Science and Technology

Nanotechnology and India

Prof. D. C. Kothari*

Mankind took many spectacular strides in the 20th century in the field of science and
technology. Sending satellites to space without and with living beings, landing of man on
the moon, mind boggling growth of information technology, experimentation in animal
cloning, some extraordinary surgical techniques in transplantation of human organs, etc.
It is said that many more new avenues are being explored in the 21st century.
Nanotechnology is one of them. In some ways this technology has already made an entry in
human life. The author of this article has tried to explain the changes that are likely to
occur in living conditions of humankind. In fact this technology may usher in another
major revolution in the lives of the human beings.
Ishani experiences a sense of pride in publishing this article written by a distinguished
Professor who has also been assigned with a special role in the field of Nanotechnology. The
author of this article, Professor D.C. Kothari is Professor of Physics and coordinator of
Nano Technology Centre in Bombay University. He also has many other feathers in his cap.
We are mentioning some significant achievements in the biographical note given at the end
of this article. Incidentally, it may be mentioned that Professor Kothari was one of the six
recipients of a special cash reward of Rs 50,000 for best performance in academics and
profession rendered to the University. Only a few months back, i.e., in the month of April
2008, this award was handed over at a special ceremony with the Chairman of Atomic
Energy Commission, Professor Anil Kakodkar, as the chief guest. He handed over the
awards to all the six recipients.
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Author
Recent advertisement campaigns in India by Samsung and LG claim the use of Nano silver in
their refrigerators and air conditioner for creating cleaner and fresher surroundings. They use
thin film of “small size” silver particles coated on fins and louvers from which the cool breeze of
air is allowed to pass through. They claim that the air becomes bacteria free and the food in the
refrigerator remains fresh. The innovation here is in the word “small size” silver particles. The
smallness is measured in the units of “Nano”-metres, which is one billionth of a metre or fifty
thousand times smaller than the human hair. Nano sized silver particles have property to kill
bacteria. It is surprising to know that the property is derived from its size rather than the
chemical nature of silver. One of the largest paradigm shifts that a scientist has to bring about in
his thinking in recent years is that the properties of material depend not only on the material but
also on its size, when it is of the order of few nanometres.
The word “Nano” has caused excitement in the lives of scientists and technologists. Management
gurus have predicted a revolution in the offing. They say, all the industries would get affected in
some way by Nanotechnology. Lives of people would change because of newer materials, newer
way of manufacturing, decentralized power generation, decentralized water purification, targeted
drug delivery and different ways of diagnosis. Governments of various countries are making huge
investments in R&D to get the first move advantage. Venture capitalists are funding new start-up
companies promising profits from nano-based technologies. The hype is on and not showing the
signs of receding. Whether the hype is for real and whether Nanotechnolgy is here to stay, only
time will tell the truth.
It is now possible to tune the properties of material by controlling its size. By manipulating
materials at nano-scale it is possible to form designer materials. The designer materials would
find applications in making sensors and nano-electronic devices to make appliances smart and
intelligent. Efficient lighting from designer fluorescent materials would enable huge saving in
energy. Possibility of locally distributed power generation, decentralized generation and storage
would force us to reinvent the power grid. Precision Nanotubes, tubes of diameter in nanometre
scale made up of carbon atoms, have been found to be wonder material of high strength and can
be made to have insulating or metallic properties. Precision pollution monitoring using
nanosensors, lower energy needs due to lightweight strong materials and reducing the use of
harsh cleansers through the applications of nanocoatings to surfaces would enable a cleaner
environment for the future.
Nanotechnology is a buzz word today. Nanotechnology is Nano-engineering at the scale of One
Billionth of a metre. This molecular level precision is expected to bring revolution in industry,
agriculture, medicine, defense, consumer products and shall affect the whole society. Revolution
comes once or twice in a century which brings a quantum jump in the quality of human-life and
transforms the whole society. We are going to witness this revolution. We must take part & even
lead the revolution.
In Nanotechnology one finds convergence of all fields namely Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
Medicine and Engineering. It is expected to affect all the industries but shall make greater impact
on industries related to Healthcare, Energy, Nano-electronics and Chemicals & Materials. To
biologists, Nanotechnology means “dendrimers”. Dendrimers are large molecules having
different arms, and to each arm one can attach different functional molecules. These dendrimers
can be injected in human beings and each arm can carry molecules either for diagnostics or for
drug delivery. These molecules can also be delivered to the targeted un-healthy organ in the
body. Thus targeted diagnostics and targeted drug delivery is possible to the un-healthy organ
and other normal organs do not get affected. Nano-tubes made up of large number of carbon
atoms can absorb many molecules. Specific molecule doped nano-tube has potential application
in developing cheaper diagnostic methods for various diseases.
