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NANOTECHNOLOGY II SPECIAL FOCUS ON NANO IN SAVING AND IMPROVING LIVES, NANO IN EDUCATION, AND ITS GLOBAL COMMERCIALISATION
5 July 2006
LORD SAINSBURY
Nanotechnologies
have the potential to
deliver enormous
benefits to society
in terms of wealth
creation and the
achievement of
our social goals,
writes Lord Sainsbury.
p9
WELSH WIZARDS
In Wales, the
success of
products using
nanoscale
functions – and
their transition to volume manufacture
– will be a key component of future
R&D and manufacturing capability.
p11
PANEL OF EXPERTS
Experts in nanotechnology from
around the world discuss the realities
and possibilities of this technology,
and the impact it will have on both
the developed and developing worlds.
p20-21
(NA)NO IDEA
Mediaplanet and Paul
Ettinger introduce nano-
technology to the public.
Nanotechnology needs a
media partner to bridge
the gulf between the technology, its
implications and the general public.
Nanotechnology touches us every day in just about everything we do p23
Welcome to Nanotechnology II
Professor Hugh Clare is the Director of the MNT £20 billion. The number of people employed
Network which was formed in January 2004 to also doubled to about 43,000, with a further
enable the commercialisation of Microsystems 225,000 people employed in industries utilis-
Technology and Nanotechnology (MNT) for the ing the technology as a significant component
benefit of UK industry. The Network is funded by of the products they produce. The growth of
central and local government. the industry in the UK is a success story and a
prime example of the impact of the Knowledge
Economy.
The application of the technology is devel-
oping at an increasing rate, and it is vital for
managers of every company involved in man-
ufacturing and commerce to ask themselves
when it gets gloomy, and switch on the wind- the question “how can nanotechnology help
screen wipers when it starts to rain. my business?”
In medicine nanotechnology has brought Awareness packs have already been pro-
about a step change in our ability to discover duced for a number of industries with more to
new drugs; wound dressings have been devel- follow. For example, nanotechnology is being
oped and are now in everyday use that speed used in alternative energy sources including CONTENTS
up the healing process and reduce the chances high efficiency solar panels; reliable fuel cells
of infection; exciting new approaches to can- with lower maintenance costs; improved wind
cer cures are being developed, and much more. and wave power generation with the develop- Nanotechnology’s role in saving and
One of the first high volume applications of the ment of coatings to prevent ice build-up on improving lives p3
technology was pregnancy self-testing kits. blades, prevent corrosion, improved lubricants
Personal healthcare is a rapidly growing area to reduce maintenance costs and so on. A At home in the year 2020 p4
Nanotechnology impacts our with the technology enabling the manufacture range of textiles is being produced that can
everyday lives. For example, mod- of low-cost blood analysers for example. The combat odour, repel stains and dirt, repel water Five ways nano is saving lives today p6
application of nanotechnology in medicine is but allow vapour to pass through, or have
ern computers rely on the technol- saving lives everyday, and exciting research unique optical properties. The marine industry
ogy to function. Imagine the world Photography in nanotechnology p6
around the world promises much for the is making use of the technology including
without computers – everything future. anti-fouling paint to replace banned TBT;
Opportunities for those in the know p7
The chances are that when we look out of the monitoring the condition of marine engines;
from transport to commerce would
window the view is clear because of “stay- and waste water treatment. The building
literally grind to a halt. clean” glass developed and made in the UK. industry is seeing the introduction of additives How to be the supplier of choice p7
The new golf club or tennis racquet that you to concrete to improve performance; new
are using may well incorporate nanotechnolo- materials offering high strength to weight Commercialising Micro-Nanotechnology p8
The application of the technology is wide- gy – even the golf balls and the tennis balls. ratios; and even coatings on reinforcing bars
ranging and increasing at a rapid pace. It Roger Federer has won Wimbledon for the last to improve performance and eliminate corro- Nanotechnology for all p9
touches us every day in just about everything two years with a racquet incorporating nan- sion; as well as an established range of paints
we do. Every time we use a mobile phone, digi- otechnology. and coatings. Ultra small, ultra competitive p11
tal camera or mp3 player we are making use of We have seen a very rapid rise in the growth This is just a glimpse into the world of nan-
the technology. In our cars sensors using the of the Microsystems Technology and Nan- otechnology and the influence it has on our
Linking laboratory and boardroom p12
technology are ready to trigger off airbags, otechnology industry in the UK in recent years. everyday lives. Many more applications are
they look after engine management and fuel The number of companies doubled from 2004 described throughout this supplement, as
injection; and in top-of-the range cars monitor to 2005 to nearly 740, and not surprisingly the well as a glimpse into what the future holds Standardisation is the key p14
the tyre pressure, switch on the headlights turnover of the industry doubled to more than in store.
