Convergence of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology

This chapter is devoted to discussing the engineering and exploitation of life processes in artificial systems, the importance of value creation, and examples applying nanobiotechnology to solve current technical problems in environment and health. Understanding the process of life is a crucial step in the design and application of nanobiological systems. This naturally links an understanding of how life formed and evolved to how life processes can be engineered and purposefully harnessed. The union of nanotechnology and biotechnology has culminated in a new discipline, nanobiotechnology, through the synergistic leveraging of fundamental control of chemical, physical, and biological processes. Nanobiotechnology has, in turn, enabled both biologists to explore biochemical networks to develop a better understanding of life processes and engineers to propose an alternative approach to conventional fabrication technology. Because nanobiotechnology employs knowledge from both engineering and life science, methodology in both disciplines must be adapted to take full advantage of the opportunity to develop and demonstrate new ideas. The greatest challenge to achieving the full potential of nanobiotechnology is the successful transition from a bench-scale demonstration to the development and deployment of an economic technology. Presented are concepts and methodologies currently being exercised to advance laboratory achievements into solutions to environmental, health, and societal challenges.