research paper on nanotechnology

Materials Advances

Nanomaterials: a review of synthesis methods, properties, recent progress, and challenges.

ORCID logo

* Corresponding authors

a Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected]

b Center for Environment and Water, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

c Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

d Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0203, USA E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected]

e Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Nanomaterials have emerged as an amazing class of materials that consists of a broad spectrum of examples with at least one dimension in the range of 1 to 100 nm. Exceptionally high surface areas can be achieved through the rational design of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials can be produced with outstanding magnetic, electrical, optical, mechanical, and catalytic properties that are substantially different from their bulk counterparts. The nanomaterial properties can be tuned as desired via precisely controlling the size, shape, synthesis conditions, and appropriate functionalization. This review discusses a brief history of nanomaterials and their use throughout history to trigger advances in nanotechnology development. In particular, we describe and define various terms relating to nanomaterials. Various nanomaterial synthesis methods, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, are discussed. The unique features of nanomaterials are highlighted throughout the review. This review describes advances in nanomaterials, specifically fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, nanodiamonds, carbon nanohorns, nanoporous materials, core–shell nanoparticles, silicene, antimonene, MXenes, 2D MOF nanosheets, boron nitride nanosheets, layered double hydroxides, and metal-based nanomaterials. Finally, we conclude by discussing challenges and future perspectives relating to nanomaterials.

Graphical abstract: Nanomaterials: a review of synthesis methods, properties, recent progress, and challenges

Article information

research paper on nanotechnology

Download Citation

Permissions.

research paper on nanotechnology

N. Baig, I. Kammakakam and W. Falath, Mater. Adv. , 2021,  2 , 1821 DOI: 10.1039/D0MA00807A

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence . You can use material from this article in other publications, without requesting further permission from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given and it is not used for commercial purposes.

To request permission to reproduce material from this article in a commercial publication , please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page .

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party commercial publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page .

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content .

Social activity

Search articles by author, advertisements.

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals

Nanoscience and technology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Nanoscience and technology is the branch of science that studies systems and manipulates matter on atomic, molecular and supramolecular scales (the nanometre scale). On such a length scale, quantum mechanical and surface boundary effects become relevant, conferring properties on materials that are not observable on larger, macroscopic length scales.

research paper on nanotechnology

Ultrafast, nanoscale control of electrical currents using light

Tailoring symmetries in an innovative class of optoelectronic metasurface produces a rich landscape of tunable current patterns down to the nanoscale. These materials provide opportunities for ultrafast light-controlled charge flows that could have applications in terahertz science, information processing and other realms.

research paper on nanotechnology

Noble sandwich

  • Bart Verberck

research paper on nanotechnology

Pixel-correlated computing for detecting and tracking targets in dim lighting

An approach to dynamically control the photoresponsivity of pixels in a computational sensor based on local image gradients enables the precise and robust detection of edge features of targets in dim light conditions from a single image capture.

Related Subjects

  • DNA nanotechnology
  • Nanobiotechnology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanoscale devices
  • Nanoscale materials
  • Nanotoxicology
  • Other nanotechnology
  • Techniques and instrumentation

Latest Research and Reviews

research paper on nanotechnology

Stepwise on-surface synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanoribbons

The atomically precise on-surface synthesis of carbon-based nanostructures is of relevance for electronic and optoelectronic devices, but achieving control over such architectures remains challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate the selective stepwise on-surface synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanoribbons with well-defined topologies and structures, and predict variable band gaps dependent on ribbon width.

  • Shuaipeng Xing
  • Ziliang Shi

research paper on nanotechnology

Single-molecule RNA sizing enables quantitative analysis of alternative transcription termination

The development of RNA technologies demands accurate assessment of transcript size and heterogeneity. Here, authors report a nanopore-based approach to study full-length RNA transcripts at the single-molecule level, identify premature transcription termination and study rolling-circle transcription.

  • Gerardo Patiño-Guillén
  • Jovan Pešović
  • Ulrich Felix Keyser

research paper on nanotechnology

Creation of a point-of-care therapeutics sensor using protein engineering, electrochemical sensing and electronic integration

Low-cost point-of-care sensors are vital for precision medicine. Here, the authors have repurposed a glucometer for breast cancer therapeutic detection capable of sensing tamoxifen in human blood, utilizing blood glucose to power and amplify the therapeutic signals

  • Chiagoziem Ngwadom
  • Caroline M. Ajo-Franklin

research paper on nanotechnology

Metal-insulator transition effect on Graphene/VO \(_\text {2}\) heterostructure via temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and resistivity measurement

  • Kittitat Lerttraikul
  • Wirunchana Rattanasakuldilok
  • Salinporn Kittiwatanakul

research paper on nanotechnology

Combining thermal scanning probe lithography and dry etching for grayscale nanopattern amplification

  • Berke Erbas
  • Ana Conde-Rubio
  • Juergen Brugger

research paper on nanotechnology

Enhancement of the mechanical properties in ultra-low weight SWCNT sandwiched PDMS composites using a novel stacked architecture

  • Pavithra Ananthasubramanian
  • Rahul Sahay
  • Nagarajan Raghavan

Advertisement

News and Comment

Super-aligned carbon nanotube neutralizers for aerospace.

