„Nanotechnology will, once it gets under way, depend on the tools we have then and our ability to use them, and not on the steps that got us there“ – Dr. Eric Drexler (US engineer known as pioneer and visionary in the field of molecular nanotechnology (MNT)).

Nanotechnology deals with manipulation of matter at a molecular or atomic level and this sounds profoundly innovative and ultra-modern. However, would you believe it if you knew that Damascans mixed nanoparticles to reinforce steel making their swords extra sharp between the 300 and 1700 AD? How about if you knew that the Romans and Mesopotamians accomplished remarkable dispersion of metal nanoparticles into glassware giving them marvelous color and glittering appearance (e.g. Lycurgus cup, still in display at the British Museum) all the way back in 4^th century AD?

So why so much interest in nanotechnology now? It is linked to the expanding ability of #characterization tools which enable us to see and understand these teeny-tiny particles at a scale of a few nanometers (10^-9 m). Today, unlike the Romans and the Mesopotamians and the Damascans, we can see and understand these nanoparticles, thanks to #characterization techniques, such as, #Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), #Dynamic light scattering (DLS), #Energy dispersive atomic X-ray spectroscopy and many, many more. These technological advancements have opened up newer vistas in every scientific field, from environment to healthcare to aerospace engineering!

We at nEcoTox are specialists in nanomaterial characterization. We are a young and dynamic team, always eager to help our customers examine their products in accordance with international standards.

Contact me by phone: 06346/9661490 or via email: menon@necotox.de

Author: Dr. Gayathri Menon


Bild von Tomislav Jakupec auf Pixabay