Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and chemistry

The impact of nanotechnology, an emerging science of objects that are intermediate in size between the largest molecules and the smallest structures that can be fabricated by photolithography, on future technology is discussed. Nano means size between few nanometers to less than 100 nm, in chemistry this range of size has historically been associated with colloids, micelles, polymer molecules, phase separated regions in block copolymers, and similar structures. Biology also have a deep interest in in nanostructures as components of cells; DNA,viruses, Subcellular organelles and gap junctions. In material science many of the properties of polymers, metals, and ceramics are determined by 1-100 nm structures. It is concluded that nanotechnology, despite of toxicity and limitation in size and application, will continue to explore new realms of science.