Nanotechnology focuses on materials or devices that are 100 nanometers (a billionth of a meter) or smaller.

Nanotechnology methods are now being used in many exciting medical applications. Such use is seen in newer pregnancy tests, which rely on gold nanoparticles to reflect the color that reveals the presence of pregnancy hormones in urine. New sunscreen lotions contain transparent nanoparticles of zinc oxide. Also, some newer shoe insoles contain silver nanoparticles, which kill microorganisms that cause foot odor and athlete’s foot.

So far, there are many intriguing ideas in nanomedicine that are still under development. However, plenty of nanomedical technologies are available or will become available in the next two years such as an ultrasound procedure that uses nanoparticle contrast agents – liquids injected into the body to make certain tissues more visible during diagnostic imaging. Also, a paper towel that detects harmful bacteria called the “nano-napkin” is being researched.

Nanotechnology Informational Links

• The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) is a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
• The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer is a comprehensive, systematized initiative encompassing the public and private sectors, designed to accelerate the application of the best capabilities of nanotechnology to cancer.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nanotechnology White Paper
• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is pioneering the new field of nanoscience.

Contact Us

Nanotechnology

Dr. Anand Kulkarni
Assistant Professor, Pathology
930 Madison Avenue, Suite 500
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: (901) 448-3545
Fax: (901) 448-6979