Overview
The fields of X-ray crystallography and nanotechnology have been intertwined since the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, using X-ray crystallography data provided by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Today, nanotechnology has enabled the development of new materials and techniques that are being used to advance X-ray crystallography, such as the creation of nano-sized crystals that can be used to determine the structure of complex biological molecules. However, the two fields also have distinct differences, with X-ray crystallography focusing on the determination of the three-dimensional structure of molecules, while nanotechnology encompasses a broader range of disciplines, including materials science, physics, and engineering. The controversy surrounding the use of nanotechnology in X-ray crystallography centers on the potential risks associated with the use of nano-sized materials, such as their potential toxicity and environmental impact. Despite these challenges, the intersection of X-ray crystallography and nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, with potential applications in fields such as medicine and biotechnology. For example, the use of nano-sized crystals in X-ray crystallography has enabled the determination of the structure of the Zika virus, which has significant implications for the development of vaccines and treatments. The influence of key figures such as Richard Feynman, who is often credited with inspiring the field of nanotechnology, and the development of new technologies such as the X-ray free-electron laser, have also played a significant role in shaping the relationship between X-ray crystallography and nanotechnology.