How nanotechnology transforms our everyday lives

Nanotechnology is appearing in all sorts of places you might not expect.

Here are some of the products benefiting from nano innovations. 

Nanomedicine 

In the medical field, wound dressings or surgical equipment coated in nano-silver marks only the start of developments. 

Although most of the possibilities are at various stages of testing, nanotechnology offers an entirely new approach. For example, nanoparticles could be use to deliver drugs to specific types of cells – like chemotherapy to cancer cells.

Nanoparticles released in the bloodstream might also catch free radicals which occur during allergies and block them. And nano-silicate applied to wounds can reduce bleeding by absorbing the water and causing the blood to clot more quickly.

And nanoshells might be used in lasers to concentrate the beam towards the affected cells without damaging the healthy cells around them.

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Batteries

Electronic devices that are based on nanotechnology are often more powerful than their conventional counterparts.

Lithium-Ion batteries that have the graphite on the negative electrode replaced with nanomaterial are better suited for storing the lithium ions that would otherwise get lost after many recharges.

The batteries have a high recharge performance and a longer life cycle.

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Clothes and accessories

Nanotechnology can also be found in clothes and other accessories. All kinds of garments are equipped with nanoparticles making them wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, waterproof or with woven-in sunscreen.

Special shoe pads are able to absorb food odor. Athletes benefit from special material that leaves their shirts and pants breathable.

Nano-silver can be found in the coating of laundry machines and as an ingredient of the laundry detergent, and serve as a disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria.

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Surface refinement 

Nanotechnology also allows a special treatment of transparent surfaces like visors, protection goggles or windows to avoid the condensation of water and the resulting fogging. Nano-silicone is embedded in a layer of polymer and applied to the transparent surface.

The particles prevent the water particles from sticking and absorbing the light that would otherwise shine through.

Next to this anti-fogging effect, surfaces treated with nanoparticles also imitate the characteristics of the leaves of the lotus flower. Tiny irregularities in the surface structure prevent water from sticking – it rather bounces off and leaves no traces behind.

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Computer equipment 

For the development of computer chips, smaller and faster isn’t good enough any more. Heat reduction is the new buzzword.

To allow the microchips to cool down despite the huge amount of data that is shot through them, carbon nano tubes could serve as heat sinks and prolong the lifetime of chips and processors.

Hardware like notebooks, mouses or keyboards are often coated in a thin layer of nano-silver, again using the antibacterial characteristics of the particles.

Flatscreens are made even flatter by nanotech-tubing with polymer films – the light-emitting diodes equipped with these are simply smaller and lighter.

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Photography and film

Camera manufacturers have also discovered the advantages of nanotechnology.

Photo lenses are made less reflective and less prone to fogging with a special hydrophobe nano coating. Photo paper with a nano-ceramic surface can make printed photos last longer.

They are resistant to heat, humidity, light and ozone and other influences that would make them fade after some time.

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Cosmetics and skin care 

Nanotechnology in cosmetics first appeared over 40 years ago, when moisturising creams included liposomes that entered the skin cells to deliver water. Ever since, nanotechnology has spurred innovation in eye, hair, and skin care.

Although considered risky by many experts, nanoscale zinc oxide particles are used in sunblocks to absorb UV light.

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Food preparation and refrigeration 

Nano-silver is known for its antibacterial characteristics.

To prevent germs from spreading too quickly in the kitchen, nanotechnology is used in a multitude of appliances from kitchenware to cooking supplies, from refrigerators to laundry machines.

They are all treated or infused with silver particles that render them resistant to many germs and bacteria and prevent food from spoiling or surfaces from becoming moldy.

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