Nanotechnology has been around for decades, and today these minuscule entities enter into our everyday lives via products such as sunscreen, food, sports clothes and electronics. Why has ‘nano’ become so popular, and what are risks involved when we are exposed to these nanoengineered objects? 

In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Bengt Kasemo, Professor of physics at Chalmers University of Technology and a member of both the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.  Prof. Kasemo has long experience in surface science, and he also works with nanotoxicology and nano-safety. 

We talk about how nanotechnology originated, what advantages this particular size range offers over others, and what makes nanotechnology so extremely attractive. We also talk about the risks involved and what safety challenges there are. Prof. Kasemo lists a range of unexplored opportunities which could be realized in the future.

If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog!