The world of nanotechnology

M.I. LITTER; A. AHMAD

Industrial Applications of Nanoparticles ? A Prospective Overview

Taylor and Francis

Año: 2023; p. 1 - 15

Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly evolving fields of the 21st century. It can be defined as the ability to convert the nanoscience theory to useful applications by observing, measuring, manipulating, assembling, controlling, and manufacturing matter at the nanometer scale (1-100 nm). In only a few decades, nanotechnology and nanoscience have become of fundamental importance to industrial applications and medical devices, such as diagnostic biosensors, drug delivery systems, and imaging probes. In the food industry, nanomaterials have been exploited to increase drastically the production, packaging, shelf life, and bioavailability of nutrients. Some nanostructures display antimicrobial activity against food-borne bacteria, and many different nanomaterials are nowadays used as food sensors to detect food quality and safety. Nanomaterials are being used to build a new generation of solar cells, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydrogen storage systems capable of delivering clean energy. In this chapter, a brief history of nanotechnology, the classification and preparation of nanoparticles, and a summary of applications are described.