1. Nanotechnology and Electron Microspy
By Amanda M. Icazatti-Burtell
Nanotechnology is an innovative area of Science. As the term implies, it depends on technology to
understand the atomic and molecular behavior of substances by the manipulation of their
characteristics at a nano scale (10-9). Nanotechnology’s objective is to lower the potential activity and
consumption of energy produced by the nanoparticle with the development of materials at a very small
scale.
Electrospinning is the procedure in which fibers are created from a liquid solution. It consists in applying
a high voltage to a droplet from the liquid in a syringe. The electrostatic from the voltage will stretch the
droplet, breaking its surface tension and depositing the fibers in a target. Fibers composed of acetate
cellulose can be made using this procedure. After the fiber is created, sputtering may be done. This
procedure depends on the collisions of ion and atoms in a fiber made and consist of depositing a metal
in the fiber. The metal deposition to the fibers can be used for gas sensory and even the separation of
proteins.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a very useful instrument that permits electrons to interact with
the sample allowing seeing in detail the arrangement of particles. The perception on how particles are
arranged within the sample provides great information that can help characterized the sample. In
addition, by knowing how these particles interact with each other can helps in the understanding of it
behavior and predict its functions.
One of the most significant improvements about Nanotechnology has been the biomedical advances
that it entails. Nanoparticles are being used because these procedures are less invasive and more
specific than currents ones. They are more capable of the catalysis process that increases their
sensitivity and response time in treatments. Mechanical implants used in human joints are an example
of a treatment using nanoparticles. They have been a success thanks to their hydroxyapatite coating
achieved through nanoparticles. Nanotechnology promises to be an area of great benefits and progress.