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25 Nanobiotechnology – A Green Solution

E – “easy to separate by design,” N – “networks for exchange of local mass and

energy,” T – “test the lifecycle of the design,” and S – “sustainability throughout

product lifecycle.” The word “PRODUCTIVELY” can be described as where P stands

for “prevents waste,” R – “renewable materials,” O – “omit derivatization steps,”

D – “degradable chemical products,” C – “catalytic reagents,” T – “temperature and

pressure ambient,” I – “in process monitoring,” V – “very few auxillary substances,”

E – “E-factor, maximize feed in product,” L – “low toxicity of chemical products,”

Y – “yes, it’s safe.” While devising any synthetic scheme, the main aim is to maxi-

mize yield and purity. However, “atom economy” as mentioned in the “principles

of green chemistry” states the economic use of atoms, i.e. utilize maximum number

of atoms of the reactants so as to minimize waste generation [15].

25.2.1.1

Advantages and Challenges

GTs are now being adopted in different levels of the society, industries, and cor-

porations due to the versatility of the technology. International organizations such

as Intel, Dell, Cisco, Nokia and Indian companies such as Wipro, Tata metallics,

Reliance, etc. are focusing on the adoption of “green procedures” and development

of “green products” [5, 7–9]. Considering the advantageous aspects, GTs will protect

the planet, provide a sustainable basis by use, reuse, recycle of natural resources thus

preventing their exhaustion; reduce waste production that will impart cleanliness

and economic benefits in certain cases. The products, by-products, and processes

will not be detrimental for the planet [16].

As discussed earlier, nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology have been justified

as GTs. “Going green” is a broad term that refers to implementation of clean-up

procedures and technologies, e.g. the use of bioreactors, bio-enzymes, biofiltrations,

bioremediations, electrocoagulation, nanotechnology in sewage treatment and

waste management, and ultimately produce a green and clean environment.

Applications of GTs in agriculture, food processing, and pharmaceutical will help

in the elimination of toxic components in food products, food packaging processes,

there will be reduction in food and agricultural wastes, drug synthesis schemes

will follow the principle of “atom economy,” avoid use of hazardous chemicals; all

products, by products and processes will be eco-friendly. Both end users and the

planet will be benefitted from safe, ecofriendly products and clean atmosphere.

Use of biofiltration will help to get huge amount of potable water without any

detrimental effect on the environment. Nowadays, new “zero power systems” are

being developed using renewable energy processes and zero emissions. GTs are

being extensively applied in automobiles to produce “green machines” like the

hydrogen vehicles, fuel cells packed with carbon nanotubes to store hydrogen,

and increase the reactivity. Different parts of a car, viz. tyres, chassis, and wind

screens, are being manufactured by applying GTs, thus developing the “green cars.”

Extensive researches are being done in the domain of “green nanoelectronics” by

developing biodegradable electronic devices performing biological functions to

attain sustainability and e-waste management [5, 8, 16].

However, since GTs are novel, implementations in every phases are obvious to

face the challenges of lack of in-depth basic and engineering research and proper