A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter(much smaller than the visible wavelength of light.) Nanotechnology is the engineering of matter at the molecular scale, and the fabrication of devices or materials in this range of size.
It has a potential wide range of applications in agriculture, industry, communications, medicine etc. Already, nanotechnology is being used commercially; for example, sunscreens made with nanotechnology do not give a whitish tinge when applied to the skin. Nanoparticles in glass screens breaks down when UV radiation falls on it, loosening the dirt on its surface, thus making it self cleaning. A chemical coating of nanoparticles on a car windscreen can make water roll down as tiny droplets, thus improving visibility even in a heavy downpour.
Since the size of nanomaterials are similar to that of most biological molecules and structures, nanomaterials can be useful in medical research and applications.
A futuristic microchip when placed in a tumor mass can collect information on the presence or absence of metastatic cells, thus determining if more aggressive cancer therapy is required or not. Novel nanostructures can help in Parkinson's disease and cardiovascular disease. Artificial tissues can be made to replace diseased kidneys, livers, and nerves. Nervous system integrated nanodevices could restore vision, hearing, and make more efficient prosthetic limbs.
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