Beyond applications in information technology, medicine, energy storage and environmental technologies, nanotechnology could also find uses in large-scale sciences such as the aerospace industry. Here, we showcase the applications of carbon nanotubes as electron field emitters for neutralizers in satellites, discussing both the fabrication processes and technical prospects.

Wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding at 400-nm interconnect pitch

Wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding is an attractive 3D integration technology for stacking multiple heterogeneous chips with high 3D interconnect density. We highlight recent design and technology innovations that enable hybrid Cu, SiCN-to-Cu and SiCN bonding with interconnect pitches down to an unprecedented 400 nm.

  • Soon Aik Chew
  • Joeri De Vos

research paper on nanotechnology

A DNA clutch controls a golden nanomachine

The engine of a microscopic motor can be coupled or uncoupled from the rotor by means of DNA coatings that respond to a variety of stimuli.

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

research paper on nanotechnology

Captcha Page

We apologize for the inconvenience...

To ensure we keep this website safe, please can you confirm you are a human by ticking the box below.

If you are unable to complete the above request please contact us using the below link, providing a screenshot of your experience.

https://ioppublishing.org/contacts/

IEEE Account

  • Change Username/Password
  • Update Address

Purchase Details

  • Payment Options
  • Order History
  • View Purchased Documents

Profile Information

  • Communications Preferences
  • Profession and Education
  • Technical Interests
  • US & Canada: +1 800 678 4333
  • Worldwide: +1 732 981 0060
  • Contact & Support
  • About IEEE Xplore
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
  • Privacy & Opting Out of Cookies

A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. © Copyright 2024 IEEE - All rights reserved. Use of this web site signifies your agreement to the terms and conditions.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/02/nist-led-working-group-developing-standards-organ-chip-research

NIST-Led Working Group Developing Standards for Organ-on-a-Chip Research

When testing a new medicine, researchers must do more than assess how well that drug works. They also have to determine whether the medicine has some negative, unintended consequences.

To do that now, scientists have a couple of choices in pre-clinical studies: They test the drugs in vitro – that is, with laboratory equipment outside the body – and in vivo – that is, in animal models.

But a growing number of researchers are experimenting with a third way, something that’s sort of in between the two. It’s called organ-on-a-chip, and it involves growing real tissue from a human organ on a small structure that mimics what that organ tissue would experience inside a body. 

Organ-on-a-chip device illustration

These structures are not computer chips but microfluidic devices – tiny instruments that provide the moist environment that body tissue needs to thrive, complete with a fluid that brings nutrients to mimic, to some extent, what the blood does in the body when flowing past cells. In recent years, more sophisticated microfluidic devices have also been made that expand and contract tissue to simulate, for example, conditions within the lungs.

By mimicking the organ’s microenvironment, researchers hope to get a better idea of how the medications might affect these tissues in a person without relying on an animal model. 

Though many groups around the world are developing this technology, each has its own protocols, styles of measurements, and even terminology. As a result, the studies can’t be easily intercompared, which some researchers feel is slowing progress in the field.

To address this need for standardization, NIST is leading a working group to develop a set of guidelines and standards for organ-on-a-chip systems. The group includes researchers from industry, academia, and other government agencies, from around the world.

In a paper published this week in the journal Lab on a Chip  the working group laid out their case for why these standards will help the field grow. 

Artist’s rendering of an organ-on-a-chip device

“This is step one: to publish a summary of guidelines so that people will start to get interested in standardization,” said NIST’s Darwin R. Reyes, chairperson of the working group. “But the ultimate goal is to get fully developed standards.”

The working group also held a workshop at Michigan State University (MSU) in April 2023. Participants included representatives from industry, academia, and government, including NIST, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , and the European Commission , the executive branch of the European Union. NIST co-sponsored the workshop alongside the co-chair of the group, Nureddin Ashammakhi from MSU.

Right now, the group is gathering input from the various organ-on-a-chip stakeholders, people who are researching or funding organ-on-a-chip projects. This involves asking stakeholders what they need, and what recommendations they have for standardizing their own technology. Though there are many organs represented in organ-on-a-chip research, the group has chosen three – the heart, kidney, and liver – as models to begin their data collection.

“The members of the working group want to focus on issues that have to do with the engineering of these systems,” Reyes said. “For example, how would flow actually affect the cells that are in the systems? How do you maintain a number of cells that is in accordance with the ratio of cells that are in real organs? And what volume of fluid in these systems will be comparable to the number of cells we’re putting in to make it similar to real organs?”

One challenge the group faces is that many commercial organ-on-chip devices contain proprietary information, meaning companies making their own devices can’t divulge what’s inside. Any standards the working group develops would focus on the input and the output of the devices, Reyes said, without specifying how the company achieves that result.

NIST is a logical leader for a project like this, Reyes said, because it’s a neutral entity, an institute that doesn’t compete with anyone else. 

“Being at NIST allowed me to gather people together from all over the world to tackle this issue of standardizing organ-on-a-chip research,” Reyes said. “They wouldn’t have come in if it wasn’t NIST talking about standards.

“That’s part of our mission, to help industry,” Reyes said. “This is one of the ways we can do that.”

