Nano Bio Tech Environmental Nanobiotechnology G Sannia A

Nano Bio Tech ?

Environmental Nanobiotechnology G. Sannia

A Brief History of Nanotechnology In 1959, Richard Feynman (1918 -1988) of Cal. Tech gave a talk entitled "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom. “ "Why can’t we compress 24 volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica on a pin head ? “ Feynman " The biological example of writing information on a small scale has inspired me to think of something that should be possible " In the 1980 s/90 s, a team led by Richard Smalley (1943 -2005) manipulated Carbon atoms to create Fullerenes (“Buckyballs”) In 1990, IBM scientists wrote the logo IBM using 35 xenon atoms on nickel. Smalley

What is Nano? . . . . From the Greek word for “dwarf” A nanometre is 1/1, 000, 000 (1 billionth) of a metre (10 -9 m), which is around 1/50, 000 of the diameter of a human hair or the space occupied by 3 -4 atoms placed end-to-end. Term “nanotechnology” was first used in 1974 by Norio Taniguchi

The Scale of “things”

What is Nanotechnology? (Definition from the National Nanotechnology Initiative) Research and technology development aimed to understand control matter at dimensions of approximately 1 – 100 nanometre – the nanoscale. Ability to understand, create, and use structures, devices and systems that have fundamentally new properties and functions because of their nanoscale structure. Ability to image, measure, model, and manipulate matter on the nanoscale to exploit those properties and functions. Ability to integrate those properties and functions into systems spanning from nano- to macro-scopic scales.

Alice follows the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole…and falls down a very long chamber full of strange things ……. Alice then finds a small bottle labeled "DRINK ME, " and drinks it. The drink causes her to shrink. Alice accidentally leaves the key on the table, and with her diminished stature can no longer reach it and becomes very scared…. . a strange new world for Alice!

Like Alice, when Matter Falls Down the “rabbit hole” to Nano- Scale dimensions- strange things happen…. • opaque substances become transparent (copper); • inert materials become catalysts (platinum); • stable materials turn combustible (aluminum); • solids turn into liquids at room temperature (gold); • insulators become conductors (silicon). • A material such as gold, which is chemically inert at normal scales, can serve as a potent chemical catalyst. These behavioral changes –nanotechnology - stem from unique quantum and surface phenomena that matter exhibits at the nanoscale.

Nanotechnology approaches . . . Top-down approach reducing the size of the smallest structures to the nanoscale Cutting, carving and molding This approach starts with a bulk or thin film material and removes selective regions to fabricate nanostructures (similar to micromachining techniques). This top-down approach is an offshoot of standard lithography and micromachining techniques. However, this strategy becomes increasingly challenging, as the dimensions of the target structures approach the nanoscale.

Nanotechnology approaches . . . Bottom-up approach Manipulating individual atoms and molecules Components made of single molecules This method relies on molecular recognition and selfassembly to fabricate nanostructures out of smaller building blocks (molecules, colloids, and clusters). Nature efficiently builds nanostructures by relying on chemical approaches. Molecular building blocks are assembled with a remarkable degree of structural control in a variety of nanoscaled materials with defined shapes, properties, and functions, e. g. DNA.

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation…

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation… • Emergent phenomena • Convergence • Self-assembly • Self-replication • Bio-nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation… • Emergent phenomena As the size of a crystal shrinks towards the size of molecules and atoms, its electrons start to follow the laws of quantum mechanics rather than classical mechanics, and behave more like waves than like particles. The electrical and optical properties can be dramatically changed just by changing the size. • • Convergence Self-assembly Self-replication Bio-nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation… • Emergent phenomena • Convergence Progress in nanotechnology is dependent on understanding ideas from physics, engineering, chemistry and biology: it is a multi-disciplinary or convergent topic. This has implications for how we teach science and how we structure research. • • • Self-assembly Self-replication Bio-nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation… • Emergent phenomena • Convergence • Self-assembly Although most miniature devices are made by making small patterns on large objects (“top down”), it may be possible to get better control by assembling individual atoms or molecules into larger clusters (“bottom up”). Self-limiting chemical or biological synthesis can be used. • Self-replication • Bio-nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation… • Emergent phenomena • Convergence: • Self-assembly • Self-replication Borrowing ideas from biology, we can imagine machines which reproduce themselves. This has given rise to some newspaper stories about nanorobots taking over the world. Is this science fact or science fiction? • Bio-nanotechnology

What is nanotechnology? Not just about miniaturisation… • • Emergent phenomena Convergence Self-assembly Self-replication • Bio-nanotechnology By making structures which are the same size as the components of cells, we can start to manipulate biological processes, or make sensors which are sensitive to a single molecule. Or, we can exploit Nature’s nanotechnology, using DNA to assemble scaffolds or to make biomolecular motors.

