23 September 2013| last updated at 07:16PM

IMAGINE switching on a lamp in a room. Instead of just lighting up the room, the lamp also sanitises air by killing microorganisms in the air without the use of harmful sanitisers or chemicals.

In another scenario, hospital staff are required to ensure their uniforms are carefully cleaned and free from bacteria. But imagine this: What if the textile is layered with an anti-bacterial surface that not only allows it to self clean but is also dust repellent? Wouldnt it be convenient?

These are not works of fiction but are possible with the application of nanotechnology in solutions, says Manju Gunawardana, principal research scientist and co-founder of Sri Lanka-based Hybrid Technologies. Manju, whose nanotechnology-based inventions won two awards gold and silver at the 41st Inventions Geneva exhibition in April, would certainly know.

The Gold award was for his Air Purifying Nano Photocatalytic CFL lamp and the Silver was for the Nano Visible Light Photocatalysis Based Hospital infection Control System.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE Nanotechnology, says Manju, is a multidisciplinary science that looks at how we can manipulate matter at the molecular and atomic level. One nanometre is just one billionth of a metre. In general, a typical atom is about one-tenth of a nanometre in diameter.

By manipulating molecules, we can make all sorts of interesting materials. Passive things can be converted into active products such as wall and fabric. Light source can be converted to purifying elements through the application of nanotechnology solutions, he explains.

THE TECHNOLOGY Nanotechnology, Manju adds, has immensely contributed to the manufacture of polymers based on molecular structure and the design of computer chip layouts based on surface science while the other commercial applications relates to the use of colloidal nanoparticles in bulk form to create personal care products and cloths.

Nanotechnology is sometimes referred to as a general-purpose technology. Thats because in its advanced form, it will have significant impact on almost all industries and areas of society. It will offer better built, longer lasting, cleaner, safer and smarter products for the home, communications, medicine, transportation, agriculture, and for industry in general, says Manju.

Asked about the type of solutions that can be created based on nanotechnology, he cites examples that can be derived from various nano particles. When exposed to light, titanium dioxide nano particles starts to purify.

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