Nanotech + Art
This week in the lecture, we discussed the concept of nanotechnology. Before the class, I had no idea what nanotechnology was and was confused when the professor explained that it could shift paradigms and change the world. However, I understand this revolutionary field entirely through Dr, Gimzewskis's lecture series and my experience wearing clothing that employs nanotechnology.
It is fascinating that when you make things on a nanoscale, the old methodologies dont work; instead, new phenomenons dominate, producing a whole new ballpark for science, art, and innovation.
Dr. Gimzewski explained that businesses take commercial products and change the size of the particles they put into them to anywhere between 100 to 1 nanometer to create new revolutionary technology. For example, when you take Silver (AG) and put it on the nanoscale, you create silver nanoparticles. These silver nanoparticles prevent the build-up of materials, and sweat, making them highly useful in clothing.
My favorite socks ever to run in are the Mil-Spec Sport Sock. They are game-changing socks as my foot never gets wet or clammy, even when I run in 100-degree weather or rain, and they do not smell. After hearing what silver nanoparticles are capable of, I could not help but wonder if they were in my favorite sock. When looking into these socks' materials, I read that these socks are "built with anti-microbial silver filament yarn" and that the "silver knit into the heel, toe, and sole is proven to kill bacteria and premature migration." I previously would have thought this was made up, but because of this lecture, I now understand that they incorporate silver nanoparticles and that they will, in fact, keep my feet dry and kill bacteria.
Nanotechnology has also significantly influenced the field of art, allowing artists to explore new creative possibilities and incorporate cutting-edge scientific advancements into their work. I specifically think it is amazing how nanotecnology can allow artsists to enhance their color saturation, manipluat light, and imporve their durability of there art. This nanotecnology can really allow artists to create visually striking and long-lasting artworks. Nanotecnology is something that I had never heard about before this class, but I am excited to see how continues to shape the commerical, scientific, and artistic world.
Works Cited
Bruna, Tamara, et al. “Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Applications.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 22, no. 13, 2021, p. 7202, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22137202.
Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists” Lecture. CoLE DESMA 9.
May 21. 2021. Web.
Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part 2” Lecture. CoLE
DESMA 9. May 21. 2021. Web.
Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part 3” Lecture. CoLE
DESMA 9. May 21. 2021. Web.
Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part 4” Lecture. CoLE
DESMA 9. May 21. 2021. Web.
Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part 5” Lecture. CoLE
DESMA 9. May 21. 2021. Web.
Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part 6” Lecture. CoLE
DESMA 9. May 21. 2021. Web.
“MIL-Spec Sport Socks.” American Trench, www.americantrench.com/products/mil-spec-sport-socks-with-silver?variant=17434083000410&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=19746551442&utm_content=&utm_term=&gadid=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW9Adxeg1PQWM-QN7rtOHAfTBxtnCuVqI2a-YieS_rsxu2GbU4Q11pEaAo6REALw_wcB. Accessed 24 May 2023.
Santos, Tárcio S., et al. “Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Entomopathogenic Fungi: Antimicrobial Resistance, Nanopesticides, and Toxicity.” MDPI, 13 July 2021, www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/10/7/852.
Sunipapramanik. “Art Conservation and Nanotechnology: A Wonderful Confluence of Arts and Sciences.”
Sustainable Nano, 12 May 2017, sustainable-nano.com/2017/05/12/art-conservation-and-
nanotechnology/.
Smith, Brett. “Self-Cleaning Clothing- What Role Do Nanoparticles Play?” AZoNano.Com, 23 Jan. 2020, www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5412.
Vara, Vasanthi. “Nanotechnology in Medicine: Technology Trends.” Medical Device Network, 10 July 2020, www.medicaldevice-network.com/comment/nanotechnology-medicine-technology/.
Vesna, Victoria. “Nanotech Intro” Lecture. CoLE DESMA 9. May 22.
2023. Web.
Hi Emma! I too had no idea what nanotechnology was until this week! it clicked when Dr. Gimzewski said nanotechnology is used to put silver particles in athletic clothing, and how fabrics are made to be water repellent etc.. I am a runner as well and have noticed that some of my shirts smell worse after a workout than others do, I did some research and it turns out the ones woven with silver really do work! great job!!
ReplyDeleteHi Emma. Nanotechnology is definitely a very interesting field, especially with all the different specialties within the field. One of them being medicine I think is one of the most beneficial to humans as it leads to ground breaking innovation in medicine to be able to provide cures for deadly diseases that previously could not be cured like cancer. By being able to program the nanobots to attack the cancerous cell in and not the healthy ones. Overall a great blog, really liked how you connected it to you and were you encounter nanotechnology.
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