The First Nanotechnology Ancient stained-glass makers knew that by putting varying, tiny amounts of gold and silver in the glass, the could produce the red and yellow found in stained-glass windows. Similarly, today’s scientists and engineers have found that it takes only small amounts of a nanoparticle, precisely placed, to change a material’s physical properties.

Nanotechnology Facts Nanotechnology is expected to be one of the most important emerging technologies for the 21 st century.

Impact on Global Economy National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) started in 2000 by President Clinton. was Since 2000, the federal government has allocated over $2 billion for nanotechnology research. $480 million of venture capital nanotechnology startups in 2005. went into (2001) European Union approved budget > € 16 B ($20 B) for R&D under EU Framework Programme. Nanotechnology, a major theme and priority, was slated to receive nearly 10% of this funding allocation. Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Israel and Switzerland have all begun similar measures.

Nanotechnology Predicted Growth $15 billion annual investment predicted within 10 years. 50% of all products produced will be influenced by nano within 10 years. Employment in the nanotechnology sector is expected to grow to 2 million workers within the next decade (US Department of Labor). Federal govt. spent $3. 7 billion for nanotechnology R&D from FY 2005 -2008. EU expects to spend an equal amount on nano R&D.

Nanotechnology Predicted Growth

Nano-Biotechnology Nanotech that looks nature for its start “At present, nanobiotechnology is a field that concerns the utilization of biological systems optimized through evolution, such as cells, cellular components, nucleic acids, and proteins, for the development of new biomaterials and analytical toolkits as well as for understanding biological phenomena in more detail. ”

Nano-Biotechnology

Nano-Biotechnology

Nano-Biotechnology Biological Systems • • Modular and Replaceable Parts Molecular Motors with Specific Targeting Durable Catalytic at Ambient Temperatures “Bottom-Up” Manufacturing Self-Assembly Genetically Re-Engineered “Functional biomolecules possess a wide range of highly desirable, intrinsic properties (e. g. , thermostability, energy conversion, actuation, etc). Such proteins can be isolated, engineered and mass -produced for integration as structural and functional components of nanoscale materials and systems. ”

Nano-Biotechnology Biological Systems Nature provides examples of nanoscale actuators and pumps. Modular and Replaceable Parts

Nano-Biotechnology Biological Systems Molecular Motors with Specific Targeting

Nano-Biotechnology Biological Systems “Bottom-Up” Manufacturing DNA RNA protein Eukaryotes DNA (exons and introns) Final m. RNA is composed of exons. c. DNA is complementary to m. RNA.

Nano-Biotechnology Biological Systems Self-Assembly Self-assembly is assembly of molecules without use of outside source. Nature provides brilliant examples of multiscale selfassembly of energy-dissipative materials, which together exhibit a range of emergent phenomena. The overarching goal of scientist work is to understand, exploit, and engineer structural and functional biomolecules to assemble integrated nanomaterials and nanodevices with unique properties” Micelles Water Self assembly

Nano-Biotechnology Biological Systems Genetically Re-Engineered Tailor-Made Proteins: Changing Amino Acids

Humanity’s top ten problems for next 50 yrs 1. ENERGY 2. WATER 3. FOOD 4. ENVIRONMENT 5. POVERTY 6. TERRORISM & WAR 7. DISEASE 8. EDUCATION 9. DEMOCRACY 10. POPULATION

Environmental applications q Pollution prevention Ø Ø Treatment remediation Sensors/detection Green manufacturing Energy production and utilization

Pollution prevention • Synthetic or manufacturing processes which can occur at ambient temperature and pressure. • Use of non-toxic catalysts with minimal production of resultant pollutants. • Use of aqueous-based reactions. • Build molecules as needed --“just in time. ” • Nanoscale information technologies for product identification and tracking to manage recycling, remanufacture, and end of life disposal of solvents.

Pollution prevention Enzymatic dye synthesis Laccase LAR 1 ABu 62 Laccase S 3 CURIE_22 Laccase catalysed azo bond formation Laccase P 6 P 8 ITU_G

Pollution prevention Biomolecular nanolithography 5 mm • Biomimetic methods of organizing metal particles 1. 5 nanometers in diameter. • Assembling the particles on a biopolymer template or scaffold stretched out on a surface. • Nanostructures are organized into well-defined chip architectures, such as lines and grids. • Process eliminates the current process chemicals that are harmful to the environment. • Nanoscale assemblies have been made that demonstrate stable, room-temperature electrical behavior that may be tolerant of defects and useful in building nanoscale circuits.

