Nanofoundry

{{Short description|Nanotechnology foundry}} {{multiple issues| {{Notability|date=August 2013}} {{cleanup rewrite|date=May 2013}} }}

A '''''nanofoundry''''' is considered to be a foundry that performs on a scale similar to nanotechnology. This concept makes it similar to the role that the nanofactory would play because it is considered to be a factory that operates on that same scale model. The closest thing that nature has to a nanofoundry is the simple biological cell.<ref name="futurehistorian">[http://historianofthefuture.com/biocnvrg.html ''Bioconvergence - Progenitor of the Nanotechnology Age''] at Historian of the Future</ref>

==Summary== ===General information=== ''In silico'' biology attempts to duplicate nature by creating a virtual cell with the complete cycle of metabolism.<ref name="futurehistorian"/> The idea of creating an artificial cell along with working nanofoundries is highlighted in the phenomena of bioconvergence; which may advance us from the Information Age to the "Nanotechnology Age.<ref name="futurehistorian"/>" Nanofoundries and artificial cells are creating a world where health care, the very definition of "medicine", along with life itself is entering a state of transition.<ref name="futurehistorian"/> This phenomenon is directly in parallel with changes in the procedures used in agriculture, managing our bioresources, ultimately leading up to the ''de facto'' equivalent of bio-engineering entire ecosystems from scratch.<ref name="futurehistorian"/>

{{As of|2011}} the latest area of research involved using both micro- and nano-focused ion beams is found using nanomachining.<ref name="usurrey">[http://www.nanotechnology.surrey.ac.uk/research/nanofoundry ''Nanofoundry''] at University of Surrey (United Kingdom)</ref> Preliminary studies have indicated that tissues can be successfully grown on three-dimensional structures while using ion beams on a substrate.<ref name="usurrey"/>

On a larger scale, materials that appear to be smooth still have an abrasive appearance to them.<ref name="physorg">[http://www.physorg.com/news186916551.html ''Nano-foundry technique yields ultra-durable probes from diamond''] at Physorg.com</ref> Using the nanoscale, however, atoms rub off one a time.<ref name="physorg"/> This creates new challenges for researchers who build their devices that are only 10 atoms wide.<ref name="physorg"/>

===Current progress=== One of the first nanofoundries has been set up at the University of Madras in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.<ref name="usefulproducts">[https://web.archive.org/web/20121027205109/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-14/chennai/28301715_1_w-selvamurthy-drdo-development-organisation ''DRDO to set up nano foundry in Madras varsity''] at India Times</ref> Knowledge about nanotechnology would be converted into useful consumer goods through the usage of nanofoundries.<ref name="usefulproducts"/> Scientists do not want nanotechnology to be confined to publishing research papers in journals when it could be useful for creating nanotechnology-enhanced consumer products that would be beneficial in our 21st century society.<ref name="usefulproducts"/> By converting the nanotechnology curriculum of the major universities into a more industry-oriented format, it makes the technology more practical for employers as well as consumers.<ref name="usefulproducts"/>

The ability to grow more complex structures with a high ratio allows for drug release devices, biosensors, nanoreactors, and other countless discoveries.<ref name="usurrey"/> During the following decades to come, researchers will scramble to construct the world's first nuclear nanobeam complex.<ref name="usurrey"/> This facility would offer state-of-the-art facilities to a wide range of disciplines; including the conventional sciences.<ref name="usurrey"/>

Commercial manufacturing could easily be scaled up thanks to nanofoundries.<ref name="physorg"/> Nanofactories will most likely use metal nanoparticles instead of glass, plastic or rare earth minerals that are currently used to make most of our products.<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/prnewswire/index.ssf?/mlive/story/?catSetID=&catID=&nrid=189894961&page=51 Six USC Research Teams Complete Startup Boot Camp and Receive Nearly $500K to Commercialize Technologies] at Michigan Live</ref>

==References== {{reflist|2}}

Category:Manufacturing plants Category:Nanotechnology