Nanotechnology in Medicine

 

Nanotechnology is changing the world in many different areas although its impact on the field of medicine has been remarkable to say the least. Because of nanotechnology, researchers, scientists, and medical professionals are able to get a better grasp on the underlying cause of many different illnesses to include Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, thanks to nanotechnology, experts are hopeful that a cure will be reached within the near future.

 

Nanotechnology is changing the world in many different areas although its impact on the field of medicine has been remarkable to say the least. Because of nanotechnology, researchers, scientists, and medical professionals are able to get a better grasp on the underlying cause of many different illnesses to include Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, thanks to nanotechnology, experts are hopeful that a cure will be reached within the near future.

 

Diagnostics

 

Of course, Alzheimer’s is just one disease in which nanotechnology is making a difference, with many others addressed below. When it comes to diagnostics, nanotechnology is revolutionizing the healthcare sector. While information is provided in laymen terms regarding the possibilities of nanotechnology and medicine, we also wanted to offer a few more scientific pieces of information.

 

Keep in mind that on any level, nanotechnology is multidimensional, with diagnostics accounting for a large portion of changes. For instance, to label certain molecules, microorganisms, and structures, magnetic nanoparticles can be bound to an acceptable antibody. To detect genetic sequences within a DNA sample, gold nanoparticles are tagged using short DNA segments. Then, to embed various sized quantum dots, converting them into polymeric micro-beads, nanotechnology makes it possible to multicolor optical code.

 

·         Nanobots – These miniature robots are not only a cost efficient tool but also designed to perform extremely delicate procedures both inside and outside the body. For instance, cell damage, which is extremely difficult to repair, can be managed using nanobots, as well as other nanotechnology devices.

 

·         Cancer Treatment – While still being developed, anticipation is high that with nanotechnology, deadly cancer cells could be better targeted and thereby destroyed.

 

·         Implanted Devices – There is potential that devices could be constructed within the body, making treatment less invasive.

 

·         Diabetes – Rather than finger sticks several times a day to draw blood for testing of sugar levels, nanotechnology uses special lenses that change color to indicate proper level.

 

·         Prosthetics – The goal is to use nanotechnology in the form of nanochips to allow the brain to send more fluent signals in which would offer some degree of motion for people who have lost limbs.

 

Drug Delivery

 

Another area of medicine in which nanotechnology is proving extremely beneficial is drug delivery. Millions of people use some type of delivery system for medication whether to help control pain, keep blood sugar levels normal, or something else. With nanotechnology, delivery of medication will become more consistent. In other words, these systems could be better regulated to guarantee the right amount of medication is being delivered within the body but also at the right time.

 

Unfortunately, many people end up getting too much medication or not enough, as well as have problems with medication being delivered on time, something nanotechnology would correct. Most importantly, a drug delivery system using nanotechnology would eliminate human error, which could be not only dangerous, but actually deadly. NEMS, which are small electromechanical systems, are now being used as investigative tools that allow drugs to be actively released. With all this, patients can actually depend on lower doses of medication since delivery is more accurate.

 

In fact, one of the newer areas of drug delivery using nanotechnology is seen in the form of new deliverable systems. With this, injectable drugs that commonly cause blood concentration levels to rise quickly can be eliminated. Because of this, potential problems associated with toxicity and drug efficacy are alleviated. Then, there are Buckyballs, which are special drug delivery systems that actually interrupt the allergy and immune response since mast cells are stopped from releasing histamine into the body’s tissues and blood. With Buckyballs binding to free radicals, certain drugs are far more effective and safe.

 

Tissue Engineering Catalysis

 

Another area in which nanotechnology is proving invaluable is with assistive devices and tissue engineering. In this case, individuals who have decreased or complete loss of certain natural capabilities would be helped. For instance, for people with vision impairment, the development of retinal implants would restore sight. In addition to damage to the eyes, other tissue within the body could be improved or even corrected using nanotechnology.

 

Another example is on the vascular level. Currently, existing methods used are expensive, time-consuming, and labor intensive. With nanotechnology, costs would be reduced, time involved shortened, and many techniques automated. In addition, tissue repair such as internal vascular grafting would be precise, allowing for greater success, quicker healing, and longer lasting benefits.