--Reported and written by Jennifer Lauren Lee

Paper: D.R. Reyes, M. Esch, L. Ewart, R. Nasiri, A. Herland, K. Sung, M. Piergiovanni, C. Lucchesi, J.T. Shoemaker, J. Vukasinovic, H. Nakae, J. Hickman, K. Pant, A. Taylor, N. Heinz, N. Ashammakhi. From animal testing to in vitro systems: advancing standardization in microphysiological systems. Lab on a Chip . Published online February 15, 2024. DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00994G

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings
  • Advanced Search
  • Journal List

Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences 1 , 2

Pothur r. srinivas.

3 Atherothrombosis and Coronary Artery Diseases Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 4 Division of Nutrition Research Coordination, 5 Office of Science Policy Analysis, Office of Science Policy, Office of the Director, 6 Office of Dietary Supplements, Office of the Director, and; 7 Nutritional Science Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892; 8 University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; 9 Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239; 10 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901; 11 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana, IL 61801; 12 National Institute for Food and Agriculture, USDA, Washington, DC 20024; 13 Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick, MD 21702; and 14 Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111

Martin Philbert

Tania q. vu, qingrong huang, josef l. kokini, hongda chen, charles m. peterson, karl e. friedl, crystal mcdade-ngutter, van hubbard, pamela starke-reed, nancy miller, joseph m. betz, johanna dwyer, john milner, sharon a. ross.

The tantalizing potential of nanotechnology is to fabricate and combine nanoscale approaches and building blocks to make useful tools and, ultimately, interventions for medical science, including nutritional science, at the scale of ∼1–100 nm. In the past few years, tools and techniques that facilitate studies and interventions in the nanoscale range have become widely available and have drawn widespread attention. Recently, investigators in the food and nutrition sciences have been applying the tools of nanotechnology in their research. The Experimental Biology 2009 symposium entitled “Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences” was organized to highlight emerging applications of nanotechnology to the food and nutrition sciences, as well as to suggest ways for further integration of these emerging technologies into nutrition research. Speakers focused on topics that included the problems and possibilities of introducing nanoparticles in clinical or nutrition settings, nanotechnology applications for increasing bioavailability of bioactive food components in new food products, nanotechnology opportunities in food science, as well as emerging safety and regulatory issues in this area, and the basic research applications such as the use of quantum dots to visualize cellular processes and protein-protein interactions. The session highlighted several emerging areas of potential utility in nutrition research. Nutrition scientists are encouraged to leverage ongoing efforts in nanomedicine through collaborations. These efforts could facilitate exploration of previously inaccessible cellular compartments and intracellular pathways and thus uncover strategies for new prevention and therapeutic modalities.

Introduction

“Nanotechnology” is the creation of functional materials, devices, and systems through the manipulation of matter at a length scale of ∼1–100 nm. At such a scale, novel properties and functions occur because of size ( 1 ). This emerging field is becoming important in enabling breakthroughs of new and effective tools in the medical sciences (e.g. nanomedicine), because it offers the possibility of examining biological processes in ways that were not previously possible. The medical use of nanotechnology includes the development of nanoparticles for diagnostic and screening purposes (i.e. early detection of cancer), development of artificial cellular proteins such as receptors, DNA and protein sequencing using nanopores and nanosprays, the manufacture of unique drug (and nutrient) delivery systems, as well as gene therapy and tissue engineering applications ( 2 ). Nanotechnology offers a range of tools capable of monitoring individual cells at the level of individual molecules. It enables researchers to investigate and monitor cellular and molecular function and to alter systems that are deregulated in disease. It is conceivable that nanomachines with the ability to circulate through the bloodstream, kill microbes, supply oxygen to hypoxic organs, or undo tissue damage could one day be delivered to the human body through medicines or even foods. There are challenges with the emergence of nanomedicine that include issues related to toxicity and the environmental impact of nanoscale materials. The social, ethical, legal, and cultural implications of nanotechnology must also be considered.

In nutrition research, nanotechnology applications may assist with obtaining accurate spatial information about the location of a nutrient or bioactive food component in a tissue, cell, or cellular component. Ultrasensitive detection of nutrients and metabolites, as well as increasing an understanding of nutrient and biomolecular interactions in specific tissues, has become possible. In theory, such new technologies have the potential to improve nutritional assessment and measures of bioavailability. They may help to identify and characterize molecular targets of nutrient activity and biomarkers of effect, exposure, and susceptibility and therefore may also inform “personalized” nutrition. Specific applications of nanotechnology to date in food and nutrition include: modifying taste, color, and texture of foods; detection of food pathogens and spoilage microorganisms; enhancing nutrition quality of foods; and novel vehicles for nutrient delivery, as well as serving as a tool to enable further elucidation of nutrient metabolism and physiology ( 3 – 5 ). For example, one food technology application involves creating coatings for foods and food packaging that serve as barriers to bacteria or that contain additional nutrients ( 6 ).

Nutritional products claiming to use nanotechnology are currently available in the market. It is important to recognize that the potential toxicity of nutrients can be affected by a change in particle size [see ( 7 ) for current updates]. Furthermore, little is known about the absorption and excretion of nanoparticles by experimental animals or in humans. Thus, there are challenges with the application of nanoscale compared with microscale materials. These include higher exposure per unit mass; small size:large surface area ratio; different routes of exposure due to smaller size (i.e. dermal penetration); different distribution to tissues by virtue of their different size or surface coating, chemistry, or particle charge; and novel properties of a nanoscale material that may alter absorption, digestion, metabolism, or excretion in the body.

