1. A sampling of some intriguing applications that are already possible using nanomaterials include: self-cleaning fabrics (via TiO2 nanoparticles), automobile clearcoats that prevent scratches (PPG nanoparticle-based coatings), car wash solutions that prevent dirt from adhering to a painted surface, bandages that kill bacteria, drug-release agents and time-release biocidal coatings, and tennis balls that bounce twice as long as conventional balls.
2. Only US-based institutes/centers are listed here; for a more comprehensive list of worldwide nanotechnology efforts, see http://sunsite.nus.sg/MEMEX/nanolink.html , a comprehensive listing of nanorelated websites hosted by the University of Singapore.
3. Now available online at Eric Drexler’s “Foresight Institute” website: http://www.foresight.org/EOC
4. For details on the biological effects of CNTs, see: Liu, Z.; Cai, W.; He, L.; Nakayama, N.; Chen, K.; Sun, X.; Chen, X.; Dai, H. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2007, 2, 47, and references therein. The biological effects of dendritic polymers is described in Boas, U.; Heegaard, P. M. H. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2004, 33, 43, and references therein. Some comprehensive websites on the toxicological effects of nanostructures include: (a) http://orise.orau.gov/ihos/Nanotechnology/nanotech OSHrisks.html ; (b) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech; (c) http://www.bnl.gov/cfn; (d) http://www.nanotox.com/nanomaterials-testing.htm ; (e) http://membership.acs.org/c/ccs/nano.htm
5. http://www.ethicsweb.ca/nanotechnology