Scott Huh DESMA 9 Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

Nano-particles in textile, making clothes waterproof

This week, a UCLA professor from the CNSI department, Dr. Gimzewski, gave insightful lectures about nanotechnology. Prior to this week, I did not have a very good understanding of what nanotechnology is. In fact, I thought it was merely a form of technology that focused on small products, such as circuits and microchips. Therefore, I was shocked to find that nanotechnology actually deals with systems that are as small as 100 nanometers. I was even more surprised to discover that nanotechnology products, such as nano-particles in sportswear, food, and waterproof glass, are present in our daily lives. 

Food being injected with nano-particles to provide
essential nutrients for humans

One nanotechnology product that I found most interesting was interactive personalized food. Companies have found ways to nano-encapsulate vitamins into food, which provide essential nutrients for humans. Using this exact concept, nanotechnology can be used to prevent nutrient pollution, which is one of the largest on-going environmental issues in the United States. Nutrient pollution refers to excess nutrients from fertilizers and pesticides contaminating water. Fertilizers, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, used in farms and individuals homes have polluted "many streams, rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal waters for the past several decades, resulting in serious environmental and human health issue" (Environmental Protection Agency, 2017). Farmers and homeowners use fertilizers to provide essential nutrients for plants to help them grow better, faster, and healthier. However, like interactive personalized food, nano-particles can provide plants with necessary nutrients, replacing fertilizers and thus reducing nutrient pollution. Similar to the edible nano wrappers that was mentioned in the lecture, nanotechnology can reduce environmental waste and pollution. Possibilities with nanotechnology are endless, and preserving the environment through nanotechnology is protecting the art of nature itself.

Plants being injected with nano-particles, providing nutrients for healthy plant growth

References:

“Application of Nanotechnology in Agriculture.” Avens Blog, 16 May 2016, www.avensonline.org/blog/application-of-nanotechnology-in-agriculture.html. Accessed 29 May 2017.

Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part 1.” 22 May 2017.

Katz, Josh. “Surge in Food Nanotechnology Worries Consumers.” FindingDulcinea, 4 Aug. 2008, www.findingdulcinea.com/news/science/July-August/Surge-in-Food-Nanotechnology-Worries-Consumers.html. Accessed 29 May 2017.

“Nanotechnology in Textiles-Wrinkle Resistant, Stain Resistant, and Antimicrobial Clothing.” Nanotechnology in City Environments, Arizona State University , www.nice.asu.edu/nano/nanotechnology-textiles—wrinkle-resistant-stain-resistant-and-antimicrobial-clothing. Accessed 27 May 2017.

Raliya Research Scientist, Washington University in St Louis, Ramesh, and Pratim Biswas Chairman, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis. “How Nanotechnology Can Help Us Grow More Food Using Less Energy and Water.” The Conversation, 25 May 2016, theconversation.com/how-nanotechnology-can-help-us-grow-more-food-using-less-energy-and-water-59034. Accessed 29 May 2017.

“The Problem.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 10 Mar. 2017, www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/problem. Accessed 29 May 2017.