Category: Nanotechnology

Discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley, the C60 molecule consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a distinctive soccer ball-like shape. This unusual structure is why another name for C60 is buckminsterfullerene, also known by the common nickname "buckyballs".

According to nanotechnology research, nanoparticles with a smaller size-to-volume ratio exhibit higher surface activity, which enhances their biological and chemical properties. Nano magnesium leverages this principle by using ultra-fine mineral particles suspended in liquid to deliver the vital mineral more efficiently than traditional supplements.

Research confirms that graphene oxide is not an intentional food additive, but it can be unintentionally present in some foods through charring during high-heat cooking and can potentially migrate in very small amounts from advanced food packaging materials. This unintentional presence is a subject of ongoing scientific research and consumer interest.

According to a 2022 study by the American Chemical Society, trace levels of nanoparticles were found in approximately 12% of tested US soft drinks. What are nanoparticles in drinks? These are microscopic particles, often undetectable to the naked eye, that manufacturers add to modify various properties like color, texture, and stability.

According to reports, up to 90% of new drug candidates are poorly water-soluble, which poses a significant challenge for effective delivery. Addressing this, mixed micelles—nano-sized colloidal structures formed from a mixture of amphiphilic molecules—offer an elegant solution by significantly improving the aqueous solubility of otherwise insoluble substances.

According to a 2017 study published in the journal *Nanotoxicology*, fluorescent nanoparticles were detected in samples of both Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola. This discovery brought widespread attention to the presence of ultra-small particles in popular drinks and raised questions about why nanoparticles in Coca-Cola might exist and whether they are intentional ingredients or accidental byproducts of the manufacturing process.

Biowaste from animal sources and shells are increasingly being repurposed to synthesize biomaterials like nano hydroxyapatite. This process offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic production, utilizing waste streams to create a valuable resource for biomedical applications, especially in dentistry and orthopedics.

The human proteome is comprised of tens of thousands of different proteins, each performing a unique function. But how big is a single protein? Proteins are not uniform in size; they range from tiny peptides to immense, complex structures that can be thousands of times larger than their smallest counterparts.

Nanoscale materials are not new to the human diet, with many foods naturally containing particles invisible to the naked eye. A prime example of a natural nano food is milk, which contains protein and mineral clusters called casein micelles. These tiny particles perform an important biological function, and humans have consumed them safely for millennia.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, while nanotechnology can significantly enhance the bioavailability of nutrients, the long-term safety of ingesting engineered nanoparticles remains a subject of ongoing debate. This scientific uncertainty has led many consumers to question: are nano vitamins safe? The rise of 'nanoceuticals' represents both a promising frontier and a potential health concern.