‘Nanotech evolved over billions of years’

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: nano-scale.

In which other areas was nanotechnology used in ancient times?

Yes, there are many more examples. The attractive colouring on ancient Czech glasses is found to contain nano particles. This shows that nanotechnology was used for spraying and making a product look attractive. However, over a period of time this knowledge was lost. Now it is being rediscovered and reinvented.

How and when did we rediscover nanotechnology in modern times?

In 1974, Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi coined nanotechnology to mean precision making. Earlier in 1966, the American physicist, Richard Ferynmann, in a seminal paper—explained the concept of nanotechnology. In 1986, K Reic Drexier’s book—Engine of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology— was published. Today, the increasing use of nanoparticles in microprocessors or chips for electronic devices has been upheld by Moore’s law, which says that the power of microprocessors doubles and the cost of production are reduced by half in every 18 months.

What is fullerenes? Has its discovery helped in the development of nanoscience?

I and my colleagues Harold Kroto and Richard Smalley at the University of Sussex and Rice University discovered fullerenes in 1985. Fullerenes are a family of carbon allotropes named after Richard Buckminster Fuller and are sometimes called buckyballs, when in a spherical configuration. They are molecules composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Cylindrical fullerenes are called carbon nanotubes or buckytubes.

Fullerenes are similar in structure to graphite, which is composed of a sheet of linked hexagonal rings, but they also contain pentagonal (or sometimes heptagonal) rings that prevent the sheet from being planar. Carbon nanoscience is a newer concept, while carbon nanotechnology is much older. Carbon nanoscience needs powerful tools like structures, synthesis and uses (nanotechnology). Carbon nanoscience had its humble beginning in 1889 when a US patent was accorded to TV Hughes & CR Chambers for fibre from swamp gas—CH2. The discovery of fullerenes gave carbon nanoscience a push.

Nano carbon tubes can be used in electronics, healthcare, solar cells, light harvesting and composites. Nanotechnology can address environmental concerns if it’s deployed in manufacturing, disposal, transportation and exposure.

What are its applications in medical therapy?