Nanotechnology + Art

 
Nanotechnology is the ability to change and alter matter on a molecular and atomic scale.  Nanotechnology affects science and technology, and will change the world in the future.  The structure of matter is what allows for nano technology to be effective in many cases. By changing these nano particles scientists have the ability to change the physical properties such as opaque to transparent, as in sunscreen, solids to liquids, and an insulator to a conductor.  We have seen examples of nano particles in ancient materials such as Roman pottery where in the daylight the object appears green, but when lit from inside the material is a red color from nano sized gold.

 
 Silver nano particles are the most popular in the world today as they may be seen mostly in everyday items such as socks and underwear.  These nano particles allow for bacteria to be killed, which eliminates smell. 

Next, we can also see Nanotechnology in nature, as we attempt to mimic nature's perfections, such as surfaces like a gecko's feet.  Scientists have attempted to copy the feet of a gecko in order to create new adhesives.  The stickiness of a gecko's feet comes from the structure of the surface of their feet.  Another example is that of a Blue Morpho butterfly that has blue reflective wings thanks to a Christmas tree-like structure that allows for light to be manipulated on a nano scale level.

 


Also, by changing the size of a nano particle, we may also change the color.   Color is nano size, and the quantum dots will change the color of a particle as we see changes in size.  If we shrink a black material, the material does not remain black, the smaller it gets the more it changes color.  Nano medicine has also been an important aspect of nanotechnology, and how doctors are attempting to use it.  Doctors have used nanotechnology to target tumors, as well as diseases with these colors inside cells.  They have also used this technology to reduce the toxicity of some cancer treatments, which would be very beneficial in our world today. 

Sources:

Gemzewski, James. "Introduction for Nanotechnology for Artists" YouTube. May 21, 2012. November 24, 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE&noredirect=1>

Curtin, John. "Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." John Curtin Gallery. Febuary 5, 2010. November 24, 2013. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>

Rothemund, Paul. "DNA Folding, in Detail" TedTalks. September 2008.  November 2013. <http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_rothemund_details_dna_folding.html>

"New Nano particles Make Blood Clots Visible" Nanowiki. February 7, 2011. November 24, 2013. <http://nanowiki.info/#[[New%20nanoparticles%20make%20blood%20clots%20visible]]>

"Making Stuff: Smaller" NOVA. January, 26, 2011. November 24, 2013. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/making-stuff.html#making-stuff-smaller>