Nanotechnology is derived from the
combination of two words Nano and Technology. It is usually defined
as the understanding and control of matter at the nanoscale (one nanometre is
10-9 metre). It is a combination
of various fields of science like, Bio- technology, Chemistry, Physics, Bio-informatics,
etc. There are three chief divisions in Nanotech: Nanoelectronics,
Nanomaterials, and Nano-Biotechnology. Worldwide, there is much enthusiasm
about nanotechnology as it has application in medicine, electronics,
biomaterials, energy etc. It is observed that US, Japan, and Germany dominate
the current R&D effort in nanotechnology with a focus on their own expertise
and needs. 2,5,6
Nanotechnology in India is a government led initiative. Nanotechnology
R&D barring a few exceptions is largely being pursued at public funded
universities as well as research institutions. India has sought to promote
nanotechnology applications in sectors that are likely to have a wide impact,
and influence the course of future development in the country. Sectors such as
health, energy and environment have received greater attention by various
technology departments in the government (Dept of Science and Technology, Dept
of Biotechnology and Science and Engineering Research Council).1
Starting in 2001 the Government of India launched the
Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI). Then in 2007 the Nanoscience
and Technology Mission 2007 was initiated with an allocation of Rupees 1000
crores for a period of five years. The main objectives of the Nano Mission are:
- basic research promotion,
- infrastructure development for carrying out front-ranking research,
- development of nano technologies and their applications,
- human resource development and
- international collaborations.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the
chief agency engaged in the development of nanotechnology. The Department of
Information Tech (under the Ministry of Communications and IT) also has a ‘nanotechnology
initiative division’. Furthermore, collaboration on nanoscience is part of
nearly all S&T agreements between India and other countries. Overall GoI has invested approximately $400
million so far in creating capacity for nanotechnology research in the country.
1,2,3,7
Of late industry participation has also begun in this
area, and there is an emphasis on fostering public–private partnerships (PPP).
Nonetheless government support to this sector remains crucial for three
reasons:
- Nanotechnology is a capital-intensive technology and is in an embryonic phase, thus industry would not be able to sustain the research effort needed for the establishment of scientific and technological infrastructure.
- The state is required to define the regulatory framework. In 2010-11 this process was initiated.
- The state ,particularly in the developing country context, can set the agenda and resist the tendency to uncritically follow international trends in research that do not address their developmental needs.
Despite the tremendous opportunities that nanotechnology
offers, there are risks associated with it as well. Because of the size of the particles,
nanomaterials may enter human and other living bodies and disrupt
body-functions. Some nanoparticles may also be non-biodegradable thereby posing
a new threat to the environment. Therefore it is crucial to examine and
estimate the risk for regulating the production, use, consumption and disposal
of these materials.1
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