We are grateful to the Governor for his leadership in this important area. Nanotechnology is a broad term, encompassing research in the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and engineering. It refers to scientists growing interest in manipulating single atoms and molecules in new ways to create new and ever-smaller products. Unlike today s often-cumbersome approach to manufacturing tiny objects like silicon chips which are built up only to be chiseled down to their final configuration nanotechnology focuses on finding ways for atoms and molecules to assemble themselves from scratch. These self-assembling materials could lay the groundwork for new products such as microscopic capsules that selectively deliver drugs to tumors, Herculean carbon fibers to bulk up weak plastics, artificial proteins that harness the best properties of natural ones, and electronic circuits a fraction of their current size.
Nanotechnology also offers the promise of countless other applications yet to be envisioned.
In humans and other animals, a couple of cells give rise to an amazingly diverse array of tissues and organs. Similarly, nanotechnology seeks ways for single atoms to assemble themselves into complex structures. While nanotechnology is still in its infancy, the approach will likely see dramatic growth in the coming decade. The Philadelphia area s institutions of higher education including Penn s School of Engineering and Applied Science and its School of Arts and Sciences are home to a particularly strong cohort of nanotechnology researchers. Nanotechnology is inherently interdisciplinary, a discipline that draws from every branch of engineering and technology.