BANGALORE: The day is not far off when even people who are not literate will be able to self-administer insulin to treat diabetes, using miniature nanotechnology-driven syringe.

The once futuristic insulin delivery system is round the corner, said V.K. Aatre, the former Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister. Mr. Aatre inaugurated a five-day "Science Expo," organised by Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum here on Monday.

The delivery system comprises a tiny wristwatch-like gadget to which is attached a micro-needle and a sensor, which constantly monitors the blood-glucose level. When there is a rise in the blood glucose level the gadget injects insulin into the body. The patient has only to have the contraption on his arm for it to do the rest. At the heart of the gadget is the battery that is nanotechnology driven.

"We will be having the delivery systems in the next three years," Mr. Aatre said.

Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials on a sub-atomic scale. Nanotechnology deals with design, characterisation, production and applications of structures, devices and systems.

To give an idea of the scale, if the distance between the earth and the sun is assumed to be one metre, the Bangalore Cricket Stadium will be equivalent to one nanometre. A model at the expo shows a three-dimensional image of hair, the size of which is about 75,000 nanometres.

Mr. Aatre said the use of nanotechnology had revolutionised the application of science and its applications were mind-boggling.

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