Tiny technologies create huge
energy savings p14
GreenShoots Communications
Photography with creativity, passion, innovation, and not without a little insanity…
info@greenshoots.co.uk www.greenshoots.co.uk
Watch the world take shape…
Mediaplanet presents:
NANOWORLD
A series of programs and a feature length documentary.
Producer/Director – Paul Ettinger
For more information and to become a part of NANOWORLD please contact Paul Ettinger on 0207 563 8890, paul.ettinger@mediaplanetgroup.co.uk
Coming soon
6 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES
Photography in nanotechnology
magnetics, to allow drug molecules travel through the bloodstream and
in the coatings to be diffused into effectively stick to the site of
the body. inflammation.
Time-release of drug molecules Researchers in Singapore have
can also be controlled by created a transparent wound dress-
nanoporous membranes with pores ing using nanostructured materials. In recent times, nanotechnology has become another buzz
only slightly larger than the drug This membrane allows air and mois- word to trip off the tongue. With the general public it con-
molecules themselves. ture to pass through, while protect-
Many drugs perform better in ing from bacterial infection and
jures up many emotions, often based on unsubstantiated
nanoparticulate form. It is also pos- accelerating the healing process. As facts, thus developing a sense of fear rather than an
excitement of what it can do for mankind.
Creative photography has a tremen- logical development towards a man
XXX/BOPUFDIOPMPHZDPN
Photography at this level has to
inspire and intrigue the inquisitive
mind, to search for a more rea-
soned and scientific answer,
which can be understood. and the climbing surface,
&REE .EWS #OMMENTARY
4HE "EST OF THE .ANO7EEK Norman comments: “I have known as van der Waals
always been in awe of the fan- forces. Although each hair
tastic knowledge that scientists exerts a tiny force, the hairs
,EADING )NVESTMENT E
LETTER
4HE 3MALL 4ECH 0ROSPECTOR have in seeking solutions to collectively act as a power-
mankind’s quest for a better ful adhesive. Each hair is
world. It often leaves me totally 100 millionths of a metre
+EY "OOK ON 3UCCESSFUL )NVESTING
.ANOTECH &ORTUNES mystified in understanding the long. It has 1,000 pads at the
logistics of the research. However, I tip, and these pads, or spatu-
have also learnt that my approach to lae, are 200 billionths of a metre wide.
.ANOTECH 3TOCK &ORUMS s )NSIGHTFUL )NTERVIEWS imagery in creating a visual solution
to their research has a similar effect
The gecko foot hairs split and allow a
billion spatulae to increase surface den-
upon the scientists I work with”. sity and come into close .contact with
#OLUMNISTS "LOGS the surface. This creates a strong adhe-
sive force.
Above left and right Day geckos are Researchers at various universities
)NFORMATION RELATED TO (EDGE 6# &UNDS 3EPARATELY -ANAGED !CCOUNTS wonderful climbers and have extremely around the world are using this tech-
powerful legs and feet. They can climb nology to develop “gecko tape” which
#ONTACT $ARRELL "ROOKSTEIN -ANAGING $IRECTOR any surface and can hang from glass by could enable people to walk up sheer
DARRELL NANOTECHNOLOGYCOM a single toe. This is possible because surfaces and across ceilings in the
each toe contains millions of tiny ker- future.(Like Spiderman!) Other develop-
IN 3AN $IEGO #! 53! atin hairs called setae which exert tiny ments could include applications from
intermolecular forces between them wall climbing robots to car tyres.
