Several studies indicate that nanotechnology will have significant advantages and long-term effects on agriculture and food production. Other perceived downsides and disadvantages include economic disruptions and potential threats to security, privacy, health, and the environment. Understanding, shaping and integrating matter at the atomic and molecular levels is called nanotechnology. Nanotechnology includes science, medicine, engineering, computing, and robotics at this scale called the nanoscale. Nanotechnology offers potential for new and faster types of computers, more efficient energy sources, and life-saving medical treatments. The nanoparticles enhanced the interaction due to the higher solubility, higher ratio of surface atoms relative to the interior of the structure, unique magnetic/optical properties, electronic states, and catalytic interactions that are different from equivalent bulk materials. The positive morphological effects of nanomaterials include higher germination rate and percentage; Root and shoot length and ratio and vegetative biomass of seedlings with improvement of physiological parameters such as enhancing photosynthesis activity and nitrogen metabolism in several crop plants. Additionally, this technology promises controlled release of agrochemicals and site-specific delivery of various macromolecules needed to improve plant disease resistance, efficient nutrient utilization and plant growth. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the potentially harmful effects of nanoparticles on biological systems and the environment, such as toxicity from free radicals that lead to lipid oxidation and DNA damage. Under this scenario, there is a need to predict the environmental impact of these nanoparticles in the near future.
- Nanotechnology in manufacturing
Nanotechnology is already providing new materials that could revolutionize many areas of manufacturing. For example, nanotubes and nanoparticles, which are tubes and particles a few atoms in diameter, and aerosols, which are materials composed of very light and strong materials with remarkable insulating properties, can pave the way for new technologies and superior products. Also, robots a few nanometers long, called nanorobots and nanofactories can help build new materials and things.
- Nanotechnology in power generation
Nanotechnology can change the way energy is obtained and used. In particular, nanotechnology is likely to make solar energy cheaper by lowering the cost of building solar panels and related equipment. As a result, energy storage devices will be more efficient. Nanotechnology will also open up new ways to generate and store energy.
- Nanotechnology in electronics and computing
The field of electronics is about to revolutionize nanotechnology. Quantum dots, for example, are small light-producing cells that can be used for lighting or for purposes such as displays. Silicon chips can already contain millions of components, but the technology has reached its limit. At a certain point, the circuits become so small that if the molecule is out of place, the circuit will not function properly. Nanotechnology will allow circuits to be built with great precision at the atomic level.
- Nanotechnology in medicine
Nanotechnology has the potential to make major advances in medicine. Nanobots can be sent into a patient's arteries to clear blockages. Surgical procedures can become faster and more accurate. Injuries can be repaired cell by cell. It may be possible to treat genetic conditions by repairing damaged genes. Nanotechnology can also be used to improve drug production, and to design drugs at the molecular level to make them more effective and reduce side effects.
- Nanotechnology in environmental pollution
Some of the most unusual negative future scenarios have been debunked by nanotechnology experts. For example: the so-called "grey goo" scenario, where self-replicating nanobots consume everything around them to make copies of themselves, is widely discussed but is no longer considered a credible threat. However, there may be some negative effects on the environment, as nanotechnology can create new potential toxins and pollutants.
- Nanotechnology in economic turmoil
Nanotechnology, like other previous technologies, is likely to bring significant changes in many economic areas. Although the products made possible by nanotechnology will initially be expensive luxury or specialty products, once availability increases, more and more markets will feel the impact. Some technologies and materials may become obsolete, leading to the bankruptcy of companies specializing in those areas. Changes in manufacturing processes brought about by nanotechnology can lead to job losses.
- Nanotechnology in privacy and security
Nanotechnology raises the possibility of microscopic recording devices, which would be virtually undetectable. More seriously, it is possible to use nanotechnology as a weapon. Making atomic weapons would be easier and new weapons could also be developed. One possibility is the so-called "smart bullet," a computerized bullet that can be controlled and directed with extreme precision. These developments could be of great benefit to the military; But if they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences will be dire.
- Nanotechnology in phytotoxicity
Plants are an essential building block in all ecosystems and play a critical role in the fate and transport of engineering nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment through plant uptake and bioaccumulation. It is also important to note that the bioaccumulation, biomagnification and biotransformation of engineered nanoparticles in food crops are still poorly understood. Very few nanoparticles and plant species have been studied in relation to the accumulation and subsequent availability of nanoparticles in food crops. The carbon nanoparticles most commonly found in the environment fall into five categories: carbon nanoparticles, metal oxides, quantum dots, unequal metals, and nanopolymers. These ENPs interact closely with their surrounding environment, and as a result, ENPs will inevitably interact with plants and these interactions, such as uptake and accumulation in plant biomass, will greatly influence their fate and transmission in the environment. To interact with plants, ENPs must penetrate the cell walls and plasma membranes of epidermal layers in roots to enter vascular tissue (xylem) to be captured and transported through stems to leaves. Nanotechnology and toxicity to humans and animals. All substances, from arsenic to table salt, are toxic to cells, animals, or people at some level of exposure. Before interpreting the toxicological data, it is necessary to describe the expected concentrations of engineered nanoparticles that may be present in air, water and soil.