Week 8 nanotech and art

Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding field of science and art. Materials that behave as we normally know in bulk form, do not behave when they are of the nanoscale size, which is between 1 to 100 nm. For example, according to Zeeya Merali, the ancient Roman Lycurgus Cup appears to be yellow green when lit from the front but red when lit from behind due to the Romans mixing finely ground mixtures of nano-particles of gold and silver as they made the glass. Merali also describes more modern experiments that placed different liquids into tiny glass wells containing gold and silver nanoparticles, and different colors were produced as a result.  Gold and silver as we know in bulk form do not possess this red color. Thus, the cup, along with stained glass windows in cathedrals, are examples of art and nanotechnology informing one another in their works.  

Lycurgus Cup. A shows lighting outside, B shows lighting inside cup

More modern examples of nanotechnology in science include the use of quantum dots to track molecules and diagnose diseases. Quantum dots are semi conductors within the nanoscale range and due to this size, quantized effects of single colors for each type of quantum dot composition and size can be observed (Rossetti and Brus 4470). Due to their small size and unique colorings, quantum dots can therefore be attached to synthetic or biological molecules and cellular structures to track their movements or presence with great sensitivity (Li and Zhu 2507). Diseases caused by pathogens or cancerous cells often produce unique molecules, called antigens. Diagnosing these diseases can be improved by being able to detect them at earlier stage when there is less antigen present. With the characteristic colors of nanoparticles such as gold along with their ability to be chemically modified to bind to these antigens, the sensitivity of diagnoses can be improved (Tang and Hewlett S59).

Quantum dot solutions containing the same semiconductor but of different particle size

Finally, there are many examples art and nanoscience combined. The California Nanosystems Institute's facilities have large photographs of specimens that were being researched taken at the nanoscale using electron microscopy or scanning tunneling microscopy. Examples include wings of a butterfly or semiconductor surfaces. Similarly, the electron microscope manufacturer FEI hosts electron microscope photograph competitions. In addition, similar to how diagrams can make science easier to understand, artwork can help make nanotechnology more engaging according to Stefan Lovgren. Overall, the unique images created by nanoscale imaging makes it possible for both art and science to work together.

Vermiculite, a silicate compound, as seen under electron microscope

 References

Li, Jingjing, and Jun-Jie Zhu. "Quantum dots for fluorescent biosensing and bio-imaging applications." Analyst 138.9 (2013): 2506-15. Print.

Lovgren, Stefan. "Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?" National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 23 Dec. 2003. Web. 23 May 2015. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html>.

Merali, Zeeya. "This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers." Smithsonian. N.p., Sept. 2013. Web. 23 May 2015. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/?no-ist>.

Rossetti, R., and L. Brus. "Electron-hole recombination emission as a probe of surface chemistry in aqueous cadmium sulfide colloids." The Journal of Physical Chemistry 86.23 (1982): 4470-72. Print.

Tang, Shixing, and Indira Hewlett. "Nanoparticle-based immunoassays for sensitive and early detection of HIV-1 capsid (p24) antigen." Journal of Infectious Diseases 201.Supplement 1 (2010): S59-S64. Print.