To highlight nanotechnology applications and challenges for nutrition research and to encourage collaboration between various disciplines with the aim of advancing food and nutrition research, a symposium was convened at Experimental Biology 2009 on the topic “Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences.” This session presented various nanotechnology approaches for use in food and nutrition research. It also identified several safety/regulatory issues in nanotechnology, foods, and health. Experts focused on topics that included “Nanotechnology approaches for medical and nutrition research,” presented by Martin A. Philbert, University of Michigan School of Public Health. He provided an overview to set the stage about the application of nanotechnology in research, particularly focusing on how nanotechnology will be used to guide new prevention and therapeutic strategies for nutrition scientists. “Quantum dot technologies for visualizing live cell dynamic signaling and ultra-sensitive protein detection” was presented by Tania Q. Vu, Oregon Health and Sciences University. She discussed the use of quantum dots (QD) 15 to visualize cellular processes. The 3rd presentation, focused on nanotechnology applications for increasing bioavailability of bioactive food components in new food products, was presented by Dr. Qingrong Huang, Rutgers University (entitled “Bioavailability and delivery of dietary factors using nanotechnology”). “Food, nutrition and nanotechnology research: challenges and promises” was presented by Jozef Kokini, University of Illinois. He provided a compendium of nanotechnology opportunities for food science as well as safety and regulatory issues. A panel comprised of individuals from various federal agencies discussed and emphasized research opportunities and challenges in nanotechnology, foods, and health. The sections that follow provide a synopsis of each of these topics as well as recommendations for future applications of nanotechnology research in the nutritional sciences.

Nanotechnology approaches for medical and nutrition research

Dr. Martin Philbert discussed the challenges and opportunities of nanotechnology applications in clinical and nutrition settings. The very properties of nanostructured materials that make them so attractive could potentially lead to unforeseen health or environmental hazards ( 8 ). Some of these properties include high aspect ratio, bio-persistence, reactive surfaces and points that are capable of producing reactive oxygen species, composition and solubility. Coating the nanoparticle with biocompatible materials, however, has been shown to significantly reduce toxicity in some applications. Dr. Philbert also encouraged the design of products and processes in nanotechnology that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. The translation of much of the current research in nanotechnology into clinical practice will rely on solving challenges that relate to the toxicity of nanoparticles.

Examples from this presentation highlight both the promises/possibilities and problems of nanomedicine. Probes encapsulated by biologically localized embedding (PEBBLE) 15 are sub-micron optical sensors that have been designed for minimally invasive analyte monitoring in viable, single cells ( 8 ). PEBBLE nanosensors are composed of matrices of cross-linked polyacrylamide, cross-linked poly(decyl methacrylate), or sol-gel silica, which have been fabricated as sensors for H + , Ca 2+ , K + , Na + , Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , Cl − , and some nonionic species ( 9 ). A number of techniques have been used to deliver PEBBLE nanosensors into mouse oocytes, rat alveolar macrophages, rat C6-glioma, and human neuroblastoma cells ( 9 ). Using gene gun injection as a delivery method, a sol gel-based PEBBLE nanosensor for reliable, real-time measurement of subcellular molecular oxygen was inserted into rat C6 glioma cells. The cells responded to differing oxygen concentrations and provided real-time intracellular oxygen analysis. The PEBBLE contained an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent indicator, Ru(II)-Tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) chloride ([Ru(dpp) 3 ] 2+ ), and an oxygen-insensitive fluorescent dye, Oregon Green 488-dextran, as a reference for the purpose of ratiometric intensity measurements ( 10 ). The small size and inert matrix of these sensors allow them to be inserted into living cells with minimal physical and chemical perturbations to their biological functions. Compared with using free dyes for intracellular measurements, the PEBBLE matrix protects the fluorescent dyes from interference by proteins in cells, enabling reliable in vivo chemical analysis. The matrix significantly reduces the toxicity of the indicator and reference dyes to the cells so that a wide variety of dyes can be used in optimal fashion. Hence, the sol gel-based PEBBLE sensors are extremely useful for real-time intracellular measurements such as oxygen levels. It is conceivable that PEBBLE technology can be utilized to monitor nutrient metabolism, the effects of reactive oxygen species generation, and ion distributions.

A nanoimaging example highlights the current challenge of brain tumor surgery to achieve complete resection without damaging normal structures near the tumor. Achieving maximal resection currently relies on the neurosurgeon's ability to judge the presence of residual tumor during surgery ( 11 ). The use of fluorescent and visible dyes has been proposed as a means of visualizing tumor margins intraoperatively. Such investigations have been hampered by difficulties in achieving tumor specificity, achieving adequate visual contrast, and identifying a dye useful for a wide range of tumors. Dye-loaded nanoparticles may be able to meet these challenges ( 11 ). Nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance contrast agents have been demonstrated to be useful to visualize portions of tumor in the brain that would be unclear with conventional imaging techniques. Nanoparticle-based contrast agents with a core of iron oxide crystals with or without a shell of organic material, such as polyethylene glycol, have been designed for such purposes ( 11 ).

Challenges related to nanoparticle clearance and toxicity need to be overcome before nanoparticles can be used clinically. Also, a greater understanding of the relationship between toxicity and particle size, geometry, pharmacokinetics, and surface coating is required before nanoparticles should be used in clinical practice.

