Unit 8: Nanotechnology + Art

Although the word “nanotechnology” evokes fascination, the field itself is often not fully understood. For instance, one of the misconceptions mentioned by Dr. Gimzewski resonated with me, in that I also held the notion that nanotechnology has to do with robots in laboratories. In reality, nanotechnology is prevalent in the tasks and objects of our daily lives, such as in sunscreen and cosmetics (Gimzewski). I was surprised to learn that some nanotechnology has roots in ancient times, and that nanotechnology can even be found in nature. The pervasiveness and versatility of nanotechnology illustrates its inherent power and potential to vastly improve our lives.

Nanostructures give this butterfly's wings their blue color

Computer simulation of a nanobee particle

It is interesting to consider how as our society advances, things become smaller. Although this may seem counterintuitive, the ability to contain the same, or increased, functionality in a reduced amount of material or space essentially expands our capacity and efficiency. Ray Kurzweil describes how our technological capacities have progressed exponentially through time, predicting we will eventually reach the “Singularity” as this technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives (Kurzweil). Combining this increase in technological capacity with artistic creativity can result in previously unimaginable solutions to enhance human life. One of the most intriguing examples of this pairing is the nanobee, a self-assembling nanoparticle that can selectively target cancer cells (“Making Stuff: Smaller”). This exciting idea combines evolutionary advancements refined by nature with nanotechnology applications and innovative design elements to revolutionize the way we treat disease.

Nano "lock box" created using DNA folding

Another example of the innovative creations that can arise from blending nanotechnology with art is the concept of DNA folding. Having previously studied the characteristics and processes of DNA, I am wholly familiar with its base pairing properties. However, the idea of capitalizing on these traits to construct new shapes and objects had never occurred to me, and represents an inventive new way of thought. Utilizing DNA as a blueprint or building sequence allows for not only the creation of nano-artwork, but also essentially nano-circuits, which can eventually lead to self-assembling molecules and objects (Rothemund). Thus, by viewing the established scientific concept of DNA from the perspectives of nanotechnology, along with an art, we are able to arrive at a new way to understand and advance human life. In this way, blending nano-science and art blurs the lines of perception and promotes the shift towards a “third culture” that paves the way for new biological and aesthetic understandings (Gimzewski and Vesna 19).

References

Ericson, Gwen. “Tumors feel the deadly sting of nanobees.” The Source, Washington University in St. Louis, https://source.wustl.edu/2009/08/tumors-feel-the-deadly-sting-of-nanobees/. Accessed 27 May 2018.

Gimzewski, Jim. “Nanotech for Artists.” YouTube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE.

Gimzewski, Jim and Vesna, Victoria. “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of fact & fiction in the construction of a new science.” Technoietic Arts, vol. 1, no. 1, 2003, pp. 7-24.

Kurzweil, Ray. “A university for the upcoming singularity.” TED, Feb 2009, https://www.ted.com/talks/ray_kurzweil_announces_singularity_university.

“Making Stuff: Smaller.” NOVA. PBS, 26 Jan 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/making-stuff.html#making-stuff-smaller. Accessed 27 May 2018.

Mu, Zhongde, et al. “In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in butterfly wings for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).” J. Mater. Chem. B, vol. 1, 2013, pp. 1607-1613.

Rothemund, Paul. “DNA folding, in detail.” TED, Feb 2008, https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_rothemund_details_dna_folding.

Slonczewski, Joan. “Nanorobot Detects Cancer.” Ultraphyte.com, https://ultraphyte.com/2012/02/26/nanorobot-detects-cancer/. Accessed 27 May 2018.