Week 8: NanoTech+ Art
In this week's lecture, Dr. Gimzewski introduces the concept of nanotechnology, highlighting how nanotechnology exists in various ways that we can interact with in our daily lives, such as through food, agriculture, and technology. In fact, we may have nanoparticles on our skin right now that we are unaware of (Gimzewski). Nanoparticles are incredibly tiny particles of a given substance, measuring less than 100 nm in thickness. To put their size in perspective, a nanometer is 1,000 times smaller than the thickness of a single strand of hair (Palmer).
Dr. Gimzewski specifically mentions the use of nanoparticles and nanomaterials in skincare products, such as sunscreens and other cosmetic products. Recent research has shown that nanoparticles can extend the shelf life of cosmetic items by preventing the breakdown of active ingredients (Pandey). The everyday product, sunscreens, often use nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum UV protection without leaving a white cast that large particles do (Pandey). The potential of nanoparticles in skincare is vast, but there is still much to learn about their effects on our skin. Some research indicates that nanoparticles can be absorbed through the skin and cause toxic side effects in skin cells, even though sunscreens protect us from skin cancer (EWG).
Moreover, I learned about the fascinating intersection of nanotechnology and art. For instance, the Lycurgus Cup, a 4th-century Roman glass cup, uses nano-sized particles to create a color-changing effect depending on the light source (Szunerits). Another example is the Renaissance Pottery of Deruta from Umbria, Italy, which uses copper and silver nanoparticles in its glazes, similar to those found in stained glass. Modern nanotechnology is also crucial for the conservation of ancient artworks. Techniques like nanoparticles, laser cleaning, and glue-eating bacteria are used to restore valuable frescoes and paintings, such as the Renaissance frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence. The use of nanotechnology in the preservation of art not only helps to protect our cultural heritage but also provides new opportunities for artists to explore and express their creativity. This week's content has broadened my perspective, demonstrating how science and art can collaborate to enhance and preserve beauty in both natural and human-made forms.
Work Cited:
Brazil, Rachel, and Chemistry World. “Modern Chemistry Techniques Save Ancient Art.” Scientific American, 28 June 2014, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/modern-chemistry-techniques-save-ancient-art/.
EWG's Guide to Suncreens. “Nanoparticles in sunscreens | EWG's Guide to Sunscreens.” Environmental Working Group, 2024, https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/.
Gimzewski, James K. “Nanotechnology for Artists Lecture - Part 1.” BruinLearn, 2024, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/183769/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=6671258.
Palmer, Angela. “What Are Nanoparticles in Sunscreen?” Verywell Health, 6 June 2023, https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-nanoparticles-in-sunscreen-4138307.
Pandey, Anjali S., et al. “Nanocosmetics and Skin Health: A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Formulations.” Cureus, vol. 16, no. 1, 2024. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52754.
Szunerits, S., and R. Boukherroub. “Near-Infrared Photothermal Heating With Gold Nanostructures.” Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry, 2018, pp. 500-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409547-2.13228-7.
Image Cited:
Editorial Staff. “Restoration to begin on the Brancacci Chapel.” The Florentine, 2021, https://www.theflorentine.net/2021/11/25/restoration-to-begin-on-the-brancacci-chapel/.
Merali, Zeeya. “This 1600-Year-Old Goblet Shows that the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers.” Smithsonian Magazine, 2013, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/.
Woolford, Jason, et al. “Sandy nanoparticles for safer-by-design sunscreens | Research.” Chemistry World, 2014, https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/sandy-nanoparticles-for-safer-by-design-sunscreens/7089.article.
Hi Nan,
ReplyDeleteYour response illustrates the numerous uses of nanotechnology that Dr. Gimzewski described in his talk. I admire how you've used a variety of examples to demonstrate nanotechnology's widespread influence in our daily lives, from skincare to historical art restoration. Your description of the hazards connected with nanoparticles, particularly their absorption via the skin and possible toxicity, is critical. It raises fundamental questions concerning the balance of the advantages and potential health risks of nanotechnology in consumer products. This acknowledgement of current study and the need for a better understanding of nanoparticle impacts adds important depth to your thinking.
Hi Nan, I really liked how you included examples of the objects like the Lycurgus cup that are the result of the intersection between nanotechnology and art. The color-changing effect through atoms really caught my eye and I am once again amazed at what technology and art can achieve together.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to learn about the Brancanni Chapel and how you integrated its importance in conservation of artwork. Commonly, the intersections between art and science have been mostly about generating art, so it is very interesting to see how new nanotech is able to continue these artworks into the future.
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