Nano is an extremely small unit of measurement, in fact, it is so small that we aren't able to detect it with normal vision. This weeks topic is about nanotechnology and nanoparticles. You might think that nanotechnology and the use of nanoparticles is a fairly modern discovery but in fact, ancient Rome and Italy have incorporated them into their antique arts. For example, Rome used gold sized nanoparticles in their pottery that allows it to illuminate in a red color and Italy used silver plus copper nanoparticles to give their pottery and chemical glaze look (Gimzewski). Nanoparticles have very unique characteristics that are not achievable with regular paint or any other products but itself, it is in a realm of its own. This is one of the many ways that nanoparticles is directly associated with art.
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Nanoparticles used in pottery gives pottery a unique characteristic (red glow or metallic glazed).
There are many ways that nanoparticles can benefit us in terms of technology but there are also risks that tag along because of the toxicology. This means a material in its original form can serve a different purpose after the material is nanosized. To make it more clear, if we were to get a stable element and nanosize it then it could turn combustible. Not so stable after all right? Or if we were to nanosize a solid object, its properties could be liquefied. The most common nanoparticle found today is the silver nanoparticle and those are found in socks and sportswear. This allows the product to have an antimicrobial effect which is good against smell and bacteria buildup (Gimzewski). The ability to manipulate and use specific nanoparticles in items that are in high demand in current society is what drives companies to mass produce such items because they have more to gain from it. Nanoparticles allow us to replicate things that aren't "normal".
Scientist are trying to recreate the structure gecko's feet to gain the adhesive property to stick to walls, etc.
Nanotechnology has been innovative to our daily lives. We are able to find nanoparticles in food, clothing, and even sunscreen. Although research is still being conducted to find out potential health benefits as well as risks, we are still exposed to all different kinds of nanoparticles. My guess is that, if something is not natural then we shouldn't be putting it in our bodies. Even though nanoparticles, have no immediate consequence, I think it affects us on a cellular level in the long run. Nanoparticles are similar to GMO and any kind of synthetic modification.
References:
Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact and Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. Print
Gimzewski, Jim. “Nanotechnology + Art.” Lecture 3. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/888567/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=16300827>.
“Nanotechnologies.” 3. What Makes Products Appeal to Children or Resemble Food?, copublications.greenfacts.org/en/nanotechnologies/l-2/6-ealth-effects-nanoparticles.htm#5.
“Pre 18th Century.” International Institute for Nanotechnology, www.iinano.org/pre-18th-century.
“This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Sept. 2013, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/.
Like you, I was surprised to learn that the usage of nanoparticles dates back to Ancient Rome, especially since the word nanotechnology seems to imply much more recent developments in science. Learning about how nanotechnology and art has gone hand in hand was fascinating to me, and I would not have guessed that the manipulation of nanoparticles resulted in many of the fine artistic techniques seen in museums.
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