Nanotechnology in medicine

There are a lot of upcoming possibilities when it comes to using nanotechnology in medicine. This application presents chances, with some methods currently in the conceptual stage, while others experiencing different testing phases. The use of nanoparticles in medicine includes both currently being developed applications and more expansive research studying the use of engineered nano-robots for cellular-level repairs, a field of study commonly known as nanomedicine.

Putting terminologies aside, nanotechnology in medicine has the potential to completely change how we identify and treat damage to the human body and diseases in the future. The concept of nanotechnology dates back to 1959 when physicist  Feynman modified matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Scientists are investing in the novel uses of nanotechnology in medical research, as the single most promising technological advancement of the twenty-first century.

Using Nanotechnology in Medicine

Distribution of drugs

Everyday advancement in the use of nanoparticles in medicine involves directly delivering drugs heat, light, or other substances to specific cell types, like cancer cells. To help targeted therapy and reduce harm to healthy cells, engineered particles are made to be attracted to diseased cells. This method allows for quick disease detection. For example, North Carolina State University researchers are working on a method to transport cardiac stem cells to damaged heart tissue. To improve the delivery of stem cells to the injured tissue, they use nanovesicles that are attracted to the site of injury.

Treatment of cancer with nanotechnology

Nanotechnology-based cancer treatments have the potential to destroy cancer tumors while causing harm to healthy tissues and organs. Moreover, the goal of these treatments is to find and destroy cancer cells before they have the chance to form tumors. Although most efforts to improve treatment through nanotechnology are still in the research or development stage, more universities and companies are actively working in this field around the world.

Use of Nanomedicine Diagnostic Techniques

Johns Hopkins University researchers are developing a COVID-19 and other virus detection sensor using nanoimprint lithography. This sensor is created to be used in a meeting with a portable testing apparatus. To detect cancer cells in the bloodstream, scientists at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are mixing antibodies linked to carbon nanotubes in chips. This creative use might be used for simple laboratory tests, offering early detection of cancer cells leaking in the blood.

Recently it was developed as a test for early detection of kidney damage. This approach makes use of gold nanorods that have been functionalized to bind to a particular protein generated by damaged kidneys.  The color shift that appears as the protein builds up on the nanorod makes it possible to do an early, affordable test for kidney problems.

The early detection of any disease has been made easier by the application of nanotech in the diagnosis, which includes the use of carbon nanotubes, the deployment of gold nanorobots, and the ability to make fast and adaptable detection. This technique uses the instrument of a submicrometer to improve disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, finally leading to better patient outcomes.

Antibacterial Treatments

Scientists at the University of Houston are working on a method that uses infrared lights and gold nanoparticles to destroy bacteria. This method could improve how well hospital environments fix their instruments. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are exploring how to use quantum dots to treat infections that are resistant to antibiotics.

Wound Treatment

The University of Wisconsin researchers have showcased a bandage that can apply electrical pulses to a wound. This creative bandage makes use of electricity produced by patients’ nanogenerators. To weaken blood loss in trauma patients experiencing internal bleeding, Case Western Reserve University researchers are developing synthetic platelets made of polymer nanoparticles.  According to laboratory testing, experts these artificial platelets significantly lower blood loss.

Different types of nanoparticles are used in the medical field

Nanoparticles display a remarkable surface area-to-volume ratio through their nanoscale dimensions. This feature makes it possible for them to quickly enter the bloodstream and absorb large amounts of medications. Their increased surface area gives them unique features that improve their mechanical, magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties, which increases their use in pharmaceutical settings.

Nanoparticles are divided into three groups based on their chemical composition: carbon-based, organic, and inorganic. Some basic nanoparticle classifications are Proteins carbohydrates lipids and other organic molecules that can be a strong match to create organic nanoparticles that have specific dimensions such as a radius of less than 100nm.

Future impact of Nanomedicine and material science

In the kingdom of the future nanomedicine and material science have the potential to play a major role in personalized medicine, covering everything from prediction to monitoring. Nanomedicines improved the exact mapping of diseases through chemical sensitivity and targeting. These diagnoses, nanomedicine can be used more effectively to target cells reducing side effects and minimizing harm to healthy cells. Various products are recently in use, such as the nano-encapsulated drug and doxorubicin are already in practical use.

Future challenges consist of progress in drug loading and release mechanisms and additional investigation into the case of using metallic nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment. In the future nanomedicine needs wide evaluation before widespread use. Nanotechnology offers the potential to improve diagnostics by helping the detection of major problems. Nanotechnology could be used by athletes to improve their training to their muscle performance.

Conclusion:

A revolution in healthcare is being caused by nanotechnology, with a focus on population health management that is protective. It tackles targeted issues, reducing side effects and therapeutic efficiency. Nanomedicine is promising in nanorobotics and gives us a wide range of applications such as drug delivery, wearables, diagnostics imagining, and the development of vaccines and antimicrobial products. 

Nanoscale technologies can deliver standard anti-cancer drugs to the brain. This technology has the potential to revolutionize current drug classes and have a large market. Produced using nanotechnological methods, nanomedicine helps customized drug delivery, innovative diagnostics, and the creation of nanoscale medical apparatus.

FAQs

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology refers to the branch of engineering and science devoted to developing, producing, and using structures and systems by manipulating atoms at the nanoscale, i.e. having one or further area of the order of 100 nanometres( 100 millionth of a millimeter) or lower.

Where is nanotechnology used?

Uses of NANOTECHNOLOGY

Electronics.

Energy.

Biomedicine.

Environment.

Food.

Textile.

What is the principle of nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology in substance is the technology grounded on the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to make complex structures that have microscope specifications.

How many types of nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials can be distributed into four types( 9, 10) similar to organic, inorganic, and carbo-based nanomaterials.