Thesis-PDF - IAP/TU Wien

were transported via (in this experiment olfactory) nerves at a speed of 2.5 mm
per hour ([28]).
Despite widespread use e.g. in public consumables such as makeup and
creams, the very traits that make nanoparticles useful might also generate toxic
effects. There is a lack of knowledge about possible risks arising from exposure to
nanoparticles. ([29], [30])
The release of nanoparticles in the environment and thus possible exposure
to humans and animal species remains thus to be investigated. As with any new
technology the benefits may be accompanied by possible risks and its abuse. The
health and safety implications should be openly addressed and not be taken lightly.
2.4.4 Information Challenge
One of the big challenges of today’s nanotechnology will be the management of
the fast growing knowledge associated with it, where much specific and detailed
interdisciplinary information necessarily must be connected to advance further.
One idea is that progress will stand in a direct relationship to the intelligent
disposal of knowledge.
For instance, in 2004 the European network Nanoforum 7 conducted an online
survey to assess responses to the European Commission’s proposed document
"Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology". Altogether 749 persons were
interviewed across Europe. In this context it is especially noticeable, that an urgent
need to develop nanotechnology education and training was expressed, with
90 % of participants indicating that interdisciplinarity is a crucial ingredient. ([14])
2.5 Natural Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is accessible since only a couple of decades, nature builds and controls
nanoscale machinery since the first forms of life have been populating earth.
This makes for a lead of around 4 billion years of nanotechnological engineering.
Every cell’s daily business includes the synthesis of protein from the corresponding
DNA encoded information, the build up of large structures molecule by molecule
like tough cell walls, the signaling and repair of damaged structures or the provisioning
for energy for its functional cell organelles.
7 Nanoforum was originally funded by the European Commission as a project in the Fifth
European Community Framework Programme covering Research, Technological Development
and Demonstration activities. Since July 2007 Nanoforum has been operating as an independent
European Economic Interest Grouping.
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