Authors: Hannah Owusu Ansah, Daniel Karikari Frempong, Gabriel Oduro Asirifi
Abstract: Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field with the potential to reshape multiple dimensions of society through the manipulation and application of materials at the nanoscale. The distinctive optical, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of nanomaterials have enabled advances across healthcare, environmental sustainability, agriculture, energy, electronics, transportation, and consumer products. This review provides an overview of major nanomaterial classes, their synthesis, fabrication, and characterization, and examines their growing contributions to societal transformation. Particular attention is given to nanomedicine, targeted drug delivery, medical diagnostics, cancer therapy, nano-enabled agriculture, water purification, environmental remediation, nanoelectronics, energy generation and storage, and lightweight automotive materials. Beyond technological applications, the review discusses the broader socioeconomic and societal implications of nanotechnology, including employment opportunities, public acceptance, privacy, security, and environmental risks. Although nanotechnology offers considerable opportunities for improving human health, resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, energy performance, and economic development, its widespread implementation is accompanied by challenges related to nanomaterial toxicity, environmental fate and bioaccumulation, high production costs, technological scalability, uncertainty, public awareness, privacy, and security. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary research, improved risk assessment and characterization methods, responsible innovation, effective regulation, transparent communication, and stronger consideration of the entire nanomaterial life cycle. The responsible development and commercialization of nanotechnology can contribute substantially to societal transformation while ensuring that technological progress is aligned with human health, environmental protection, security, and sustainable development
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22827579
