Diamond is a magnificent material in various respects and nanodiamond comes with most of the outstanding properties as are found in a bulk diamond. Some of such properties include exceptional hardness, biocompatibility, fluorescence and optical properties, electrical resistance and high thermal conductivity, resistance to harsh environments, and chemical stability. The presence of all these properties is the reason why nanodiamonds are being used across different industries. Discussed below are some best-known applications of nanodiamonds.
• Of late, nanodiamonds have begun to be used for polishing ceramics, silicon wafer, gems, and surgical knives. Apart from this, nanodiamonds are also used for polishing hard discs, lenses, prisms, etc. in the form of pastes, gels, and slurries. It is utilized as a filler to increase the heat conductivity, strength, optical characteristics, and elasticity of the polymers.
• In recent times, nanodiamond coating of implants and numerous other surgical tools has gained widespread popularity because of the presence of properties such as chemical inertness, low cytotoxicity, and hardness in nanodiamonds.
• Nanodiamonds are now being used for enhancing thermal conductivity. For this purpose, nanodiamonds are added to a coolant which helps to prevent the existing hot zones within the coolant. Thus, one can conclude that using the nanodiamonds in the form of pastes, glues, and substrates can prove beneficial in avoiding burnout, increasing the speed of size reducing active elements, and enhancing their pliability and reliability.
• In the field of dentistry, nanodiamonds are used for reconstruction, filling, and veneering. When added to the toothpaste, nanodiamonds play a significant role in getting rid of gum diseases. Apart from this, the preeminent absorption properties of nanodiamonds in simply brilliant and this is the reason why they are also being used in skin care cosmetics such as exfoliators, cleansers, etc. Nanodiamonds have also found their way into eyeliner, nail polishes, lip glosses, and shampoos.
• Activated charcoal is very popular for its nanoparticle size and adsorption features. In the same manner, nanodiamonds also have excellent adsorptive properties and can retain water nothing less than three times its weight. Every carbon atom which exists on the nanodiamond exterior has at least one free electron which might attach itself to elements such as H, O, or N. Thus, we can conclude that nanodiamonds are excellent adsorbents for platelets, amino acids, proteins, and DNA.
• Nanodiamonds are also utilized as the carriers and delivery vehicles of drugs. They are nontoxic and so, they remain free from attacks by the body’s immune system. They can attach to the various molecules and make it possible to achieve the requisite drug release. Moreover, such a complex does not adversely impact the white blood cells and this is the reason why it is highly beneficial for treating cancer.
• Nanodiamonds may prove highly effective as gene carriers. Additionally, they may also be used for dispensing an insulin-like growth hormone.
As you can see, the exceptional properties of nanodiamonds make them a viable option for use in various fields. The fact that it can be produced in high quantity, can be functionalized noncovalently as well as covalently, and as of now, has not exhibited any biohazardous effects further adds to its advantages.