QD technologies for visualizing live cell dynamic signaling and ultra-sensitive protein detection

Dr. Tania Vu demonstrated how nanotechnology can offer new capabilities that allow investigators to probe the function of key molecules using multiple modalities at the scale of single molecules in live cells. QD allow investigators to examine activities that cannot normally be resolved under a microscope with conventional dyes and florescent labels. When excited by laser light, the QD nano crystals emit photons and shine more brightly and longer in duration than any conventional label. Dr. Vu presented 2 main QD-based technologies that her laboratory has developed to investigate cellular function: 1 ) QD imaging probes for imaging protein trafficking and endocytic events in live cells; and 2 ) ultrasensitive QD assays for studying protein expression and specific protein-protein interactions in limited cell samples. Dr. Vu described tracking a protein within rat cells that regulates the growth of nerve tissue with the use the peptide ligand β nerve growth factor (NGF) conjugated to QD surfaces ( 12 ). The βNGF-QD were found to retain bioactivity, activate tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) receptors, and initiated downstream cellular signaling cascades to promote neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells. This example of receptor-initiated activity of QD-immobilized ligands has wide-ranging implications for the development of molecular tools and therapeutics targeted at understanding and regulating cell function. It is possible that QD may soon be used to visualize drugs or nutrients as they move in cells and cellular compartments in living systems.

QD hybrid gel blotting, which allows the purification and analysis of the action of QD bioconjugate-protein complexes in live cells, was also discussed. This is an alternative approach to PAGE-based Western blotting and immunoprecipitation ( 13 ). Interestingly, the protein interactions that are identified can also be correlated with spatial location in cells. Dr. Vu initially employed this technique to investigate the association of ligand NGF with the TrkA receptor in PC12 cells ( 14 ). It was found that NGF-QD could be retrieved and separated from a mixture of cellular lysate, NGF-QD were colocalized with an anti-TrkA receptor antibody, indicating TrkA −NGF-QD ligation, and discrete NGF-QD were bound to TrkA receptor puncta on the cell membrane surface. This novel nano-based technique has several advantages as a method for: 1 ) identifying specific QD-protein interactions in cells; 2 ) correlating QD-protein interactions with their spatial location in live cells; 3 ) studying the size and composition of QD bioconjugate probes/complexes; and 4 ) directly isolating and visualizing proteins from complex mixtures, offering an improvement over traditional bead-based immunoprecipitation methods ( 13 ).

These QD-based technologies offer investigators a means to probe specific inter-molecular interactions with significantly improved sensitivity and to relate these interactions with high-resolution in real time in live cells at the scale of single molecules. Nutrition researchers can adopt these QD-based technologies to examine questions of interest in nutrient metabolism and physiology.

Bioavailability and delivery of dietary factors using nanotechnology

Dr. Qingrong Huang described how the disease prevention properties of dietary supplements such as polyphenols have attracted much attention in recent years. Their biological effects include antioxidative, anticancer, and other properties that may prevent chronic disease as suggested by evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies. Sales of the dietary supplements are high and growing annually. Thus, the development of high quality, stable dietary supplements with good bioavailability could become important. Although the use of dietary supplements in capsules and tablets is abundant, their effect is frequently diminished or even lost, because many of these compounds present solubility challenges. The major challenges of dietary polyphenols include their poor water solubility and oral bioavailability. Thus, novel delivery systems are needed to address these problems.

Dr. Huang presented a series of experiments integrating food processing, formulation, and in vivo/in vitro test development for the design of novel polyphenol nanocapsules, specifically for the water insoluble compounds curcumin, extracted from the turmeric plant ( Curcuma longa ), and dibenzoylmethane, a β -diketone analogue of curcumin. For example, high-speed and high-pressure homogenized oil-in-water emulsions using medium-chain triacylglycerols as oil and Tween 20 as emulsifier, were successfully prepared to encapsulate curcumin ( 15 ). These curcumin nanoemulsions were evaluated for antiinflammatory activity using a mouse ear inflammation model. An enhanced antiinflammatory activity was demonstrated (43 and 85% inhibition effect of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced edema of mouse ear for 618.6 and 79.5 nm 1% curcumin oil-in-water emulsions, respectively), but a negligible effect was found for 1% curcumin in 10% Tween 20 water solution ( 15 ). Dr. Huang highlighted other recent in vivo biological and pharmacological experiments, which included a skin carcinogenesis model, measures of a series of proinflammatory biomarkers, and products that have demonstrated greatly improved antiinflammation activity and oral bioavailability of nanoencapsulated curcumin and dibenzoylmethane.

A wide variety of encapsulation platforms, including nanostructured emulsions, water-in-oil-in-water or oil-in-water-in-oil double emulsions, solid lipid or biopolymer-based nanoparticles, and direct conjugation of phytochemicals to biopolymer side chains have been developed to encapsulate food constituents for enhanced delivery and bioavailability ( 6 , 16 ). With the aid of nanoencapsulation, in vivo absorption and circulation of bioactive food components appear to increase, which should assist in achieving the desired concentration and biological activity of these compounds. Although an increase in nutrient intake from an enhanced food supply may be beneficial, food and nutrition professionals may need to monitor overconsumption and potential signs of toxicity more closely. Additionally, micronutrient imbalances may become more prevalent and drug-nutrient interactions will also require careful observation ( 5 ). Thus, a greater understanding of the metabolic consequences of nutrients in novel food systems are required as nanotechnology applications expand in the food sciences.

