3 Review(s)

Long before the worldwide adoption of nanotechnology, and indeed from ancient until recent times, nanoscale substances have been utilized for countless purposes without undue attention to their size. Until the present-century nanotechnology-based research and development, basic and applied scientists had not intentionally investigated whether nanoscale substances possess unique properties that render them appropriate for special applications. Indeed, the basic sciences, with the possible exception of microscopy, were until recently developed without the knowledge of the nanoscale world. Accordingly, we now have the opportunity to reconsider evidence accumulated in the past in terms of nanoscale dimensions and attributes across various scientific fields, including physical chemistry, engineering, and biomedical research.