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES 7
Commercialising Micro-Nanotechnology
The Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialisation Edu- The Foundation’s objectives are to Specialist organisations of its members provide the main
cation Foundation (MANCEF) is dedicated to supporting accelerate the emergence of micro- Several types of memberships are sources for commercialisation, educa-
and nanotechnology-based indus- offered: charter, organisational, indi- tion and awareness.
the global creation, exchange and dissemination of tries, advance commercialisation, vidual and student. MANCEF’s char-
knowledge vital to people, organisations and governments awareness and educational opportu- ter members include leading interna- Strategic direction
interested in the commercialisation and education of nities through the promotion of con- tional companies and organisations MANCEF published the first Interna-
ferences, workshops, seminars and such as the UK’s GlaxoSmithKline tional Micro and Nano Roadmap
miniaturisation technologies. electronic-based forums and to and Surface Transform Systems, (IMNR) in 2002. Its 21 chapters were
BY DAVID TOLFREE, VICE-PRESIDENT MANCEF build a global platform, including Austria’s EV group, Germany’s written by more than 500 contribu-
communities of researchers, practi- Forschungzentrum Karlsruhe and tors from five continents (Asia, Aus-
tioners, suppliers, customers and SUSS Microtec, Holland’s MESA+ tralia, Europe, North & South Ameri-
users of miniaturisation technolo- Institute, The US Sandia National ca). It provided a strategic direction
gies. These will provide a basis for Laboratories and Zyvex Inc., the and global perspective to companies,
economic growth and prosperity worldwide Semiconductor Equip- commercialising miniaturisation
around the world. ment and Materials Institute. Eight technologies into product compo-
The Foundation originated in partnerships currently exist with nents and systems. An invaluable
1994 when the first Commercialisa- other specialist organisations, guide for businesses, technologists,
tion of Micro and Nano Systems enabling MANCEF to organise and educators and journalists, the IMN
(COMS) conference was held in run highly regarded international Roadmap is a continually updated
Banff, Canada. The conference conferences and workshops and ‘living document’. The second edition,
founders formally incorporated carry out strategic projects. issued in 2004, included seven new
MANCEF in December 2000 as a chapters devoted to nanomanufac-
US-based not-for-profit organisa- Doing the business turing, MNT, patents, equipment and
tion. Since then, MANCEF has COMS is recognised as the leading tooling, microsystems processes and
grown with a membership now in annual conference on micro and nan- MEMS packaging and assembly,
excess of 750 members representing otechnology commercialisation and foundries and RF MEMS. Additional
professionals and leaders from the premier Small Tech International chapters on micro-nano fluidics,
industry, academia and govern- business forum. Business deals valued interactive bio-nanotechnology,
ments worldwide. It has a 10-mem- at an estimated $2 billion-plus have micro-nano integration and interna-
ber executive board, an executive taken place through the COMS con- tional workforce development,
staff and a general advisory council ferences since 1994. Members benefit foundries, education and workforce
of 30 members from three global from participating in an interactive, development will be available in
regions: the Americas, Europe/ self-reinforcing community, where 2006-2007.
By David Tolfree, Vice-President MANCEF Africa and Asia/Pacific. the experience, vision and activities www.mancef.org
Nanotechnology. One of the new frontiers of scientific endeavour, giving rise to hundreds of new businesses in markets
unimagined just a few years ago. It’s a tough, demanding sector that requires unique individuals ready to forget what
has gone before and find their own path. Leaders ready to break the mould.
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Buyouts – Growth capital – Venture capital
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info@metafab.net
WWW.UK-LMC.CO.UK
+44 (0)1248 383 662
info@uk-lmc.co.uk
Contact n.best@ee.ucl.ac.uk
or phone 02076797300 for further information.
• Breaking news • Forthcoming events Firmly established as a leading global portal More than 21,000 individuals have signed up
• New products • Directory of resources for professionals and academics involved in to receive our free weekly newsalert! Join them
the fast-moving field of nanotechnology. today – visit http://nanotechweb.org
• Latest jobs • And much more…
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES 11
the University of Surrey universities and companies can provide an ideal framework to accelerate
innovation.
Experience suggests a good university-industry marriage is linked to a few
Nanotechnology is changing the face of science and technology. Whether you are a budding core factors: effective technology transfer, competent intellectual property
researcher or a future industry leader, we can help you develop fundamental understanding
and hands-on experience of nanotechnology which will allow you to participate in this rapidly
management, transparent financial agreements and clearly defined timelines
developing field. are priorities for all parties. Understanding and alignment of organisational
goals to cater for priorities is thus critical for success.