Food, nutrition, and nanotechnology research: challenges and promises

Dr. Josef Kokini described the opportunities for nanotechnology applications to foods and agriculture, including nanomaterials in food packaging, food protein-based nanotubes to bind vitamins or enzymes, and rapid sampling of biological and chemical contaminants using nanocantilevers as detection tools for water and food safety. Nanotechnology has the potential to transform the entire food industry by changing the way food is produced, processed, packaged, transported, and consumed. Applications in food packaging are very promising, because they can improve the safety and quality of food products ( 17 ). The use of bionanocomposites for food packaging not only has the potential to protect the food and increase its shelf life but can also be considered more environmentally friendly, because such composites would reduce the requirement to use plastics as packaging materials, thus decreasing environmental pollution in addition to consuming less fossil fuel for their production ( 17 ). Zein, a prolamin and the major protein found in corn, has been an important material in science and industry because of its distinctive properties and molecular structure. Novel approaches are expected to yield new applications for zein in the foods and biodegradable plastics industry. After solvent treatment, zein can form a tubular structure meshwork that is inert and resistant to microbes ( 17 ). Zein nanoparticles have been synthesized and examined as edible carriers of flavor compounds, for nanoencapsulation of dietary supplements, as well as to improve the strength of plastic and bioactive food packaging. Importantly, controlling the uniformity and organization of zein films at the nanolevel is critical for its mechanical and tensile properties. Dr. Kokini et al. ( 18 ) tested different solvents and found that zein films that were generated in acetic acid were smoother and structurally more homogeneous than those produced using ethanol. Other investigators are examining the use of silicates to strengthen zein films.

Novel nanosensors are being tested to detect food pathogens. Array techniques with thousands of nanoparticles on a platform have been designed to fluoresce in different colors on contact with food pathogens. Furthermore, intelligent packaging with nanosensors is being considered that has the ability to react to the environment and perhaps interact with the food product with specific applications. One application might be to detect food spoilage.

The challenges for the application of nanotechnology in food and food science were also described. Because of their increased surface area, nanomaterials might have toxic effects in the body that are not apparent in bulk materials. Extensive use of nanoparticles in foods as additives is less likely in the near future because of possible safety concerns. Although nanomaterials from food packaging would not ordinarily be ingested or inhaled, the potential exists for unforeseen risk, such as release of airborne nanoparticles that might aggravate lung function or inadvertent consumption due to leakage of packaging materials into foods. The U.S. FDA requires that manufacturers demonstrate that food ingredients and food products are not harmful to health, but specific regulations about nanoparticles do not exist. Although there is a lack of regulation and knowledge of risk, still there are a number of food and nutrition products that claim to contain nanoscale additives, including iron in nutritional drink mixes, micelles that carry vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in oil, and zinc oxide in breakfast cereals ( 17 , 19 ). Although more research is needed on the health consequences of nanoparticles, it is unclear what the full range of concerns are, because measurement of exposure to nanomaterials is neither well developed nor characterized. Therefore, an emerging challenge to benefiting from nanotechnology is having the foresight to develop and use it wisely. To this end, governmental agencies (via the National Nanotechnology Initiative) are working together to proactively research and evaluate the benefits and harms of nanotechnology.

Research opportunities and challenges in nanotechnology, foods, and health

A panel discussion entitled “Research Opportunities and Challenges in Nanotechnology, Foods and Health” followed the presentations and included federal government representatives from the Division of Nutrition Research Coordination, NIH (Dr. Crystal McDade-Ngutter), Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (Dr. Charles Peterson), and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA; formerly Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service), USDA (Dr. Etta Saltos). Each panelist provided information about research opportunities in nanotechnology from their agencies that would be of interest to nutrition scientists as well as a perspective on the challenges of nanotechnology, foods, and health. The NIH has supported many initiatives on the topic of nanotechnology, such as the NIH Nanomedicine Roadmap Initiative ( 20 ) and the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer ( 21 ), but none that have been specifically targeted for nutrition research. More opportunities for nutrition scientists to interact and collaborate with nanotechnology experts were emphasized as a way forward for such NIH applications. Similarly, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command supports a Nanotechnology and Biomaterials Portfolio that is focused on identifying novel developments in materials science and biomaterials that can improve drugs and devices for diagnosis and therapy of a broad range of medical conditions ( 22 ). NIFA, USDA in collaboration with food and agricultural scientists from land grant universities and the National Nanotechnology Initiative agencies developed the first strategic roadmap titled “Nanoscale Science and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems” ( 23 ). The resulting NIFA, USDA initiative “Nanoscale Science and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems” has been offered every other year with next cycle of new applications to be announced in fiscal year 2010 ( 24 ). The goal of this program is to provide knowledge, expertise, and highly qualified research and development in nanotechnology for food and agricultural systems. Examples of 2008 priorities included novel nanoscale processes, materials and systems with improved delivery efficacy, controlled release, modification of sensory attributes, and protection of micronutrients and functional ingredients suitable for food matrices as well as the assessment and analysis of perceptions and acceptance of nanotechnology and nano-based products by the general public, agriculture, and food stakeholders using appropriate social science tools.

