Nanotechnology: How Nanomaterials Are Changing the Game

A series of advances in materials and design have enabled manufacturers to work at scales smaller than a billionth of a size to create devices and objects of nanoscopic dimensions. This is nanotechnology, which, although relatively new, produces materials and technologies already used in mass production.

The European Commission defines nano as any material that is at least 50% composed of particles between one and one hundred nanometers in size (i.e. one billionth of a meter, or one-millionth of a millimeter). Nanomaterials differ from conventional materials because of their unique properties such as higher electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, sensor technologies, and biomedical applications, and because they can create coatings that make surfaces more hydrophobic or self-cleaning.

The widespread use of nanotechnology is relatively new. Since 2000, nanomaterials have been used industrially as new research and experimental designs have made their effectiveness in different sectors clear. For example, in the health field, nanotechnology helps to reduce diagnostic errors and to develop nanobots (microscale robots) to repair and replace intercellular structures, or repair DNA molecules; in the chemical sector, it facilitates coating devices with nanoparticles to improve their smoothness and heat resistance; in manufacturing, materials developed with nanotechnology enhance the performance of the final product by improving heat resistance, strength, durability, and electrical conductivity.

And in the environmental area, nanotechnology applications in water and waste management considerably reduce carbon emissions and, through nano-coatings, reduce automobile emissions, and improve energy efficiency in solar and hydrogen fuel cells.

There are currently several startups in the world that have dared to capitalize on nanotechnology in various sectors. Some already offer nanotech wearables that are integrated into clothing for remote monitoring of a patient; ​​ French startup, Poly-Dtech, manufactures nanomolecule biomarkers for the diagnosis of pathologies and medical imaging. A Canadian company, Litus, extracts lithium using nanotechnology to do so in a more efficient and environmentally responsible way. In the manufacturing sector, an Israeli startup, Nemo Nanomaterials, created industrial additives based on nanocarbons to improve material properties and performance parameters such as strength, weight, and electrical conductivity.

On environmental issues, a British startup sustainably filters water using graphene (a substance composed of pure carbon) and nanotechnology to remove heavy metals, pollutants, bacteria, and salt. This provides an efficient method for filtering wastewater and desalinating saltwater.

Another startup in South Korea, Dou Ys’ Chem, developed a formulation of cellulose nanofibers to quickly moisturize dry and rough skin by ensuring the balance of oil and moisture to keep the skin hydrated for longer. One more, from Greece, made a high energy density cell with nanomaterials to enable lithium-ion batteries to operate at low temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius and retain up to 60% of their original capacity at lower temperatures in drones, industrial vehicles, power tools, and expeditions.

But nanotechnology concerns more than just Europe, North America, or Asia. Four years ago, a startup was created in Chile that is a pioneer in the practical application of nanoscience to solve real-world problems. Vittorio Stacchetti, founding partner, explains its mission “is to create innovative solutions that improve the quality of life and promote a cleaner and safer future. From self-disinfecting surfaces to controlled drug release systems, our technologies transform how we interact with our environment. More than a company, we are agents of change shaping the future.” This startup seeks to make its customers' chemicals and processes more efficient.”

In summary, Popular nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, are already manufactured and widely applied in various products, such as sailboat hulls, bicycle frames, and spacecraft components. In electronics, nanoscale design is creating highly flexible devices and circuit boards. Soon, nanoscale robots - called nanomachines or nanites - could revolutionize the construction of medical devices. Soon, nanotechnology and manufacturing will be linked in ways that will inform future processes.

Nanotechnology is transforming numerous aspects of our daily lives. Whether in medicine, electronics, energy, or the environment, its applications are diverse and far-reaching.

As Stacchetti says: “Nanotechnology is revolutionizing how we address hygiene and safety challenges. In a world increasingly concerned about health and cleanliness, nanotechnology offers innovative and effective answers We are creating solutions that go beyond the conventional.”