Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

This week, we discussed nanotechnology and its intersection with art. I was surprised to learn how widely nanotechnology is already used. When I thought of nanotechnology before, I imagined tiny robots in a science-fiction movie infiltrating a secure building or someone's body. I now realize that I probably use nanotechnology on a daily basis in the form of clothing and common household supplies.

A recent science-fiction movie, Nano, is about nanotechnology purposefully administered into the bloodstream.

Furthermore, humans have been using nanotechnologies for thousands of years without realizing it. For example, Dr. Gimzewski discussed how the Romans used nano-sized gold particles in 400 B.C. to give interesting color-changing properties to their pottery. He also gave several other historical examples where nanotechnology has been used for its color-related properties.


An example of nanotechnology used by the Romans to change this cup’s color depending on the location of the light source.

I was most interested in all the ways that biological nanotechnology has evolved in nature. For example, Geckos use nanotechnology on their feet in order to efficiently stick to surfaces and increase mobility. Additionally, moths’ eyes use nano-structures smaller than the wavelength of visible light so that they can absorb more light, allowing them to see well in dark conditions. I’m curious to see how we can mimic these natural nanotechnologies to create technology for ourselves, and then use that technology to interact even further with nature.

A moth’s eye has many small, hexagonal bumps on its surface on the scale of a few hundred nanometers.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science, vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.

Kristiansen, Jonathan. “Did the Romans Know Nanotechnology? Introduction to Nanotechnology.” The Nano Future, 7 Oct. 2020, www.thenanofuture.com/did-the-romans-know-nanotechnology-introduction-to-nanotechnology/.

“Moth Eyes Inspire More Efficient Solar Cell.” Physics World, 29 Aug. 2017, physicsworld.com/a/moth-eyes-inspire-more-efficient-solar-cell/.

“Nano.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 12 June 2017, www.imdb.com/title/tt4970024/.

“Nanotechnology.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology.

“Nature Helps Nanotechnology.” NNCI, www.nnci.net/nature-helps-nanotechnology.

Saini, Rajiv et al. “Nanotechnology: the future medicine.” Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery vol. 3,1 (2010): 32-3. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.63301

“What Is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Initiative, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition.