Good morning, today I bring you a topic that catches my attention and is that of nanotechnology; As it is possible that such a small particle, do so much for us, for that reason, it seemed important to transmit the advances that have been made with respect to this technology in countries that are still in development.
Nanotechnology and its applications in developing countries
Nanotechnology can be mastered to address many of the most critical development problems and in recent years there have been several efforts to better systematize these possible contributions. For example, the Meridian Institute of the United States chose certain sectors with greater application potential and convened specialists in nanotechnology, in the development of public policies, academics, and dialogues in workshops. The first one executed in Chennai, India in October 2006, dealt with water applications. The Workshop discussed on the basis of previously prepared studies, which identified a set of instruments and devices that already incorporate nanotechnology and are in the market or that are in an advanced stage of development, and that are:
• Membranes for nanofiltration, including desalination technologies
• Attapulgite clays, zeolites, and polymer filters
Attapulgite clays
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Zeolites
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Synthesis of zeolites
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Polymer Filters
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• Nanocatalysts
• Magnetic nanoparticles
• Nanosensors for the detection of pollutants
Developments and more revealing applications of nanotechnology for the Andean countries
Treatment and improvement of water. Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants and pathogens; nanomembranes and clays for the desalination and removal of toxic compounds; nanomagnets for the removal of radioactive compounds.
Transplant and repair of organs and tissues.
Nanomaterials for bandages for transplant and repair of organs and tissues; artificial blood; prosthesis including visual and auditory resources.
Diagnosis and disease control. Laboratory-on-chip; quantum dots for biodetection and bioanalysis; DNA testing and sequencing for human, veterinary and agricultural purposes; artifacts for the detection of pathogens; medical image amplifier; and molecular optical and magnetic labels.
Increase in the efficiency of electrical, chemical and mechanical equipment. Fullerenes as lubricants; machines, artifacts and molecular manufacturing; nanomaterials for thermal and electrical insulation and reduction of friction and wear; and the molecular engineering of materials.
Stockpiling, Production and energy conversion. Solar and fuel cells; storage and conversion of hydrogen; wet self-repairing membranes for energy storage; and applications and photonic artifacts.
Improvement of the air. Artifacts for the separation of gases; nano-coatings for the photocatalysis of air pollutants and for the reduction of fossil fuel emissions; and nanosensors for toxic materials and leaks.
Data storage and processing. Carbon nanotubes for one-electron transistors; memory, storage and processing of DNA and optics; wells and quantum dots; spintronics; transistors with nanowires.
Data transmission. Nanowires, and self-assembled monolayers.
Improvement of agriculture. nanocapsules for the propagation of herbicides; slow water and nutrient release systems; nanosensors of soil quality; nanosensors for plant health; biodegradable fertilizers, and nanomagnetos for soil decontamination.
Drug transportation systems. Nanocapsules; liposomes; dendrimers; "Buckyballs" for delivery of drugs and vaccines; and slow and sustainable drug delivery systems.