The technology, utilising materials a thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair, is showing up in everything from auto parts to sunscreens and clothing (1,2). However, nanotechnology has been used to improve products that most of us use everyday. These include laundry detergent, 6-pack rings, and surgical tools. One of the most widespread applications of nanotechnology is in clothing. Nanotechnology is also called a "bottom up" technology owing to using such small-scale building units, in contrast to bulky material engineering that is considered a "top down" approach (3). Many textile industries and research organisation has already developed fabrics with distinguishing properties. Scratch-and-sniff clothing is one example. Pleasantly scented, tiny polymer beads are added to clothing, such as within a strawberry applied on a shirt. Then there are menthol pajamas, scented to open the nasal passages of people suffering from colds, ensuring a good night's sleep.
