Nanoszone

Nanoszone is a term used in some discussions of nanotechnology to describe a localized region on the nanoscale that exhibits distinct physical, chemical, or biological behavior compared with its surroundings. The phrase is not part of a standardized nomenclature, and there is no universally accepted definition, which means its meaning can vary between disciplines or authors.

In nanophysics and nanochemistry, nanoszone may refer to the near-field region around a nanoscale object where surface effects, quantum confinement, and altered diffusion dominate. In nanomedicine, it can denote the microenvironment around functional nanoparticles where drug release, targeting, or diagnostic signals are enhanced. In materials science, nanoszone can describe interfacial zones around nanoparticles, grain boundaries, or defect cores where properties such as conductivity, reactivity, or mechanical response differ from the bulk material.

Characterization and study of nanoszones often involve high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy, such as transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, or nanoscale spectroscopic techniques, complemented by simulations in molecular dynamics or quantum mechanical calculations. Because definitions are not standardized, researchers emphasize context and methodological approaches when referring to a nanoszone, which can limit cross-study comparisons.

See also: nanoscale, nanotechnology, nanoenvironment, quantum confinement.