Molecular nanotechnology

Molecular nanotechnology (MNT): a technology based on the ability to build structures to complex, atomic specifications by means of mechanosynthesis.This is distinct from nanoscale materials. Based on Richard Feynman's vision of miniature factories using nanomachines to build complex products (including additional nanomachines), this advanced form of nanotechnology (or molecular manufacturing) would make use of positionally-controlled mechanosynthesis guided by molecular machine systems. MNT would involve combining physical principles demonstrated by chemistry, other nanotechnologies, and the molecular machinery of life with the systems engineering principles found in modern macroscale factories.

Nanotechnology is going to change the world and the way we live, creating new scientific applications that are smaller, faster, stronger, safer and more reliable, including: New Medical Treatments Nanomedicine is focused on diagnosing and treating diseases and creating new drug delivery techniques with fewer side effects. Many nanomedicine findings are now in clinical trials and could soon be available to the public.

• Nanotech-enabled sensors may be able to “smell” cancer. Researchers have mapped the odor profile of certain skin cancers and are looking into ways to create a small electronic nose able to sense the airborne chemical pattern of skin cancer and other odors.

• Gold nanoparticles can be used to detect early stage Alzheimer’s. Other nanostructures can recognize diseased cells and deliver drugs to cancerous tumors without harming healthy cells or organs. Some researchers are designing new nanoparticles to improve biomedical imaging.

• Research is underway to use nanotechnology to engineer a gel that spurs the growth of nerve cells. The gel fills the space between existing cells and encourages new cells to grow. This process could be used to re-grow lost or damaged spinal cord and brain cells.