Applications of Nanotechnology in Electronics and Beyond

Nanotech and semiconductor electronics A recent breakthrough by MIT researchers might just pave the way to a new future in electronics, potentially eliminating the need for semiconductors altogether. 

Dr. Luis Fernando Velásquez-García and his team at MIT have developed fully 3D-printed active electronics that could just replace the traditional semiconductor systems currently used in most electronic devices. He also published a paper about this groundbreaking innovation, on which he was joined by lead author Jorge Cañada, an electrical engineering and computer science graduate student. 

Active electronics—components that can control electrical signals, receiving, storing, and processing information—are typically made in clean rooms and require advanced fabrication technology available only at a few specialized manufacturing centers. However, the MIT team discovered a method to create a 3D-printed component with standard 3D printing hardware and an inexpensive, biodegradable material. This component successfully performs basic switching functions similar to semiconductor-based transistors used in processing operations. While not fully comparable to silicon and other commonly used conductors in today's advanced technology, the device acted as a reliable resettable fuse in tests, demonstrating its potential to function like a basic transistor with logic gates, allowing for the flow of current based on binary operations. 

The researchers used a specific filament of a polymer filament doped with copper nanoparticles. While using this to make the device, they noticed the interesting phenomenon of how when the device was passed with a large amount of electric current, it would exhibit a huge spike in resistance, but would then return to its original level. From this, the researchers were able to hypothesize that the copper particles in the material spread out when it is heated by the electric current, which causes a spike in resistance that comes back down when the material cools and the copper particles move closer together. They also think the polymer base of the material changes from crystalline to amorphous when heated, then returns to crystalline when cooled down — a phenomenon known as the polymeric positive temperature coefficient. This made the material a perfect fit by enabling this property to serve as a transistor. The researchers tried exploring other materials, but to their surprise could not find any!

During the development of this innovation, the researchers also became more familiar with the limitations that 3D-printed active electronics could face. One such limitation, as mentioned earlier, is that because this invention is still in its initial stages, it is not yet fully compatible with the semiconductors currently used in the market. Additionally, since the devices are 3D-printed, there are constraints on how small the researchers can make the switches due to the physics of extrusion printing and the properties of the materials used. They were able to print devices that measured a few hundred microns, but transistors in state-of-the-art electronics are only a few nanometers in diameter, highlighting a significant gap in current scalability.

Nanotechnology in Medicine and Healthcare

Nanomedicine is the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes using nanotechnology. Nanotechnologies enhance medical imaging, diagnostics, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Nanoparticles can also serve as high-precision imaging agents, enabling the detection of tissue changes at the cellular level well beyond the capabilities of conventional imaging techniques like X-rays and MRI. Improves resolution, and reduces toxicity by allowing for controlled drug release to target specific areas and consequently minimize side effects. For example, liposomes release toxic drugs like doxorubicin straight to the site of a tumor and protect vital organs. Applications Beyond Medicine

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing industry via innovations in quality, safety, and sustainability. The quality and shelf life of dairy products are enhanced through nanocarriers, while nanoassemblies detect contaminants in food safety. Pathogen reduction tools in the meat and poultry industries involve nano-based tools, ensuring safety. In fruit preservation, nanotechnology enhances shelf life and reduces waste via nano-packaging. The wine industry employs nanosensors to monitor and improve quality, using electronic tongues, among other tools. Sustainability and Construction Innovations

Biodegradable nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties replace conventional plastics in packaging. Nanomaterials enhance the durability and sustainability of cement and steel in building and construction. Other recent developments include self-healing concrete and energy-efficient insulation to extend structural life and reduce environmental impact. Nanotechnology supports renewable energy, from more efficient solar panels to the development of self-cleaning and antimicrobial coatings integrated into building materials. Environmental and Industrial Impact

Nanotechnology increases sustainability through water purification, control of pollution, and renewable energy. Nanotechnology increases the efficiency of solar panels and, in manufacturing, decreases waste while enhancing durability and resource utilization. These environmental applications place nanotechnology at the center of a sustainable future.