Our programmes are taught by leading scientists and engineers, and we can offer world-class jo.dixon@nanofactory.org.uk
facilities for your research. Funding is available to suitably qualified candidates.
www.nanotechnology.surrey.ac.uk/times
nanotechnology@surrey.ac.uk
Playing Lego with Artificial Atoms at Leicester SINGLE ELECTRON COUNTER BREAKTHROUGH
All matter is made of atoms. This simple One of the Physicists in Japan have made a device that can detect individual electrons
statement embodies materials science, machines that are flowing either forwards or backwards. The device – the most sensi-
used to tive ammeter to date – allows currents to be measured in the attoampere
chemistry and biology and we take it to produce range for the first time. Known as a bi-directional single-electron ammeter,
mean all substances are made of combina- size-selected the device could be used for nanoelectronics, calibration devices, quantum
tions of atoms of the 92 stable elements. metal computation or biology.
nanoparticles When it comes to detecting individual electrons, it is important to be able to
at Leicester measure electrons travelling in both the forward and backward directions
There is however a wider interpretation from the original because many electrons get ‘backscattered’ in a device. Although scientists
conception of the atom by the ancient Greek philoso- have recently been able to count sin-
phers Demokritos and Leucippus, who proposed the gle electrons travelling through an
atomon (uncuttable) as the smallest indivisible unit of able atoms as building blocks and this gives enormous individual quantum dot – a
matter. If we cut an atom of, for example, copper in half opportunities to produce novel materials. At Leicester the nanostructure that confines
we will produce two atoms of different elements, howev- technology has been developed to produce size-selected electrons in 3D – these exper-
er if we cut a macroscopic piece of copper into smaller nanoparticles of virtually any metal in environments iments have been unable to
and smaller pieces size effects set in at larger sizes than ranging from aerosols to solid matrices. Research projects work out which direction
single atoms. When the pieces are small enough to be (www.le.ac.uk/physics/research/cmp) include, develop- the electrons are travel-
called nanoparticles, that is, they have a diameter of less ment of high strength and highly magnetic nanostructured ling in. By including two
than about 10nm, their properties start to change from materials, applications of nanoparticles to healthcare, tox- quantum dots, rather than
the bulk material and, more importantly, they become icology of nanoparticles and quantum dots. Based on its one, the new device gets
dependent on the size of the particle. vigorous nanotechnology programme, the Physics and round this problem.
An exciting aspect of nanotechnology is to build sub- Astronomy department has launched a degree in “Physics
stances out of nanoparticles whose properties you can with Nanoscience and Tech- It is important to be able to measure
‘adjust’ by changing the size. It is not unlike having tun- nology” this year. electrons travelling in both the forward
and backward directions
14 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES
Researchers
As researchers, we have learned a lot
about nanotechnology, particularly
about first generation products
“ We also hear more and
more critical voices calling
for legislation on nan-
made from nano-materials. The Nano-structured coatings make paint surfaces more resistant to scratches, weathering and acids. They are also used to reduce
European Union and many national
otechnology, a moratorium wind resistance in high performance cars.
initiatives have created efficient or even a complete ban.
research clusters to look at the most How should we react to the
burning issues on health and safety Existing legislation come to a reasoned conclusion. persistent nano-materials, we
concerns around nano-materials.
suspicions and fears that Soluble nanoparticles may be Legislators are not required to re- should respect the constraints that
Today, however, we still know rela- accompany this new tech- assessed in well-established short- invent procedures on the use of our current knowledge puts on their
tively little about how nanoparticles term studies. In this case, we can degradable nanomaterials, they can application. This class of materials
interact with our bodies or the envi-
ronment. Yet very many attractive
opportunities are demanding our
nology’s introduction?
Wealth of information
“This newsletter is not about stopping nanotechnology or scaring people,”
says Michael Berger, nanoRISK editor. “It is about providing a wealth of
information, compiled in one comprehensive, easy-to-read newsletter, on
scientific research, regulatory updates and informed opinion about the
risks posed by engineered nanomaterials and what is being done about
them.” Download a free copy from www.nanorisk.org.
The term is used to cover the production of minute components and features from a wide range of materi-
als, generally in the size range of 200 microns to a few nanometres and may also be known as micro
drilling, micro cutting, micro milling, micro fabrication and micro etching.
With a long history in micro etching, PRECISION MICRO is now able to offer a range of micro machining
and micro fabrication technologies that covers this complete size requirement, in order to best meet cus-
tomers’ specific needs. From individual components for ‘proof of principle’ trials and the production of
prototype quantities, to volume manufacture PRECISION MICRO prides itself in providing the most eco-
nomical solution.
