Prominent Applications of Nanotechnology

There's been a lot of focus on apps and cloud computing in the tech space, but nanotechnology is also making great strides.

FREMONT, CA: The benefits of nanotechnology range from safer food processing to more efficient drug delivery systems to smaller and more powerful computer chips. Nanotechnology applications will grow significantly over the next few years. The global nanotechnology market will reach US$70.7 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2 percent by 2026.

The sheer variety of nanotechnology applications makes it hard for investors to determine where to start when analyzing nanotechnology stocks. Here are some areas in which nanoscience and nanotechnology significantly impact today.

The use of nanotechnology in material and coating applications

Nanotechnology generally refers to advances in materials and protective coatings. Nanotechnology has many possibilities, from fabrics to eyeglasses to computer screens and cameras.

Is nanoscale material useful for improving products? Nanotechnology can make materials stronger, lighter, more durable, more reactive, sieve-like, or better electrical conductors, among other things, as the National Nanotechnology Initiative explains. In addition to improving cosmetic coverage or absorption, nanotechnology can make fabrics resistant to wrinkling and bacterial growth.

For instance, Nano One Materials is developing technology to process high volumes of advanced nanomaterials at low cost, initially targeting lithium-ion battery materials. Johnson Matthey, a global specialty chemicals and sustainable technologies company have a joint development agreement for lithium battery materials.

Nanophase Technologies and Lightwave Logic are two companies that manufacture nanotechnology-based materials.

The use of nanotechnology in medicine

Life science uses nanotech for therapy techniques, diagnostics, and complex drug delivery systems. For example, Medlab Clinical offers CBD and THC therapeutics through its NanoCelle delivery platform.

Similarly, T2 Biosystems is developing lab-quality diagnostic technology based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Several binding agents, including antibodies, nucleic acids, and small molecules, can be used with this nanoparticle technology platform.

As an example of nanotechnology in medicine, NanoViricides' medicines target influenza, HIV/AIDS, herpes, and dengue fever, and Arrowhead Pharmaceutical's dynamic polyconjugate delivery system is an RNAi therapeutic technique.

Uses of nanotechnology in food science

Food and technology are often associated with genetically modified organisms, but nanotechnology plays an equally important role. Food packaging that uses nanotechnology can preserve and protect food from microbes and enhance taste and texture during food production and processing.

A further advantage of engineered nanomaterials is the ability to control water and pesticide use on farms, delivering nutrients and crop protection throughout the cultivation process.