During the discussion, several research areas in the nutritional sciences that would benefit from nanotechnology applications were highlighted (summarized in Table 1 ). Nutrition scientists may wish to leverage ongoing efforts and collaborate with experts in nanotechnology so that novel approaches can be developed to tackle many of these research questions. The panel discussion provided insight into the research opportunities and challenges concerning applications for nanotechnology so that nutrition and food scientists can be more informed and productive in their research endeavors.

Examples of research areas in nutrition with nanotech enhancement potential

Recent advances in biomedical and agricultural technology will likely assist in advancing our understanding of health and disease processes. The symposium “Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences” highlighted new and emerging technologies that are currently, or soon to be, available for nutritional sciences. Examples discussed included: 1 ) nanoscale optical sensors, such as PEBBLE, for intracellular chemical sensing; 2 ) QD technologies to visualize and quantify cellular protein interactions; 3 ) nanoencapsulation of bioactive food components to improve their bioavailability; and 4 ) intelligent food packaging that acts as a biosensor to monitor and detect spoilage or infection ( Fig. 1 ).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is nut1400119fig1.jpg

Examples of nanotechnology applications and their associated discipline highlighted during the symposium.

Nutrition and food science research areas that might benefit from applying or understanding nanotechnology include research that aims to: 1 ) identify sites of action (molecular targets) for bioactive food components; 2 ) characterize biomarkers that reflect exposure, response, and susceptibility to foods and their components; 3 ) identify new target delivery systems for optimizing health; and 4 ) improve food composition. Because there is little information about the potential health risks of nanoparticles, more research on the toxicology of nanoparticles, both on a case-by-case basis and for general applicability, is also warranted. Nanotechnology has the potential to advance the science of nutrition by assisting in the discovery, development, and delivery of several intervention strategies to improve health and reduce the risk and complications of several diseases. This symposium was designed to enhance knowledge and understanding about technologies that may be utilized or are currently being employed and or/modified for nutrition and food science research. It is hoped that by highlighting these technologies the potential benefit of nanomaterials to revolutionize food and nutrition research is recognized.

Acknowledgments

P.R.S. and S.A.R. wrote the paper and had primary responsibility for final content; M.P., T.Q.V., Q.H., J.L.K., E.S., H.C., C.M.P., K.E.F., C.M-N., V.H., P.S-R., N.M., J.M.B., J.D., and J.M. provided essential materials and information for the creation and revisions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

1 Published as a supplement to The Journal of Nutrition . Presented as part of the symposium entitled “Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences” given at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting, April 21, 2009, in New Orleans, LA. This symposium was sponsored the Division of Nutrition Research Coordination, NIH; the Nutritional Science Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, NIH; the Office of Science Policy, Office of the Director, NIH; Office of Dietary Supplements, Office of the Director, NIH; the Atherothrombosis and Coronary Artery Diseases Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH; and the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. This symposium was supported by the Division of Nutrition Research Coordination, NIH; the Nutritional Science Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, NIH; and the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. The symposium was chaired by Pothur R. Srinivas and Sharon A. Ross. Guest Editor for this symposium publication was Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson. Guest Editor disclosure: Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson had no conflicts to disclose.

2 Author disclosures: P. R. Srinivas, M. Philbert, T. Q. Vu, Q. Huang, J. L. Kokini, E. Saos, H. Chen, C. M. Peterson, K. E. Friedl, C. McDade-Ngutter, V. Hubbard, P. Starke-Reed, N. Miller, J. M. Betz, J. Dwyer, J. Milner, and S. A. Ross, no conflicts of interest.

15 Abbreviations used: NGF, nerve growth factor; NIFA, National Institute for Food and Agriculture; PEBBLE, probes encapsulated by biologically localized embedding; QD, quantum dot; TrkA, tyrosine kinase A.

COMMENTS

  1. (PDF) Nanotechnology: A Review

    Abstract. This review paper look into the present aspects of "Nanotechnology". It gives a brief description about Nanotechnology and its application in various fields viz. medicine, computing ...

  2. Nanotechnology for a Sustainable Future: Addressing Global Challenges

    Nanotechnology is one of the most promising key enabling technologies of the 21st century. The field of nanotechnology was foretold in Richard Feynman's famous 1959 lecture "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom", and the term was formally defined in 1974 by Norio Taniguchi. Thus, the field is now approaching 50 years of research and application. It is a continuously expanding area of ...

  3. Research articles

    Read the latest Research articles from Nature Nanotechnology. ... Nature Nanotechnology (Nat. Nanotechnol.) ISSN 1748-3395 (online) ISSN 1748-3387 (print) nature.com sitemap ...

  4. Nanotechnology: A Revolution in Modern Industry

    Abstract. Nanotechnology, contrary to its name, has massively revolutionized industries around the world. This paper predominantly deals with data regarding the applications of nanotechnology in the modernization of several industries. A comprehensive research strategy is adopted to incorporate the latest data driven from major science platforms.

  5. The History of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: From Chemical-Physical

    Nanoscience breakthroughs in almost every field of science and nanotechnologies make life easier in this era. Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent an expanding research area, which involves structures, devices, and systems with novel properties and functions due to the arrangement of their atoms on the 1-100 nm scale.

