Nanotechnology - The Big Revolution of the Small

Often referred to as the next industrial revolution, nanotechnology with its diverse, broad spectrum of multi-level applications is one of the fastest emerging technologies in the world. Stemming from the Greek word nano, or dwarf, essentially, the technology is based on the fact that when certain materials are reduced to the nanodimension (a billionth of a meter), their physical, chemical, magnetic, optical, mechanical and electrical properties change drastically.

When combined with the need for sustainable development, given its capacity to help address key needs relating to energy, environment, health and agriculture, the technology assumes still higher significance. Nanotechnology can enable the production of cost effective, high efficiency solar and fuel cells, energy efficient lighting (LEDs) and better insulation materials. Overall, nanotechnological interventions hold the potential to enable the successful development of renewable energy solutions and reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels. The technology also has tremendous potential in aiding the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), by enhancing agricultural productivity and enable water treatment, environmental remediation and health related applications. However, the emerging field is still in its nascent stages with several potential associated risks and the need for formulation of national strategies to utilize the technology and align it with overall environment, health and societal goals has never been stronger.

Ongoing nanotechnology activities at TERI have been set up with the dual focus on technology development and its governance aspects.

In this context, a major part of TERI's policy project focusing on governance and capability issues is a multidisciplinary effort with researchers from fields as diverse as technology development, biology, science policy, social science, law, and economics examining the implications of various dimensions of nanotechnology in a comprehensive manner. Research undertaken has been through the lens of national and international developments, policy challenges for developing countries and the interface of science and society in emerging technologies.

The institute is also engaged in the development of responsible technology frameworks via a series of trans-disciplinary dialogues with stakeholders across scientific research, technology development, multi-dimensional risk, socio-economic and legal issues.

With all its benefits in the energy, agriculture, health, environment and water sectors, the technology has its downsides with several potential unforeseen hazards from nanomaterials given the broad spectrum nature of the applications. Risks from nanotechnology based materials and products would however, depend on the nature of impacts and the degree, stage and duration of exposure. An in-depth analysis of the risks across the life cycle of nanotechnological products from the cradle to the grave is called for, for a more holistic view of the potential hazards from the technology.
In India, regulatory regimes clearly lag behind the emergence of various nanotechnological developments, although, existing regulations can be amended to cover some aspects of the impacts of the nanotechnologies. The need of the hour for India is also to democratize science by strengthening and cross-fertilizing dialogues with key actors such as policy makers, regulators, business, scientific and civil society, and generating a platform to share diverse perspectives.

It is likely that nanotechnology would have major impacts on the existing social, environmental, economic and trade milieu and in order to reap the benefits of the technology while minimizing its risks, comprehensive discussions and debates on associated health and safety issues as well as social, legal and ethical implications of the technology are imperative.

Apart from research into national capability and governance, TERI also does research on the production of heavy metal nanomaterials like lead and chromium from bacteria and fungi. In addition, an ongoing project in collaboration with the University of Glasgow studies specific carbon deposits in the form of various nanostructures generated during catalytic hydrocarbon decomposition and the potential applications of such deposits.

TERI's recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australia's Deakin University, to establish a new BioNanotechnology Research Centre in Delhi, that will usher in novel agricultural technologies and efficient mammalian drug delivery systems is indicative of the winds of change.

With India's nanotechnology projects spanning both indigenous and international centers, with collaborations with the US, EU, Japan, Taiwan and Russia, the technology of the small, is fast paving the way for a revolution in the country.