Responsible nanotechnology for a sustainable future

Nanotechnology has accelerated groundbreaking solutions at the molecular scale to help address many grand sustainability challenges. However, there are also growing concerns about known and unknown health environmental risks associated with production application of nanotechnology. This Voices asks: what where opportunities, must be taken into account, enable functional safe nanotechnology for a sustainable future? undoubtedly revolutionized field flexible photovoltaics (flexPV), enabling more efficient solar energy conversion per weight (∼370W/kg is attainable presently), thus providing opportunities reimagine space as well established residential installation standards. Solution processing one most cost-effective deployment routes large-area flexPV fabrication. manufacturing process often involves use regulated chemicals, including solvents dopants. While these materials offer advantages photovoltaic performance, in some cases may regarding their potential toxicity impact on human health. Some contain hazardous nano-substances that could pose case exposure workers during or end-users if not encapsulated properly. To assure mitigation mass production, practices have adopted throughout fabrication recycling processes. includes minimizing harmful chemicals; designing effective, application-tailored waste treatment methods; exploring alternative environmentally friendly biodegradable; developing byproduct end-of-life management strategies, reducing need raw material extraction making it approach future renewable energy. Potential benefits immense; by implementing conscious regulatory oversight, flexPVs will contribute greener without compromising well-being our planet. Humans facing universal food security challenges due increasing populations worldwide climate change. The utilization smart engineered nanomaterials agroecosystems deliver techniques precision farming, plant genetic engineering, maintaining soil health, processing, packaging. For example, recent innovations nanosensors suggest they diagnostic tools improve crop In another nano-agrochemicals efficiency, accuracy, targeting agrochemicals like fertilizers pesticides reduce pollution. better understanding ecotoxicological consequences nanomaterials, sustainability, general those using deploying nanoproducts, who manufacture nanoproducts required. Improvement policy environment needed. nanomaterial revolution producing incredible numbers new across applications. These rapidly incorporated consumer products. safety advanced composites (ANMCs) long-term effects understood assessed prior market entry. odds body evidence nanoparticles toxic effects. titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, common additive, change diversity gut microbiota promote undesired inflammatory responses. Altered can lead body, even cognitive impairment. TiO2 therefore recently been banned Europe. silicon consumption shown accelerate tumor growth metastasis animal models. Researchers, industry, agencies currently grappling suitable methods realistically efficiently investigate ANMCs. emergence models mimic microenvironment, such organ-on-a-chip, micro-physiological systems, “mini organs,” likely solution. high-throughput/high-content analysis harmonize vivo–in vitro assessment. They replace animals research, promoting humane ethical research. account organ crosstalk co-existence cells microorganisms, both essential aspects physiology. Attention facilitate adequate assessment key nano-enabled future. authors acknowledge Sydney Nano financial support (Grand Challenge program). Globalization increased medical accessibility, technology exchange, rapid spreading scientific knowledge, but transmission infectious diseases contributed previously harms. this scenario, fast screening disease diagnosis management, monitoring air, water, food. central role creating analytical methodologies enhancing performance existing ones. gold- carbon-based nanostructures (e.g., nanotubes, graphene) commonly used improving sensitivity (bio)sensors. fluorescent, electrochemical, and/or colorimetric properties large-scale (bio)chemical detection low-resource settings, leading effective treatments. applications numerous, order provide solutions, still work done: (1) processes devices should affordable accessible, assuring decentralized technologies low resource settings; (2) overall sustainable, non-depleting non-renewable sources natural resources; (3) produce minimal avoided. Last, regulation active, performance. holds great promise catalyzing development food, energy, healthcare, other areas. As any transformational technology, questions implications, mainly whether sustainable. Key among possibility unintended consequences. might issues resulting from accidental inhalation release contaminate migrate surface groundwaters. So far, significant steps concerns, US-Nanotechnology Initiatives (NNI), creation Sustainable Nanotechnoloy Organization, extensive nano-environmental (nanoEHS) research & developments, numerous conferences worldwide. efforts shifted perspective “nano dangerous” made safe,” which positively impacted nanomanufacturing, nanoEHS, nanomedicine. One notable example infusion vehicles Moderna Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. continue its stride promise, advance awareness continual development, incorporate safe-by-design principles, train scientists engineers. Although degree programs already exist institutions higher learning, an independent academic department recognition lacking. Thus, catalyze economic developments 21st century we develop purposeful nanoscale educational societal, economic, aspects. nanotoxicology emerged early 2000s concern novel emerge nanomaterials. Scientists working aimed understand size unusual would present distinct traditional toxicants. brief, nearly 20 years intense uncovered unaccounted modes toxicity; such, current systems sufficient nanoparticle (though developed future). With that, turned toward aggressively fulfill goals related Nanomaterials particularly exciting when comes tackling imminent Given global population, change, limitations agrochemicals, designed increase play critical achieving security. Particularly promising earth-abundant elements transform after entering nutrients crop-producing plants become drought- disease-resistant cargo particular crop-compromising entities. less water survival pests attack; longevity produced crops. Overall, yields inexpensive decrease precious problematic backed up decades considerations—now perfect moment translate laboratory knowledge solutions. researchers opportunity invent design attributes clean transition, abundant therapeutics vaccines combat disease. Sustainability, durability, safety, circular recovery re-use All valuable advances, however, realized practice consideration pathways commercialization. take 10–15 tens (or hundreds) millions dollars investment de-risk before first commercial application. lag time only partly technological hurdles. Because inventions generic nature, meaning broad applicability different markets, problem identifying viable requires confluence deep technical capacity identify, prioritize, protect opportunities. technology-market matching aspect translation science-based out lab. engineers world-leading skills required taught innovation make early-stage decisions viability inventions, mobilizing sorely needed enhance wellbeing. C.L.H. declares no competing interest beyond her position inventor several nanomaterial-related patents, patent applications, disclosures.