Similar to the targeted drug delivery, in agriculture, targeted pest control is possible. In such a
case, harmful chemicals used for pest-control can be avoided. Precision Farming would be
possible. Hybridization at gene level can revolutionize agriculture. With large variety of Nano-
sensors being developed, precision pollution monitoring would be possible. Nanotubes filled with
different molecules may find applications in developing cheaper and faster way of diagnosis of
many diseases.
Hyperthermia is a possible treatment for targeted cancer treatment. Nano-particles of Fe2O3 can
be brought to the cancer-tumor by external magnetic field or by carrier molecules. Using
Hysterisis losses, thermal energy can be generated to kill the cancer-cell without affecting other
parts of the body.
Today biocompatible materials are being developed which go in artificial hip-joints.
Biocompatible polymer is being used to implant artificial Eye-lenses. Nanotechnology could
make energy efficient batteries which would go in Pace-makers for heart valves.
Research in pigments and dyes are aimed towards making smart ink. The smart ink would store
information and could replace present smart cards, bar codes and magnetic credit cards. Thus, it
would be possible to write for example on milk carton with smart ink. The milk carton can be
tracked throughout its journey from farm to supermarket.
Nanoparticle-TiO2 based cosmetics are very good protection against UV present in Sun-light. TiO2
based dyes and pigments are used in textiles to produce stain-resistant, dust-free clothes.
Increased Catalytic properties of Nano-particles are used in increasing reaction rates and thus
enhancing production in pharma industry. Nano-based colloids are more effective as drugs, since
the absorption in human body increases. Thus the intake dose of drugs can be reduced with
enhanced absorption and reducing the problems of drug side-effects. Nano-tubes made up of
large number of carbon atoms can absorb many molecules. Specific molecule doped nano-tube
has potential application in developing cheaper diagnostic methods for various diseases.
Nutrients in Micro-emulsion form added in water/soft drinks allow one to give nutritious values
without the knowledge of a person drinking it. Silver nano-particles are very effective as bacteria
resistant material. They can be used in combination with antibiotics to increase its effects.
Ultimately, we are moving towards developing and mastering the techniques of DNA repair, cell
repair, customized drug therapy and many more unseen health care technologies for improving
the human life. One finds far-reaching possibilities of using nanomaterials from precision devices
for space applications to the precision farming for the poor. Is it just a dream? Or, will it happen?
Experts believe that now we have the right tools to make Nano happen. The world had to wait for
the tools to see and manipulate materials at nano level. Now, it is possible to make materials the
way nature makes materials. Nature builds material “brick by brick” or actually “atom by atom”.
This is called the bottom-up approach. Until recent years, we used to make small size materials
by sculpting a big chunk of material into small, the way we make electronic chips from silicon
wafer. This is called the top-down approach. Now there is a paradigm shift from the top-down to
the bottom-up way of making materials. The scientists also have begun understanding the
material via the bottom-up approach. This paradigm shift in synthesizing and understanding the
small materials has brought excitement to scientists and technologists.
It is not just the excitement but nano-based products in the market that indicate the fast pace of
growth in the use of Nanotechnology in manufacturing. For example, Grasim and Van Heusen
have introduced “Icetouch” shirts that keeps the body five degrees cooler. Arrow shirts are
advertised as “unstainable” clothes. Van Heusen also has “Oxyrich” shirts that release “power-
packed oxygen ions.” Apple sells designer Nano-ipod to the young generation. A Kolkata based
company sells nano-based coatings for bathroom tiles which allow water to form droplets like on
lotus leaves. The tiles would remain dry and would also be self-cleaning. There are even more
exotic products being lined up.
Within a decade, the world-market for Nanotechnology-based-products will grow to the level of
2.6 Trillion US Dollars which will create about 2 million jobs at various levels. Nanotechnology is
the key to virtually every area of manufacturing in the years ahead. It is estimated that nanotech
will become integral in 15 per cent of global manufacturing output in the next 10 years. The major
impact of Nano will be on the industries related to Energy, Health-care, Chemical and Materials
and Electronics. Nano-technology is dubbed as a “Disruptive Technology” which will replace the
present technology by new one and therefore those who control Nanotechnology will lead the
industry. The countries that acquire the most value from Nanotechnology will become the
economic super-powers.
