Nanotechnology

Some of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent years involve things that are actually very, very small. The science of nanotechnology deals with the smallest structures, in the range of one to 100 nanometers in size. That’s as small as just a few atoms in a row (one atom corresponds to about one nanometer)! With this kit, the intangible, nanoscopic world becomes accessible with hands-on experiments using both scaled-up models and real nanomaterials. Nanoparticles can be made of different materials and exist in a wide variety of forms – thin layers, tubes, balls, and tree-like structures. These particles can be coated onto surfaces, they can enhance other materials such as paint, they can be used as a delivery method for pharmaceuticals in the body, and much more. Specific applications include, for example, self-cleaning house paints and water-repellent clothes, anti-fog coatings on glasses, UV protection components in sunscreen, environmentally friendly anti-fouling coatings for ships (to prevent algae growth, thereby reducing fuel consumption), antibacterial coatings for medical devices, and materials to more effectively filter dirty water.