Nanotechnology seems to be everywhere these days – in medicine, electronics, and even in clothes and mascara. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important? In this blog, we explore this fascinating topic to give you a brief overview of its past, present and future.

 

The origins of nano

The term ‘nano’ stands for 10⁻⁹ and, in nanotechnology, it usually refers to size. To put it into perspective, the thickness of a single sheet of paper is 100,000 nanometres, and did you know that fingernails grow at about 1 nanometre per second! Although our understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind nanotechnology is reasonably new, the first applications date back thousands of years. The Lycurgus Cup from ancient Rome is one of the earliest examples of the use of nanotechnology. It dates back to the fourth century AD and changes colour in different lights because of embedded gold and silver nanoparticles. These particles interact with light through a phenomenon called surface plasmon resonance, which occurs when conduction electrons on the surface of the metal nanoparticles vibrate in response to the incoming light, leading to a change in colour of the outgoing light.

Figure 1: The Lycurgus Cup from ancient Rome has embedded gold and silver nanoparticles that make it change colour depending on how light passes through it.¹

 

Modern nanotechnology took shape in the 20^th century with Richard Feynman’s groundbreaking idea of manipulating materials at the atomic level. Feynman was an American theoretical physicist who revolutionised quantum mechanics, transformed science education, and inspired generations with his curiosity and ability to simplify complex ideas. In his lecture, ‘There’s plenty of room at the bottom’, he imagined using machines to build smaller machines, even fitting the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica on a pinhead.² Since then, nanotechnology has led to breakthroughs such as nanoscale transistors in microchips – powering faster and smaller electronics – and targeted drug delivery systems, where nanoparticles release treatments directly to diseased cells to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

 

Size and shape matter

Why are these tiny structures so groundbreaking? The answer lies in their area-to-volume ratios and quantum effects. Nanomaterials’ extremely large surface area relative to their volume gives them unique properties, such as enhanced strength, electrical conductivity, thermal stability and chemical reactivity. They also come in a variety of forms and dimensions, each with unique properties suited to different applications. Zero-dimensional nanoparticles are highly reactive, while quantum dots work as semiconductor particles with size-dependent optical properties. One-dimensional nanowires and nanorods are great for electronic and photonic devices, and two-dimensional materials like nanotubes and graphene nanosheets offer excellent conductivity and flexibility. Even bulk materials with nanoscale grains see improvements in mechanical strength and thermal resistance.³

Figure 2: Nanomaterials are usually grouped based on their dimensions.⁴

 

Nanotechnology in Sweden

With such interesting qualities, nanotechnology is being extensively researched at many organisations across the globe, and Sweden is no exception. My fascination with nanotechnology first took root when I studied physics at the Linköping University (LiU) in Sweden – an institution globally recognised for its groundbreaking research and innovation in this field. I remember my time at LiU very fondly, and enjoyed several wonderful years there filled with stimulating learning, not to mention the amazing student parties! My bachelor’s degree focused on nanotechnology, with my final project involving making a graphene sensor for the detection of exhaust gases. I also recall going on a tour to see the Arwen electron microscope (named after the elf in Lord of the Rings) – which was the sharpest in Europe at the time. Advanced tools like electron microscopes play a crucial role in exploring nanostructures, giving researchers the ability to study materials at the atomic level. The microscope has an entire building to itself (Ångströmhuset) – a really impressive circular, titanium-plated structure with slanted walls to stop echoes. It’s tucked away on the edge of the university and anchored deep into the bedrock to keep everything extremely stable.

Figure 3: Ångströmhuset at LiU is made to house the university’s super-sensitive electron microscope. Image taken from Wikipedia.

 

I continued my education with a master’s degree from Linköping University and a PhD from the University of Gothenburg. I still have a keen interest in nanotechnology – and science in general – and am using the skillset I acquired during my studies to write compelling content in my role as a technical writer at kdm. I especially enjoyed writing this blog!

 

What does the future hold?

With such an array of useful properties, there is no question that nanotechnology will play a significant role in future breakthroughs in science and technology. According to Forbes, the three major industries that will be transformed the most by nano are materials science, healthcare and device engineering. In materials science, we’re seeing the development of stronger, lighter and even self-repairing materials, while 3D and 4D printing are set to revolutionise how we build and manufacture things. In healthcare, nanomedicine is making it possible to deliver drugs directly to diseased cells, improve diagnostics, and even create bioprinted tissues. And when it comes to technology, device engineering is pushing the limits with smaller, smarter electronics and wearables that are more powerful and adaptable than ever before. Nanotechnology is already starting to change the world around us, and its impact will only grow. It’s exciting to imagine what more this groundbreaking field can accomplish!

 

References

• Patowary, K. (2016) Lycurgus Cup: A Piece of Ancient Roman Nanotechnology. Amusing Planet. 
• Bayda, S. et al. (2020) The History of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: From Chemical–Physical Applications to Nanomedicine. Molecules. 25(1):112. doi:10.3390/molecules25010112
• Raut, B. (2025) Nanomaterials: Definition, Classification, and 10 Reliable Applications. Chemist Notes. 
• Poh, T Y. et al. (2018) Inhaled nanomaterials and the respiratory microbiome: clinical, immunological and toxicological perspectives. Part Fibre Toxicol. 15:1-16.
• Brooks, C. (2022) 3 Key Areas Where Nanotechnology Is Impacting Our Future.