Diverse range
A diverse range of materials can be manipulated by micro-machining including: Steels, Silicon, Diamond,
Polyimide and Ceramics. Manufacturing techniques employed include microetching, laser micro machin-
ing and fabrication, Focussed Ion Beam (FIB) along with E-beam lithography and plasma etching.
Discrete components such as Microfluidics channels and filters, micro gears and other 3D structures can
be produced in batch quantities with supe-
rior repeatability, ultra fine tolerances and
outstanding edge definition using electro-
forming in conjunction with high aspect
ratio SU-8 tooling. Anyone working in the
micro-, milli- or nano-scales would be
well advised to check out the unique man-
ufacturing technology combinations that
Anthony Marrett, Precision Micro Ltd
Imagination… …engineered
Whatever your inspiration, STS takes your ideas further. As a key
provider of plasma etch and deposition technologies for over 20 years, STS
continues to deliver expert knowledge and advanced thinking to customers
based on proven technology.
STS are currently recruiting for a number of vacancies. To find out more
about our products or career opportunities visit: www.stsystems.com
M E M S . C O M P O U N D S E M I C O N D U C T O R S . P H O T O N I C S . A D V A N C E D P A C K A G I N G . D A T A S T O R A G E
(or atomic force microscope), semi- VS Nanotechnology based inhalable ogy tackle the global warming prob-
conductor nanocrystals for biologi- medicines; engineered protein lem, cure cancer, and slow the aging
cal imaging, protein engineering drugs; engineered vaccines. process.
(such as for antibody drugs).
KM A new era of medical diagnos- JN The creation of highly portable
KM Probably the Intel chip. We’re tics, which would generate signifi- low environmental impact energy
all affected by that and it’s been an cant life improvements all around generation and storage systems,
enabler for the IT revolution. the world. low-cost water filtration systems
and therapeutics in the regenerative
SM The current product I like best is SM I would like to see nanotechnol- medicine areas.
self-cleaning glass.
What is the greatest achievement VS The late Richard Smalley, Chad How would you like to see nan- Low temperature physics or cryogenics, is the science concerned with the pro-
of nanotechnology already avail- Mirkin, Paul Alivisatos, Lou Brus, otechnology improve your own duction and maintenance of temperatures much below normal, down to almost
able? Kinoshita, Gerd Binnig and Heinrich life? absolute zero. Absolute zero is the temperature at which molecular activity is at
Roehrer. a minimum. Most processes used to reduce the temperature below this level
RT In term of economic benefits: RT Making it better, easier, safer, involve the heat energy that is associated with magnetism as seen here in a
lithography. KM No single person stands out. healthier and longer lasting, through magnet spinning and hovering above an inert substance such as barium
a technology that is pervasive, but titanate. N anotubes are now seen as the next stage of frictionless bearings.
VS The scanning probe microscope SM Dr. K. Eric Drexler is the original never scary.
NANO INVISIBILITY
Invisibility cloaks that bend light might develop using
nanotechnology, experts have been reporting.
“There are probably quite a number of useful things
you could do with stealth for the military,” said
researcher John Pendry, a physicist at Imperial College
London.
More mundane applications also include hiding
obstacles. “For example, one may wish to put a cloak
over the refinery that is blocking your view of the bay,”
said researcher David Schurig, a physicist at Duke Uni-
versity in Durham, North Carolina. Moreover, objects invisible to electromag-
netic fields are isolated from them as well. “You may want to protect some-
thing from electromagnetic interference,” he added.
Nanotechnology may be able to help extract more petrol lutionary technology could help reduce the cost of sup-
from oil fields, according to researchers from The Univer- plying petrol to the market.
sity of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineer- Known as Pepfactants, the peptide technology can con-
ing and Nanotechnology (AIBN). trol the emulsions and foams used in a wide range of indus-
With oil companies forced to leave behind as much as try processes and could impact a range of products from A conceptual image of a laser being used in the clinical diagnostic application of Sur-
two barrels for every barrel of oil they produce, this revo- petroleum to specialty chemicals and therapeutic drugs. faced Enhanced Resonant Ramam detection technology.
NEWS IN BRIEF
You have (na)no idea…
I am a member of the public, I am not a sci- to compete if they notice and adopt neous. Prince Charles’ press secre-
entist. Six months ago I knew nothing about rapidly. Those that do not face rapid tary informs me that he never called
this field, this technology. obsolescence and decline.” nano ‘grey goo’, and is in fact con-
So, in the last few years much has ducting his own research into it.
