Nanotechnology is an emerging field that has grown significantly in the recent past. The last decade has seen a proliferation of research in the nanoscience arena. According to a SciFinder search carried out in 2014 by magneticmicrosphere.com, the number of articles dealing with nanoparticles nearly doubled in 1999, then doubled again eight years later. In China, the number of articles relating to nanoscience and nanotechnology in 2010 exceeded those relating to broader subjects such as materials science, engineering, and physics [1]. This is indicative of the increased funding being directed toward projects related to nanoparticles and/or microspheres.
In keeping with this trend, several journals devoted to nanoscale studies have emerged, beginning in 1990 with the launch of “Nanotechnology.” “Nano Letters” published its inaugural issue in 2001, “Nature Nanotechnology” and “Nano Today” in 2006. Since 1997, the number of nano journals has increased by a factor of ten, and the impact factors for these journals has continued to trend upward [2].
As the knowledge base expands, so does innovation. The number of patent applications related to magnetic nanoparticles, for instance, has steadily risen over the last decade. Given the data, it’s reasonable to conclude that the nanotechnology research arena will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.
Although nanoscience is a relatively new area of study, research findings have already impacted a number of fields, and promise to continue to do so. As new technology emerges, the potential for nanoscale applications will continue to increase. Novel findings and ongoing developments give nanoscience the capacity to impact a host of industries, advancing current platforms and revolutionizing new ones.
[1] M. L. Grieneisen and M. Zhang, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Evolving Definitions and Growing Footprint on the Scientific Landscape. Small. 2011, 7, 2836–2839.
[2] M. L. Grieneisen and M. Zhang, The ongoing proliferation of nano journals. Nature Nanotechnology. 2012, 7, 273–274.
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