Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology can be defined as the process of creating functional materials, devices, and systems through control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Fundamental properties found at the nanoscale include melting temperature, thermal conductivity, charge capacity, electronic conduction, tensile strength, and even color of a material. There are two approaches for performing research within the field of nanotechnology: the top–down approach and the bottom–up approach. At present time, the practice of nanotechnology embraces both stochastic approaches and deterministic approaches wherein single molecules are manipulated on the substrate surface through the use of scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope. Some examples of using nanotechnology in the areas of computing, quantum computing, and communication devices can be seen in semiconductors, thin film storage, and magnetic random access memory. Nanoscale medicine has made significant breakthroughs in the applications of biocompatible materials, diagnostics, and treatments. Nanotechnology has made a great emergence in the field of imaging with contrast agents including biodegradable polymer-based nanogels/nanospheres/nanoemulsions, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, etc. Moreover, nanotechnology can be used in targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment and in noninvasive vaccinations such as DNA-based. The future outlook of nanotechnology trends shows the stages of nanotechnology discovery and integration of nanosystems and the converging of technologies.