BY PAUL ETTINGER changed. New standards are being Why has no dialogue with the
set, new safety measures taken. An public been set up? Surely the public
It took me many weeks and a chance years will print whatever product it entirely new infrastructure is being needs to be informed responsibly
encounter with a hyperactive nano is you want ordered from the inter- created behind the scenes. Lines of and honestly. Otherwise, how can
obsessive-compulsive with 16 years net, direct to a 3D printer in your communications between universi- we embrace this technology once it
worth of research stuffed into two home or your office. I’ve held in my ties and business, between govern- comes to the fore?
suitcases, to translate the layers of hands the plastic moulds this tech- ment and science are being put in In conclusion nano needs a trusted
scientific matter and understand this nology currently allows to be print- place. A universal nano language media partner, to bridge the gulf
technology for what it is: world ed three dimensionally. between the differing sciences needs between the technology, its implica-
changing. No person will be unaf- to be established. All these disparate tions and the general public. As the
fected, no industry will remain Disruptive sectors need to unite so that the bil- publisher of two nano supplements
unchanged and no country out of its Nanotechnology is what’s known as lions invested bear fruit, and we see and more importantly as a member of
reach. a disruptive technology, it’s a means the benefits and breakthroughs, and the public who wants to know much Death be not proud
of manufacturing that runs along- the technology achieves a fluid and more, I would like to be that bridge, At the recent Singularity Summit at
Matter at hand side the current means of manufac- safe transition to the mainstream. and through these supplements, Stanford University in the US, Ray
With nanotechnology we’re talking turing, that in years to come will online, and a series of nano pro- Kurzweil made the following radical
about manipulating matter at the phase out what we know. The ripple Addressing the public grammes and a feature length docu- prediction for the 21st century:
nanoscale, matter that’s been effect will create a seismic shift, a Why then, do so few people under- mentary (page 5) that Mediaplanet “Human aging and illness will be
around since the dawn of time, and revolution in technology like none stand what is happening in nan- are supporting I will endeavour to reversed; pollution will be stopped;
that we now have the tools to see we have seen or will see again in our otechnology? What little informa- introduce this new world in an honest world hunger and poverty will be
and manipulate at this minute scale. lifetime. Put simply, the world’s tion the media has provided has un-sensational manner. I will take solved. Nanotechnology will make it
As a result materials can be made major issues can be addressed and been misrelated and largely erro- you from the back page, back stage. possible to create virtually any
much more effective, which will positive change effected in terms of physical product using inexpensive
allow for staggering advances across environment, health, longevity of information processes, and will ulti-
all industrial sectors. life, clean water solutions, and qual- mately turn even death into a solu-
Norman Childs, Greenshoots Communications
Scrutinise this publication to find ity of life in developing countries. ble problem.”
examples of what we are seeing, It is very important that we are
what we will see: digital papers prepared for the arrival of this
whose pages will be like ultra-thin technology.
LCD screens that can clear each day A few years ago, when other coun-
and be updated via blue tooth with tries were far ahead of the UK in their
that day’s news, printers that will nano development, the DTI in a
print tailor made drugs in the doc- report entitled New Dimensions in
tor’s surgery, and print three dimen- Manufacturing: A UK Strategy for
sional bio-degradable skin for burns Nanotechnology (June 2002) said
victims, materials that will help “Disruptive technologies can also What is nanotechnology?
drugs to be delivered within the enable whole new classes of products Nanotechnology describes the cre-
body accurately and with no side and markets not previously feasible, ation and use of materials, devices
effects, chips that will cure blind- such as portable computing, mobile A conceptual image of plasma, one of the four states of matter, where gases that are and systems with novel functions
ness, fuels emitting less pollutants. phones or digital imaging. New heated to the point where they begin to release electrons. Although plasma occurs and properties that are based either
I’ve seen the prototypes for 3D print- industries and new companies grow, naturally on the sun and other stars, it is artificially produced in fluorescent lights on geometrical size or on the materi-
ing machines that in the coming and existing companies can continue and plasma displays by electrically charging a gas in order to release ultraviolet light. al-specific peculiarities of nano-
structures.
Geometrically the prefix nano
(Greek for “dwarf”) describes a scale
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
2 - 6 SEPTEMBER 2007