A recent paper by Kathleen Eggleson, a
research scientist in the Center for Nano Science and Technology (NDnano) at
the University of Notre Dame, provides an example of a nanotechnology-related
safety and ethics problem that is unfolding right now.
The
world of nanotechnology, which involves science and engineering down at billionths-of-a-meter
scales, might seem remote.
But
like most new advances, the application of that technology to everyday
experience has implications that can affect people in real ways.
If not
anticipated, discussed or planned for, some of those implications might even be
harmful.
The
problem that Eggleson describes is that hospital-acquired infections are a
persistent, costly, and sometimes fatal issue. A patient goes in for one
condition, say an injury, but ends up being infected by a microorganism picked
up in the hospital itself. That microorganism might even have developed a
resistance to conventional drug treatments.
The
solution is that engineers are developing new and innovative ways of coating
medical materials with nano-sized particles of silver, an element that has long
been known for its antimicrobial
properties. These particles are being applied to hard surfaces, like
bedrails and doorknobs, and to fabrics, such as sheets, gowns, and curtains, by
a growing number of medical supply companies. And these new materials are proving
effective.
"Nanosilver
coatings have made life-saving differences to the properties of typical
hospital items," says Eggleson. "Just this last December, a textile
made by a Swiss company was the first nano-scale material approved as a
pesticide by the EPA."
The
possible new danger is that the vast majority of bacteria and othermicroorganisms are
actually neutral, or even beneficial, to human life and a healthy environment.
For example, some bacteria are needed to maintain appropriate levels of
nitrogen in the air, and others, living inside the human body, are critical to both
vitamin synthesis and digestion.
So
overuse of nanosilver products, especially outside of clinical environments,
could pose a danger to needed microorganisms, and enable resistant strains to
flourish.
"Under
most conditions, the preservation of microbial biodiversity is a benefit,"
explains Eggleson.
"In
fact, those who would use these potent new antimicrobial technologies for
frivolous uses, such as for odor control, work directly against the U.S.
National Nanotechnology Initiative's goal of responsible nanotechnology
development."
Eggleson
came to the Center for Nano Science and Technology last year to study and
prompt discussion of problems like these.
"NDnano
is expanding its scope into studies of the societal impact of
nanotechnology," explains Wolfgang Porod, Frank M. Freimann Professor of
Electrical Engineering at Notre Dame and director of the center.
"This
is the background for bringing Kathy on board."
To
facilitate such discussion, Eggleson initiated a monthly meeting group, called
the Nano Impacts Intellectual Community, which brings together Notre Dame
researchers from across campus, visiting scholars and authors from outside the
university, and leaders from the local area to probe nanotechnology topics in
depth.
The
group has tackled such issues as the ethics of nanomedicine, the
commercialization of nanotechnology products, and the interdisciplinary nature
of nanotechnology research.
"I
appreciate being a part of this on-going conversation," says Glenn
Killoren, an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and a regular Nano Impacts
attendee. "Nanotechnology isn't just something that happens in research
labs anymore. It's a small but growing part of our lives, and both scientists
and non-scientists need to think about its effects."
Eggleson
and NDnano faculty have also met with a number of local middle school and high
school teachers who feature nanotechnology in their lesson plans. Moreover, the
center supports Ivy Tech Community College-North Central's program to train
aspiring nanotechnology technicians.
"We
try to do as much as we can to engage the community this exciting area,"
says Eggleson.
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