Nanotechnology focuses on low-cost,
high-throughput, directed synthesis of
structures and devices at the nanoscale
in order to address the requirements of a
variety of applications. Microelectronics,
for instance, offer more components per
chip with faster response and lower power
consumption. Nanometer-sized sensors for
medical diagnostics, as well as magnetic
storage systems of decreased size, also
provide numerous advantages enabled by
fabrication at the nanoscale.
Although various synthetic strategies,
including lithography, self-assembly,
size reduction, and template deposition,
have been developed to create devices at
the nanoscale, these techniques do not
exceed the accomplishments of natural
systems. The study of natural systems,
therefore, may offer valuable insight into
how biology, through energy-efficient,
low-temperature, mild reaction
conditions, has developed mechanisms
for reproducible nanoscale structure.