Nanotechnology: nine predictions and a dream
14/04/2025
Jordi Díaz Marcos
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Member of the UB’s Scientific and Technology Centres (CCiTUB) and the UB Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB)
Jordi Díaz Marcos
Member of the UB’s Scientific and Technology Centres (CCiTUB) and the UB Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB)
With the first quarter of the 21st century almost over, the promise of nanotechnology is moving from science fiction to reality. From medicine to energy, its applications are transforming industries and improving lives. But where does its future lie, and what will its long-term impact be? To answer these questions, we explore nine predictions and a dream that, perhaps, could become real at the dawn of the 22nd century.
Life-saving nanoparticles
Medicine is one of the fields that will benefit most from nanotechnology. Personalized medicine, based on molecular profiling, will become increasingly common. “Theranostic nanomedicines”, which combine therapies and diagnostics in a single molecule, will allow drugs to be administered locally and their effectiveness monitored in real time. This will improve the precision of treatments and reduce side effects, setting a new paradigm for curing diseases.
Pandemic impact
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the potential of nanotechnology in the fight against infectious diseases. Vaccines and tests used nanoparticles, such as gold, to improve their efficacy. In the future, photonics will play a key role: photocatalysis nanoparticles and ultraviolet light will inactivate viruses, while advanced membranes will purify the air. These technologies will protect us from future threats and help us understand how pathogens interact with materials.
This article was originally published in Spanish on The Conversation.
Medicine is one of the fields that will benefit most from nanotechnology. Personalized medicine, based on molecular profiling, will become increasingly common. “Theranostic nanomedicines”, which combine therapies and diagnostics in a single molecule, will allow drugs to be administered locally and their effectiveness monitored in real time. This will improve the precision of treatments and reduce side effects, setting a new paradigm for curing diseases.
Pandemic impact
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the potential of nanotechnology in the fight against infectious diseases. Vaccines and tests used nanoparticles, such as gold, to improve their efficacy. In the future, photonics will play a key role: photocatalysis nanoparticles and ultraviolet light will inactivate viruses, while advanced membranes will purify the air. These technologies will protect us from future threats and help us understand how pathogens interact with materials.
This article was originally published in Spanish on The Conversation.