Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
industries and markets. Consequently, the technology is evolving
rapidly and will develop faster over the coming years. Nanomaterials
cross the boundary between nanoscience and nanotechnology
and link the two areas together [37]. Nanoscience is the study of
phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular,
and macromolecular scales, where properties differ signiicantly
from those at a larger scale. Nanotechnologies are the design,
characterization, production, and application of structures, devices,
and systems by controlling shape and size on the nanoscale.
Nanoparticles can come in a wide range of morphologies, from
spheres, through lakes and platelets, to dendritic structures, tubes,
and rods.
It is recognized that the size range that provides the greatest
potential and, hence, the greatest interest is that below 100 nm;
however, there are still many applications for which larger particles
can provide properties of great interest.
1D nanocrystals
0D systems
3D nanocrystals
2D systems
Figure 1.1
Siegel's classiication of nanomaterials [43].
According to Siegel, nanostructure materials are classiied as
zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-
dimensional nanostructures (Fig. 1.1) [43].
The irst industrial production of nanomaterials occurred in
the early 20
th
century with the production of carbon black and
subsequently, in the 1940s, fumed silica. The real burst in the
commercialization of nanoparticle production has occurred over
the last 10 years or so. One of the main drivers for this has been
the extraordinary growth in the electronics and optoelectronics as
well as in power/energy, healthcare/medical, engineering, consumer
goods, environmental and electronics industries. Table 1.1 identiies
the key applications in healthcare/medical industries.