  6. Nature Nanotechnology

    Nature Nanotechnology offers a unique mix of news and reviews alongside top-quality research papers. Published monthly, in print and online, the journal reflects the entire spectrum of ...

  7. Nanomaterials: a review of synthesis methods, properties, recent

    a Center of Research Excellence in Desalination & Water Treatment, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia ... This review discusses a brief history of nanomaterials and their use throughout history to trigger advances in nanotechnology development. In particular, we describe and define various terms relating ...

  8. A review on nanotechnology: Properties, applications, and mechanistic

    Nanotechnology is a relatively new field of science and technology that studies tiny objects (0.1-100 nm). Due to various positive attributes displayed by the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) such as cost-effectiveness, none to negligible environmental hazards, and biological reduction served as an attractive alternative to its counterpart chemical methods.

  9. Nanoscience and technology

    RSS Feed. Nanoscience and technology is the branch of science that studies systems and manipulates matter on atomic, molecular and supramolecular scales (the nanometre scale). On such a length ...

  10. Journal of Nanotechnology

    Journal of Nanotechnology publishes papers related to the science and technology of nanosized and nanostructured materials, with emphasis on their design, characterization, functionality, and preparation for implementation in systems and devices. ... Research on natural products is on-going to mitigate this challenge.

  11. Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology in Healthcare Systems: Grand

    1. Introduction. Nanobiotechnology, a recently coined term, emerged from the blending of molecular biology and nanotechnology. It is a branch of science which revolves around structures or functional materials at the nanoscale, which are produced by employing both physical and chemical methods [].In the last thirty years, the discipline of nanotechnology has been a crucial area of research ...

  12. Nanoparticles: Properties, applications and toxicities

    Nanotechnology is a known field of research since last century. Since "nanotechnology" was presented by Nobel laureate Richard P. Feynman during his well famous 1959 lecture "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" (Feynman, 1960), there have been made various revolutionary developments in the field of nanotechnology.Nanotechnology produced materials of various types at nanoscale level.

  13. Nanotechnology

    Vidyotma Yadav and Tanuja Mohanty 2023 Nanotechnology 34 495204. Open abstract View article PDF. Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye and high-performance electrochemical supercapacitor applications of hydrothermally synthesised magnetic bifunctional nanocomposite (Fe 3 O 4 /ZnO) Aabid Hussain Bhat et al 2023 Nanotechnology ...

  14. IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology

    IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology. null | IEEE Xplore. Need Help? US & Canada: +1 800 678 4333 Worldwide: +1 732 981 0060 Contact & Support

  15. An Introduction to Nanotechnology

    Research and development in nanotechnology has allowed us to put man-made nanoscale objects into living cells [24]. Also, this technology has provided the possibility to investigate the microstructure and macrostructure of matter using molecular self-assembly. ... [32], who in 1974 presented a paper entitled "On the basic concept of ...

  16. (PDF) What is nanotechnology?

    The paper reviewed twenty-one manuscripts on the applications of nanotechnology in water treatment, its efficiency and major challenges including original research studies and reviews.

  17. Nanotechnology: current uses and future applications in the food

    This review highlights the applications of current nanotechnology research in food technology and agriculture, including nanoemulsion, nanocomposites, nanosensors, nano-encapsulation, food packaging, and propose future developments in the developing field of agrifood nanotechnology. Also, an overview of nanostructured materials, and their ...

  18. (PDF) Future of Nanotechnology

    Nanotechnology is defined as the control or restructuring of matter at the atomic and molecular levels with nanoparticles (NPs) in the size range of about 1 to 100 nm (Bhushan, 2017). As an ...

  19. Applications of nanotechnology in medical field: a brief review

    Nanotechnology can be utilised for medication to particular cells in the body, thereby reducing the risks of failure and rejection. 17, 18, 19 We have identified four primary research objectives of this paper as under: (1) to identify types of Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles with their uses in the medical field; (2) to discuss classes and ...

  20. Frontiers in Nanotechnology

    An interdisciplinary journal across nanoscience and nanotechnology, at the interface of chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering. ... 127 Research Topics Guest edit your own article collection Suggest a topic. Submission. ... Selected Papers Presented at the World Fuel Cell Conference 2023. Shangfeng Du; Xianguo Li; Muhammad Tahir;

  21. Nanotechnology in Transportation Vehicles: An Overview of Its

    This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of nanotechnology and how this technology can be applied in improving the comfort, safety, and speed of transportation vehicles. ... This literature study aims to provide a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art research into nanotechnology applications in vehicles concerning the environment, health ...

  22. NIST-Led Working Group Developing Standards for Organ-on-a-Chip Research

    In a paper published this week in the journal Lab on a Chip the working group laid out their case for why these standards will help the field grow. Artist's rendering of an organ-on-a-chip device used to study cancer cells (red) and endothelial cells (green), a type of tissue that lines the interior surface of blood vessels.

  23. (PDF) Biological Applications of Nanobiotechnology

    Abstract and Figures. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that covers a vast and diverse array of devices derived from engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. Nanotechnology has ...

  24. Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences

    Abstract. The tantalizing potential of nanotechnology is to fabricate and combine nanoscale approaches and building blocks to make useful tools and, ultimately, interventions for medical science, including nutritional science, at the scale of ∼1-100 nm. In the past few years, tools and techniques that facilitate studies and interventions in ...