Nanotechnology is thought to be the base technology for an industrial revolution of the 21st
century. Every century witnesses two quantum jumps in technology which lead to massive wealth
creation. We have witnessed one with the Information technology and the second one seems to
be in the offing. Experts have set their eyes on the second one; that is Nanotechnology. Its nick-
names such as “disruptive technology” or “base technology” indicate that it will pervade all the
areas of manufacturing. China and India are going to be the future manufacturing hubs of the
world. That is, the 2 million jobs expected to be created in nanotech based industries would be
shared by China and India. If India creates and maintains conducive policies for manufacturing
industry, there is no doubt that it would create at-least half of the 2 million jobs in India in the
next 10 years. India produces about 150,000 engineering graduates every year. It is an
opportunity for India to create jobs for these young graduates, although 1 million jobs over a
period of 10 years seems to be not enough for these graduating students.
Is India capable of mastering the Nanotechnology? Are the policies conducive to setting-up of
high-tech industry? Do we have enough infrastructure and base for the manufacturing industry?
Are our graduating students “employable” in nanotech based industries? Do we have resources to
“invest” for the future? We need to find answers and take corrective actions with the speed of
light.
India not only needs to invest more but has to focus on “Innovation” to become leader in the
competition, and with the educated, ambitious young Indians it is now possible. The United
States produces approximately 50,000 engineers a year, whereas India produces 150,000 and
China 250,000. The United States and the other developed nations need more scientists,
technologists, and engineers to remain competitive in this multidisciplinary field of study. India
has the advantage and it has to make use of it for the next Industrial Revolution in the making.
India has to change its paradigm from just being a place to use foreign technology for the Indian
market, to one where it creates first-of-its-kind technology and know-how for the global market.
India has all the elements to do so. It has highly respected and experienced scientists which
constitute our “intellectual capital”. It has young, talented and enthusiastic minds which
constitute its “skilled human resources”. If one creates an excellent infrastructure for the cutting-
edge research and provide enough resources to do so, India would do wonders. In the past,
probably because of lack of resources and infrastructure, this asset (of the “intellectual capital”
and “skilled human resources”) remained idle in the academic “bank-lockers.” This asset has to
be “un-locked” and invested in the future growth of the Nation. If one combines resources and
infrastructure with the existing intellectual capital and skilled human resources, there is no
reason research that can be easily carried out in India needs to be undertaken at all in the
developed world.
Today, if India has to win the innovation race and attract the nanotech-based industries, it needs
to focus on cutting-edge research in Nanotechnology and develop human resources to implement
the technology. India cannot afford to miss the Nano-technology bus as it has missed, in the past,
the Silicon technology bus. Today, nanotechnology is mostly seen as the field for the scientists
and engineers. But as the industry grows, it will need people at all education and skill levels to
meet needs that range from cutting-edge research to maintenance of manufacturing equipment.
The field is wide open. Even today, as nanotech-based products enter into the market, we not
only require engineers but we also require patent lawyers, pharmacists, entrepreneurs and
marketers. The most important skill required is the ability to work with people in other
disciplines – to be an interdisciplinary person.
The United States currently is the world leader in nanotechnology R&D spending, with roughly $1
billion in federal funding and $2 billion more when state and private investments are included.
Still, although the US government spends more in terms of raw numbers, it has fallen behind
Asian countries when their spending levels are corrected to reflect the difference in purchasing
power. For instance, the $130 million in estimated Chinese government nanotech spending last
year equals $611 million in actual purchasing power. On this basis, while the United States
invested $ 5.42 per capita in government nanotech spending last year, South Korea invested
$5.62, Japan $6.30 and Taiwan $9.40. India is lagging behind as other nations continue to
invest more and more time, energy and money in their nanotechnology efforts.
However, there are important happenings in India too. The Department of Science & Technology
(DST), Government of India has launched a national programme titled ‘Nanoscience &
Technology Initiative (NSTI)’ with the budget of 100 million US$. Under this programme, close
to 100 research projects on the synthesis and assembly of ceramic nanoparticles, nano tubes,
nano wires, nanoporous solids, nanostructured alloys and DNA chips have been supported.