Surface properties Inversion of wettability by nanometric biofilm of hydrophobins Fungal proteins self-assembling at hydrophobic/idrophilic interfaces Hydrophobins Water contact angle (WCA) Hydrophobic surface Hydrophilic surface

Surface properties Creation of chemical nano-patterns on surfaces KOH etching is used in micromachining processes for the realization of microsystems Surface etched by KOH Unetched surface protected by hydrophobin biofim

Surface properties Immobilization of biological macromolecules on hydrophobin biofilm without loosing activity Immobilization of enzymes Immobilization of antibodies Development of biosensors and microarray

Treatment & Remediation Water Purification Nanotechnology enhancements • Easier contamination removal: filters made of nanofibers that can remove small contaminants • Improved desalination methods: nanoparticle or nanotube membranes that allow only pure water to pass through • Lower costs • Lower energy use

Energy production and utilization Solar cells Nanotechnology enhancements • Improved efficiencies: novel nanomaterials can harness more of the sun’s energy • Lower costs: some novel nanomaterials can be made cheaper than alternatives • Flexibility: thin film flexible polymers can be manipulated to generate electricity from the sun’s energy

Energy production and utilization Batteries Nanotechnology enhancements • Higher energy storage capacity and quicker recharge: nanoparticles or nanotubes on electrodes provide high surface area and allow more current to flow • Longer life: nanoparticles on electrodes prevent electrolytes from degrading so batteries can be recharged over and over • A safer alternative: novel nanoenhanced electrodes can be less flammable, costly and toxic than conventional electrodes

Monitoring Biosensors Analytical tools for the analysis of bio-material samples to gain an understanding of their biocomposition, structure and function by converting a biological response into an electrical signal. The analytical devices composed of a biological recognition element directly interfaced to a signal transducer which together relate the concentration of an analyte (or group of related analytes) to a measurable response.

Monitoring Biosensors: Bacteria that can locate biologically active pollutants. Bioluminescence: Reports presence of a pollutant. Omphalotus nidiformis, glowing with the lights off bioluminescence.

http: //www. azonano. com/nanotechnolog y-videos. aspx? cat=25 Nanotechnology and the Environment Videos Using Nanotechnology to Purify Water This video examines the work of Michael Wong in using gold and palladium nanoparticles to remove contaminants from water

Nanotechnology Providing Clean Water for Everyone Nanotechnology can help provide clean water for NASA astronauts, disaster relief teams, and field clinics. The CEO of a Vermont nanotech start-up company drinks water out of the Charles River to make his point and MOS tests the water filtering device in front of a live NECN audience.

Water Purification using Magnetic Nanoparticles Turbo. Beads magnetic nanoparticles are used to magnetically extract a dye (methylorange) from drinking water

Coating Uses Nanotechnology to Keep Building Exteriors Clean Radiant Shield Coating (RSC) by Hyperion Environmental uses the power of light to keep building exteriors clean. RSC destroys organic contaminants before they accumulate, keeping buildings cleaner, longer than ever before.

Nanotechnology Offers Solution for Mexico Gulf Oil Spill Clean-up A piece of chemically treated cotton cloth is able to separate crude oil from sea water (both from Mexico Gulf) completely within seconds by using gravity alone. The treated cloth allows water to path through but not oil. The novel surface chemical treatment method is developed by University of Pittsburgh.

IBM Makes Water Clean With Smarter, Energy-Efficient Purification IBM has unveiled a novel nanomembrane technology that stands to alleviate the growing shortage of drinkable water worldwide. New membrane that filters out salts as well as potentially harmful toxins in water such as arsenic while using less energy than other forms of water purification.

Smart Ways to Manage and Reuse Water in South Australia Uni. SA and SA Water have extended a research partnership deal that has seen SA Water invest $3. 5 m of funding into finding smart ways to manage and re-use water in South Australia.

Nanotechnology for Removing Arsenic from Drinking Water In March 2010, researchers from Rice University in Houston traveled to Guanajuato, Mexico, to conduct field tests on a new nanotechnology for removing arsenic from drinking water. The system uses nanoscale magnetite, or nanorust.

The Media and Nanotechnology (USA) Nanotechnology Regulation Needed, Critics Say December 5, 2005 Study Raises Concerns About Carbon Particles March 29, 2004 ASSESSING RISKS; Technology's Future: A Look at the Dark Side May 17, 2006 The promise and perils of the nanotech revolution; Possibilities range from disaster to advances in medicine, space July 26, 2004 Solar Energy Nanotechnology Can Replace Fossil Fuels July 11, 2005

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES q Some beleive that nanostructures/nanomaterials have not been adequately studied q Unknown toxicity of some nanomaterials Ø Fate of such structures in the environment Ø Bioassimilation of such structures in ecosystems Ø Mobility and persistence of nanomaterials Ø Trasformation/degradation products unknown