotechnology has lots of novel potential uses (Danie et al., 2013; Ranjan et al., 2014; Dasgupta et al., 2015).

1.- Delivery of Drugs and Role of Nanotechnology

The recent ways of medicine delivery pose definite dilemmas that can be resolved by nanotechnology. Medicines are introduced into the human body by many routes such as parenteral and enteral, inhalation and topical application. Often the efficacy of many drugs is lowered due to enzymatic degradation that takes place between the administration and efficacy site. For instance, an oral preparation may undergo acidic environment-associated alterations. Parenteral drugs undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver or gut, frequently diminishing the efficacy of active ingredients (Thummel et al., 1997).

Nanotechnology provides the potential of direct intracellular administration of therapeutics, bypassing multiple barriers, including the liver, gut, or circulatory system, facilitating the treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, carcinoma, asthma, eye diseases, and genetical conditions. Several studies for these disorders are ongoing throughout the world, making use of nanotechnology to improve outcomes (Singh et al., 2005, John et al., 2003, Bourges et al., 2003, Dobson et al., 2006). Furthermore, nanoparticles can offer the possibility of encapsulation and slow release from the administration site, lowering the dosage frequencies (Hu et al., 2012). For example, utilization of nanoparticles for chemotherapeutics, have the ability to lower adverse effects by targeting selectively the malignant cells, while at the same time, achieving higher concentration in target cells. In addition, nanocrystals were demonstrated to achieve maximal drug concentration in malignant cells alone, minimizing the adverse effect of collateral damage on healthy cells (Liu et al., 2010) Along this line, magnetic NPs, ferro fluids withiron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), have been assessed for potential application in both treatment and imaging of colorectal carcinoma (Jordan et al., 1999). IONPs had focused the attention of researchers and clinicians due to their target selectivity on damaged or cancerous cells only. In this regard, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been studied due to their selective affinity for human malignant cells (petri-fink et al., 2005). For example, “hiding” IONPs within amino acid moieties was shown to increase the selectivity and intake in malignant cells. Indeed, dextran-covered IONPs demonstrated superior results in the management of breast carcinoma by magnetic heating (Hilger et al., 2005).

2.- Nanotechnology in Food Industry

Aside from physics and medicine, nanotechnology has found usefulness in food processing (Doyle et al., 2006). Indeed, nanotechnology has the capability of positively impacting alimentary industry and agriculture. Nanoscale foods can increase effectiveness, protection, absorption, and dietary value, while decreasing the odds of metabolic syndrome by lowering the glycemic index (Blundell et al., 1987; Aguilera et al., 2005). The application of this field in industries of food and agriculture was first communicated in 2003 by the by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) roadmap. Modern researches have started to address the utilization of nanoencapsulation of dynamic complexes for instance vitamins, flavors, minerals, anti-bacterial, medicines, antioxidants, colorants, microorganisms of probiotic, and micronutrients (Chen et al., 2006; Hsieh and Ofori, 2007). To keep active substances at optimal range for extended time periods, a variety of delivery systems, including biopolymer matrix, emulsions, simple solutions, and linking colloids have been created. (Jelinski et al., 2002). The toxicity and effectiveness of dispersion are reduced when tailored nanocarriers are used. (Ravi,2000; Khosravi-Darani et al., 2007). NPs outperform conventional encapsulation techniques in terms of release and encapsulation efficiency. (Roy et al., 1999). Foods can be encapsulated in NPs and released upon contact with specific atmospheric activators. For example, modifying the solution states can increase or decrease permeability or particle dissolution (Weiss et al., 2006; Chang et al., 2005; Gupta et al., 2005; Oppenheim et al., 1981). Emulsifying, mixing, as well as making inks, paints, and coatings can be done with a watery solution of starch-dependent NPs that operate in colloid-like manner (Dziechciarek et al., 2003). Enzymes can be used in food processing for altering constituents and increase nutritional value, flavor, or nutritional value. Because of their assistance in distribution via food matrix and its greater surface-to-volume proportions compared with conventional foods (Yu et al., 2005). In this regard, silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles, are efficiently hydrolyzed the olive oil with customized flexibility, steadiness, and reuse capability (Bai et al., 2006).

3. - Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry

An extensive application of nanotechnology in agriculture has been proposed, including the ‘sector of agrifood’, utilization of tracking devices, nanosensors, and targeted delivery (McClements et al., 2009; Huang et al., 2010; Ranjan et al., 2014; Dasgupta et al., 2015). Agriculture productivity can be improved through nano-material-induced genetically improved animals and plants for better nutrition (Pramanik et al., 2020). This field can also contribute to the solubility of water, heat or temperature constancy and improved biological absorption of the useful food complexes (McClements et al., 2009; McClements and Li, 2010). Utilization of nanosensors hold considerable promises as they could analyze signaling pathways, metabolisms, exposure of crop and/or soil to diseases, pollutants and pesticides (Shang et al., 2019; Husen and Jawaid, 2020). Moreover this technology can be an optional fertilizer source. In a trial, it was detected that SiO2 nanoparticles improved seed germination of Lycopersicum esculentum/tomato (Siddiqui and Al- Whaibi, 2014). These progressions will assist in escalating the bioavailability of dynamic constituents, thus minimizing the quantity of efforts to be applied as well as the amount of dissipation. Cai et al. (2014) developed nanoclays, nanoparticles of layered mineral silicates, which can be included in conventional fertilizer to advance the fertilizing capability of nitrogen. This modality minimizes loss of nitrogen and improves crop nutrition. Nanoemulsions have been utilized to enhance the biological absorption of pesticides and herbicides, minimizing crop losses (Lim et al., 2012; Jiang et al., 2013; Pant et al., 2014). Using nanotechnology many of the forest materials can be converted into valuable substances, including smart paper, nano-packaging, material to coat with, structure build up and for biomedical uses (Jasmani et al., 2020).

4. - Nanotechnology in Textile Industry

Several progresses in nanotechnology and its applications have the potential to optimize the textile industry. The customer-oriented applications in textile industry is among the leading beneficiaries of progresses in nanotechnology. Being one of the major customer-assisted industries, with considerable influence on a country’s financial system, progresses in applications of nanotechnology to advance the offer of textile properties noticeable, elevate the economic prospective for the growth of industry. It was revealed in current years that nanotechnology can be applied to improve the attributes of textile, for instance breathability, softness of fabric, permanence, and fire retardancy, repellency of water, anti-bacterial properties and the like in textiles, fabrics and yarns (Paul et al., 2004). Researchers have used a plant enzyme to synthesize gold nanoparticles (GNPs) that boost immune response in Bombax mori, an economically important silkworm (Govindaraju et al., 2011). This not only improves the survival rate of silkworm but also promote its growth and development along with the quality of silk fiber. The eco-friendly way of making GNPs may further be very useful in medical and biotechnological applications. It is anticipated that in the next decade, the development of textile industry by nanotechnology may grow into a multi-billion $ endeavor with related ecologic and monetary benefits to the consumers of textile and the public in general (Li et al., 2003). It was determined that distinctive compound fibers were manufactured from artificial nano-fibers acquired through an advanced process of electro-spinning, for instance the coagulation-based revolving method of carbon-nano-tube (Dalton et al., 2002, Schreuder et al., 2002).

Conclusion

Nanotechnology, constitutes the amalgamation of the nanostructures into better systems for real-world applications. Nanotechnology is a growing interdisciplinary field that has been flourishing in many regions during the past ten years, including medicine, material science, energy electronics, optics, mechanics, plastics, and aerospace industry. Nanotechnology applications in biology, medicine, drug delivery, food, textile industry, agriculture and forestry, are producing i promising and encouraging results that bode well for the future. Research should strive to improve and deepen these techniques to enable further progress in certain sectors of vital importance for economic development, for the common well-being and for the health of all.

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