Infrastructure for nano-synthesis and characterization has been created in various Universities
and research institutes. A number of shared facilities have also been established. On the
applications side, projects on nanolithography, nanostructured high strength materials, targeted
drug delivery systems, DNA chips, etc., have been supported. Nine centres of excellence have
been established in different regions of the country. Hotmail founder Sabeer Bhatia has launched
a “Nano City” in Haryana. The project is set up in collaboration with the Haryana government
and is likely to attract an initial investment of $2 billion. According to Mr. Bhatia, “The objective
is to recreate the vibrance of Silicon Valley in Haryana. The scope for creating jobs in the
knowledge-based industry is far greater than what manufacturing offered and it is time India
cashed in on the boom in the industry.”
Further, companies like Samsung, Videocon, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Mahindra & Mahindra,
Nicholas Piramal and Intel are also looking closely at nanotechnology and have invested around $
250 million in the Indian market towards this end. Start-ups like Bangalore based
Velbionanotech are designing drugs for various diseases such as AIDS, Cancer, etc. These drugs
are assembled in Nanochips and nanoparticles for targeted drug-delivery. Another Bangalore-
based company called “The Naga Nanotech India” has developed Copper nanoparticle-based
products for acid resistant, high strength, high conductivity alloy. Kolkata-based company named
United Nanotechnologies has produced a nano-based anticorrosive coating for light metals and
hydrophobic coatings for ceramic tiles. Indian scientists have already invented nano products
like carbon nanotube water filters (Banares Hindu University), a typhoid detection kit by a
defense laboratory in Gwalior and a drug delivery system by the Delhi University. At IISc,
Bangalore, it has been found that the liquid flow in carbon nano tubes can generate electric
current. This technology can be used to make batteries for pacemaker.
Well over 5,000 nanotechnology-related patents have been issued in the US as of late March
2006. The strongest growth can be observed in patents refering to “Nanoparticle” (147 per cent
CAGR since 2000), “Nanotube” (141 per cent) and “Fullerene” (139 per cent). There are over 200
manufacturer-identified nano products – everything from sunscreens and food supplements to
refrigerators and cultured diamonds. The main categories of products include health and fitness
items, electronics and computers, home and garden, food and beverage, automotive, appliances,
and children’s goods. Health and fitness is the most robust category, with over 100 products,
everything from face creams to hockey sticks. Electronics and computers make up the second
largest category with 30 products. Nanotechnology’s potential is vast and it is real. The
opportunity for nanotechnology ranges from improving Olympic sports equipment to discovering
better treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
The major areas of application in the world market right now are Energy, Health-care,
Electronics, and Chemicals & Materials. Nano’s immediate applications lie in the manufacturing
sector, which India needs to focus on. Several companies in India deal with plastics and textiles
and nano applications have immense potential in areas like polymers, conducting polymers,
fibres composite materials, etc. India has a large base of chemical industry for which
nanocatalysts could do wonders in terms of increasing productivity, reducing cost and decreasing
size of chemical plants. Nanocatalysts find application in wide range of industries from Energy to
pharmaceuticals. Nanocolourants pigments and dyes find applications from textile to developing
smart inks capable of storing information at molecular levels.
In summary, Nanotechnology revolution is in the making and India needs to fully participate in it.
The world scenario today is favourable to India for demographic and economic reasons.
However, it is not just the “intellectual capital” and “skilled human resources” that would make it
happen. It is the enabling environment created by the Government for the industry that would
act as a strong “nano-catalytic” agent to fire the chain reaction for the nano-based industry.
Infrastructure and financial resources would be the bottlenecks. Both public and private
investments for Nanotechnology have to increase by an order of magnitude. Infrastructure for
the cutting-edge research in nano-based chemical, materials and pharmaceutical industries would
give immediate benefits. For the long-term and sustainable growth, investment in nano-based
research in Energy, Environment and Healthcare is necessary.

* Dr. D.C. Kothari is a Professor of Physics, Honorary Coordinator, University Computerization Centre, and
Coordinator, Centre for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology at the University of Mumbai, Santacruz East, Vidyanagari.
He has had association with the Istituto per la Recerca Scientifica e Tecnologica, Trento, (Italy) and University of Trento
as Guest Scientist (1988-1990) and Visiting Professor (1991-94). He has worked as General Manager (R&D) and Vice
President (Technology) at Multi-arc India Ltd (1997-1999). He is a life-member of Indian Physics Association, Indian
Vacuum Society and Materials Research Society of India. He can be contacted at kothari@physics.mu.ac.in.