Nanotechnology is the science and engineering focused on designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating matter at the nanoscale—typically between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm) in size. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. By controlling atoms and molecules on this tiny scale, nanotechnology can give materials new physical and chemical properties, such as increased strength, conductivity, or reactivity, which differ from their properties at larger scales. This manipulation enables the creation of novel materials and technologies with applications across electronics, medicine, energy, textiles, and more.

Nanotechnology works at a scale where quantum mechanical effects and a large surface-to-volume ratio fundamentally change how materials behave, allowing new capabilities not possible with larger materials. Examples include stain- resistant fabrics, invisible sunscreens, antibacterial bandages, and advanced electronic components.