13 May 2024 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) How can nanotechnology help to enhance socio-economic development in the country?
(150 Words/10 Marks)
Nanotechnology is a field of scientific research and innovation that deals with particles at nanoscale size (from 1-100 nanometre). The material at nanoscale is believed to show different/distinct properties in terms of its physiochemical, biological, mechanical, optical, and electronic characteristics.
Nanotechnology can help to enhance socio-economic development in the country in the following ways:
- Health and medicine:
- a) Development of efficient drug delivery systems.
E.g., gold nano-particles help in elimination of disease-causing bacteria.
- b) Nano-technology can aid in early detection of diseases.
E.g., antibodies attached to carbon nanotubes.
- c) Emergency response: Injection of synthetic platelets to reduce internal bleeding in trauma patients.
- d) Nano-food fortification to tackle malnutrition.
- Agriculture:
- a) Quantum dots for live imaging in plant root systems; verify and correct physiological processes and stresses.
- b) CNT nano sponges increase efficiency of soaking up pesticides, fertilisers, etc.
- c) Gold nanorods aid in regulation/monitoring of cell culture growth of various plants/crops.
- d) Nano-encapsulation for protection of plants against toxins and controlled release of nutrients (precision agriculture).
- Electronics:
- a) Development of energy-efficient, cheaper, and faster chips and sensors.
- b) Nanoscale transistors can increase data-storage capacity; aid in processing of big data for businesses and governance.
- c) Nanophotonic technology can considerably increasing the internet speed.
- Environment:
- a) Nano-porous membranes to produce biofuel; Reducing GHG emissions through efficient fuel production and lower fuel consumption and
- b) Purification of water through nano-sensors made of titanium oxides.
- c) Efficient energy storage through improved capacity and safety of lithium-ion batteries.
While there are several advantages of nanotechnology, there are certain challenges:
- Health-challenges:
- a) Nano-pollution: Particles of nano-waste remain suspended in the air for a long duration.
- b) Adverse effects on health.
E.g., Titanium oxide nanoparticles used in cosmetics can lead to quicker ageing of colon cells.
- c) Inhaled carbon nano tubes are known to suppress immune system by affecting the functioning of T-cells.
- Effective regulation: Hard to track the use pattern and effects. E.g., products do not have labelling for nanoparticles.
- Lack of acceptance and awareness regarding nanoparticles/technology makes their scalability a challenge.
E.g., apprehensions about nanotechnology-based food augmentation.
- Excessive use of nanoparticles may lead to phytotoxic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects in plants.
- Supporting infrastructure like reproducibility, intellectual rights protection, quality control, characterization etc., are lacking.
- Research and development is limited due to lack of human resource, infrastructure, funds etc.
Also, high cost associated with nanotechnology may create a nano-innovation divide for businesses and nano-divide for the society.
Nanotechnology holds several benefits for the socio-economic growth of the country. However, there is a need to provide a complimentary policy, research, and financial support
