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2, we have 1 m = 103 mm = 106 μm = 109 nm. Each conversion changes by 1000 as you go down the scale (m → mm → μm → nm). And the inverse is true when converting nanometers: 1 nm = 10−3 μm = 10−6 mm = 10−9 m, as you go up the scale (nm → μm → mm → m). 2 Illustration of features in the human body from smallest (atoms) to largest (human) and vice versa. : Anatomy and Physiology for Dummies. p. 15. 2002. Copyright Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. ] Now we can use these unit conversions to show the size of features covering nine orders of magnitude—1–10−9 m (1 nm).

Nanotechnology relates to molecules, nano-size devices, and nanoparticles. The difference between microtechnology and nanotechnology lies in (a) their size range, (b) type of synthetic materials, and (c) their method of manufacturing (topdown vs. bottom-up). Top-down and bottom-up methods describe the ways that microscopic and nanoscopic structures, respectively, are assembled. Nanotechnology is defined as “measuring, manufacturing, and manipulating” materials in the size range 1–100 nm. Manipulation is the human assembly of molecules.

10. In his PhD thesis, Einstein predicted the sugar molecule (like glucose, C 6H12O6) had a size of ∼1 nm. Sugar is just a hexagonal stacking of carbon atoms in one plane. 4 Is Smaller Better? There are several reasons why smaller sizes are better. If we want to mimic nature’s creations, we must follow nature’s format at the molecular level. For example, smaller sizes are less invasive to the body and less likely to be rejected by our immune system if they are implanted (in vivo). In addition, nanostructures exhibit novel physical, chemical, and biological properties due to their small size.