Week 8: NanoTech + Art


Nanotechnology in its application to nanodevices is of particular interest to me as a bioengineer. As Gimzewski references the concept of nanomedicine, advancements in nanotechnology have been paralleled with new discoveries in medical treatments. An example is shown below, a nano carrier that targets cancer cells. Current research extends the possibilities of medicine in creating nanoparticles that can act as drugs to target tumors, diagnose like never before, and access parts of the body, like the brain, previously thought impossible.

Schematic of nano drug carrier for cancer cells
(Chemistry 2011 <http://www.chemistry2011.org/news/OrganicChemistry/MedicinalChemistry/PharmaceuticalFormulation/UniqueNanoCarrierToTargetDrugDeliveryToCancerCells>)

Through this week’s lectures and readings, however, I gained a broader view of nanotechnology’s impact and just how pivotal its diverse applications can be on our way of life. It was amazing to learn how traditional scientific principles don’t apply when it comes to the nanoscale. As Gimzewski and Vesna point out in their publication, a shift in perception is needed to understand this technology as laws of physics begin to change at the nanoscale level. Richard Feynman elaborates this idea by explaining how the behavior of nanoscale objects can be used to create new effects.

What is even more remarkable was to learn how the scientific principles of nanotechnology are used to understand art forms found in nature. Gimzewski states how learning how nanoparticles self-organize and self-assemble, with the advent of nanotechnology, allows researchers to investigate how atoms organize into complex patterns. Specifically, he references patterns found in nature such as butterfly wings and snowflakes.


Morpho butterfly image by Emanuela Carratoni from iStock
(Smithsonian Science Education Center <https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/butterfly-wing-optics>)

Furthermore, nanotechnology can create new art forms by inspiring artists to utilize the nanoscale. The scanning tunneling microscope allows visualization of atoms, like never before, that can be applied by artists. The scientific principles surrounding DNA self-assembly has developed into forming new 3D DNA crystals as art. Additonally, Gimszewkski and Vesna in Nanomandala use a display of molecular structures to illustrate traditions, Eastern and Western beliefs, and the idea of patience.

Self-assembled 3D DNA Crystal Photograph by Laguna Design
(Fine Art America <https://fineartamerica.com/featured/self-assembled-3d-dna-crystal-laguna-design.html>)
Nanotechnology has shown promise in almost every sector, especially for its biomedical applications in improving human health. The intersection of science and art is truly exemplified in nanotechnology with its ability to understand art in nature as well as to create new forms/possibilities for art.

References:

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." John Curtin Gallery. The Art.Base, 11 Mar. 2010. Web. 26 May 2017. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna.“The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact and Fiction in the Construction of a New Science”. Engineering Nature: Art & Consciousness in the Post-biological Era (ed. Roy Ascott). Intellect, (pp. 311 – 326).

UC Online Program. “Nanotech Jim pt1.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 26 May 2017.
UC Online Program. “Nanotech Jim pt4.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 26 May 2017.

UC Online Program. “Nanotech Jim pt5.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 26 May 2017.

Comments

  1. MaryKishDESMA9May 31, 2017 at 10:17 PM

    I completely agree with you, I had no idea how relevant nanotechnology was to our every day life. I was so interested to find out how it has recently developed and scientists can explore its presence in nature and learn about all of its self-organizing characteristics that make it so unique. The way that they use its natural traits to create new forms really is a work of art because it is such a complicated process that results in such unique and beautiful creations.

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