Nanotechnologies: What we do not know

This paper considers the impossibilities, uncertainties and undefined relationships that may be involved in extending scientific and humanistic interest towards the development of nanosciences and nanotechnologies. The author proposes a closed loop that moves from material properties, to synthesis procedures, to applied functioning of nanoproducts and their place within ecosystems and societies, to the design of novel features of nanomaterials. Unpredictabilities that may occur in the transition from micro to nano within material structures are described. The paper then discusses trial-and-error approaches and self-organization effects within every nanodesign procedure, and considers the impossibility of forming perfect nanoproducts. Uncertainties arising from environmental effects, and the extensive future use of nanoproducts within bio/technological interfaces pave way for the study of GM case and discussion of sustainability and zero-waste potential.