1. 3rd Summary- Nanotechnology and Electron Microscopy Dr. Wilfredo Otaño February 7, 2014
Nanotechnology, the production of functional systems by manipulating nanostructures, helps us
understand the fundamental chemistry, biology, physics and technology of nano-scaled objects. It is
being applied in the fields of medicine, computing, and manufacturing. Nanoparticles are being used
and investigated because they provide a high surface to volume ratio, have an efficient dispersibility and
don’t have internal diffusional limitations. Electrospinning is a procedure to deposit materials at the
nanoscale level, which purpose is used for photonics, wound healing, tissue manufacturing, among
others. The objective of this technique is to produce a thin elongated line of nanofibers by creating an
electrical field between a polymer solution and a collector surface. The drop of polymer moves toward
the collector due to high electrostatic, evaporating the solvent and producing a thin elongated line of
nanofibers, which can be observed through a Scanning Electron Microscope. Another technique in which
substrates are placed into a chamber that lowers pressure is sputtering, which purpose is to study space
weather, be used in etching anisotropy, be used in secondary ion mass spectrometry to obtain the
composition of a target material, among others. The purpose of this technique is to produce
nanoparticles by applying a negative charge to the target material creating a gaseous substance and
positive charged ions attract to the negatively charged target. This impact produces nanoparticles from
the target, which are then deposited onto the substrates as a thin layer. Implants containing
nanostructures that promote acceptance from the surrounding area cells is an example applying
nanotechnology in medicine. In the future, nanotechnology could play a key role in assisting of the
formation of molecular systems equivalent to living systems that make up an organism, which can be
replaced for non-functional organs or body parts.