Week 8

 Nanotech + Art  

    Dr. Gimzewski's six-part lecture taught us about nanotechnology, which focuses on manipulating and controlling matter at the nanoscale. To help visualize the size, Dr. Gimzewski displayed a chart, showing where things lie on the power of tens scale. For example, a sugar molecule is about 1 nanometer. One concept I found interesting was the idea of biomimicry. Scientists have attempted to replicate the nanostructure of gecko's feet as they are able to easily adhere to surfaces and hold their body weights. He, of course, discussed nanotechnology's interconnection with art, however what I found particularly significant was its connection with medicine, known as nanomedicine. He highlighted the immense future potential of nanomedicine, exemplifying one instance where it offers a solution to mitigate the toxicity of chemotherapy in cancer patients. 


    One way in which nanotechnology is greatly impacting the art world is through art conservation. In this case, art conservation refers to the practice of preserving and restoring artworks to their original aesthetic and structural integrity. One example in which nanotechnology aids in the art conservation process is by using nanoparticles to recover the mechanical properties of archaeological and palaeontological bones. Another example of how nanotechnology plays a role in preservation is by using nanodroplets to remove oils. Nanodroplets of organic solvents offer an environmentally friendly alternative to hydrocarbon-based solvents such as petroleum ether. In addition to being eco-friendly, they are exceptionally efficient in the cleaning process due to their high surface area, which enhances their interaction with surfaces. This is displayed in the image below. 
     



   


Works Cited

Sources:

    Baglioni, Piero, et al. “Nanomaterials in Art Conservation.” Nature News, 9 Apr. 2015, www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2015.38.

    Chun, Ai Lin. “Greater than Gecko!” Nature News, 29 June 2007, www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2007.221.

    “Nanotech Jim pt1.” Youtube, uploaded by UC Online, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEp6t0v-v9c. Accessed 26 May 2023.

    “Nanotech Jim pt3.” Youtube, uploaded by UC Online, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108. Accessed 26 May 2023.

    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/.


Images:

    Baglioni, Piero, et al. “Nanomaterials in Art Conservation.” Nature News, 9 Apr. 2015, www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2015.38.

    Damasco, Jossana A., et al. “Understanding Nanoparticle Toxicity to Direct a Safe-by-Design Approach in Cancer Nanomedicine.” MDPI, 2 Nov. 2020, www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/10/11/2186.

    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/.





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