Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

“The principles of physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom” – Richard Feynman

Before the term nanotechnology was even conceptualized, Feynman in his 1959 lecture “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom,” was already hinting at a field that as Professor Victoria Vesna states, “will push us over the edge into the 21^st century.”

Other than the two experimental developments that put nanotech on the map: Scanning Tunneling Microscope & Atomic Force Microscope, what I found most interesting of this unit was the manipulation and utilization of nanoparticles which were found to be versatile in applications, tech and medicine. 

[Image 1: Nanoparticles providing coloration in Roman Times]

Although it may not be evident, nanoparticles provide coloration showing an example of the intersection of nanotech + art. Another instance where the intersection is clear is stained glass in churches. Interestingly enough, stained glass cannot be achieved using other color pigments.

[Image 2: Stained Glass Coloration by Nanoparticles]

As Professor Gimzewski pointed out in the lecture videos, there are only 1000 nanoproducts (estimate during the time of lecture production) and by 2015 the world market for products that contain nanomaterials is expected to be $2.6 trillion.  There is a lot of investment going into the research and development of this field.

Here we see how nanotech is becoming pervasive in our life. Nanotech allowed for the emergence of “Nano-cosmetics.”

[Image 3: Nano-Cosmetics]

This image above shows other uses for nanoparticles such as bacteria and odor-eliminating features as found in Nanosilver particles.

L’Oreal has been a prominent leader in the field of “nano-cosmetics.” It was discovered that through nanotechnology, one could obtain every spectrum of color and thus companies can replace cosmetic products that contain carcinogenic material.

[Image 4: Quantum Dots of Varying Sizes]

There is still work and research to be done in this field, as people are worried about their safety. Once concern is that nanoparticles may penetrate human organs. Also, nanoparticles have been noted to be found in some food so this raises other concerns. Maybe their fears stem from the lack of visibility.

When you think about it, how can something that is practically invisible, be so influential in medicine, technology, art and cosmetics!

WORKS CITED: 

Anthony, Sebastian. "LG Readies 55-inch 8K TV, and New Quantum Dot 4K Display Technology | ExtremeTech." ExtremeTech. N.p., 16 Dec. 2014. Web. 24 May 2015.

Controlling the Quantum World the Science of Atoms, Molecules, and Photons. Washington, DC: National Academies, 2006. Print.

"Extraordinary Beauty of the NanoArt World: Photos : DNews." DNews. N.p., 12 Dec. 2012. Web. 24 May 2015.

Gimzewski, James. "Nanotech Jim Pt 1-6." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2015.

Kross, Nancy. "Nano-Cosmetics: Harmonizing Science And Beauty."Business and News RSS. N.p., 30 June 2014. Web. 24 May 2015.

Raj, Silpa, Shoma Jose, U. S. Sumod, and M. Sabitha. "Nanotechnology in Cosmetics: Opportunities and Challenges." Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences. Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, July 2012. Web. 24 May 2015.