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nanotechnology

Monday, August 1, 16

Introduction Nanotechnology is an area of science which incorporates many diverse fields of study such as chemistry, physics, biology and others. As the title nanotechnology states, this technology works at the nanoscale. At this scale manipulation and control of molecules in the human body is possible. Due to the wide scope of possibilities possessed by this technology the medical industry has already begun testing and utilizing its capabilities. Currently nanotechnology is being used to treat diseases and possesses incredible theoretical abilities. This technology is still early in production and application but shows promise to be a massive step in the direction of successfully treating numerous diseases.


Brief History of nanotechnology

One of the earliest mentionings of nanotechnology was made by an American physicists by the name of Richard Feynman (see right). During a meeting in December of 1959 Feynman proposed the concept of controlling single atoms. Though at the time most viewed the concept as science fiction, contrary to claims by skeptics history has awarded validity to Richard Feynman’s earliest proposal of what would evolve into nanotechnology.


In the 1960’s the development of the first nanoparticles were produced by Peter Paul Speiser, to be used as a drug delivery system within the body. (see below, nanoparticles)


During the year of 1981 Gerd Binning and Heinrich Rohrer developed the first scanning tunneling microscope capable of manipulating single atoms. Eight years later International Business Machine corporation used a scanning tunneling microscope to orientate singe xenon atoms.


In 2003 Gold silica Nanoshells were used in photo thermal therapy.

Currently in the 21st century nanomedicine has shown very positive results in treating various forms of cancer during tests conducted on mice.


Applications

The applications Surrounding nanotechnology are very broad. Nanotechnology is not only subject to use in the medical field of study but also in electronics, food science, fuel production, air/water quality, batteries, solar cells and a vast amount of related areas of study and production.

One of the most prominent areas of development in the medical field involves the use of nanoparticles. These particles are used to treat cells directly, such as cancer cells.


Nanoparticles are used to administer medication precisely at the cellular level, reducing the effect and damage on nearby healthy cells.

Development of nanosponges has also been conducted by researches. These nanosponges are designed to travel through the blood stream which collect and remove toxins. They consist of polymer nanoparticles and a red blood cell membrane.


Diagnostic techniques using sensors incorporate nanotubes formed in gel. These sensors can be injected to monitor bodily functions and detect abnormalities.

Such nano sensors have been developed by researches at MIT used to monitor nitric oxide levels in the bloodstream. (see sensor below)

Researchers at the university of Michigan are developing a sensor capable of detecting low levels of cancer cells.


Nanotechnology and Alzheimer’s Disease Today Alzheimer’s disease affects roughly 44 million people around the world. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people with the disease have been diagnosed. Currently there is not a cure, but steps are taken to impede the progression of the disease using medication.

Scientists and engineers at Northwestern university have developed a magnetic nanostructure used together with magnetic resonance imaging that is capable of detecting the disease during early onset.


The nanostructure is used in tandem with an antibody responsible for detecting the toxins which cause the onset of the disease, referred to as amyloid beta brain toxins. (See below the referenced scan)


One of the negative aspects regarding the current method of treating the disease is a result of a partial inability of the medication to reach the brain due to the blood brain barrier.

The production of nanoparticles with the ability to carrier various useful drugs through the blood brain barrier could offer the means to advance therapeutic methods of treating Alzheimer's disease.


Nanotechnology and Heart Disease

Nanoparticles are being developed at the University of Georgia which act as artificial high-density lipoproteins and contains a magnetic resonance image contrasting agent. This specific type of nanoparticle can help in both treating heart conditions and can provide imaging for the doctors reference.

Another type of nanoparticle being developed is capable of transporting drugs to arteries which may contain a build up of plaque.


A peptide protein is attached to the nanoparticle which travels to the location in an artery containing plaque. It then binds with the plaques surface treating the condition.

Peptides assembling on a nanoparticle (see below)


Nanotechnology and Cancer

Nanotechnology is currently being used in the development of cancer treatments focused on directly attacking specific tumors.

Progression is being made to the development of chemotherapy treatments utilizing gold nanoparticles. Tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF) is carried to a specific site where it attacks the tumor cells leaving surrounding cells unaffected. In order for the particle to travel through the blood steam without being targeted by an immune response, thiol-derivatized polyethylene glycol(PEG-THIOL) is also attached to the nanoparticle which helps to conceal it.


Link to clinical trials

http://nano.cancer.gov/learn/now/clinical-trials.asp






Future of nanotechnology

The prospects of nanotechnology are smilingly infinite with massive benefits.

The production of nanobots in the future will drastically extend the capabilities of nanotechnology

Nanobots of the future will be capable of enforcing complete control over single cells and molecules, allowing for incredible precision treating diseases and administering medication even more precisely compared to todays nanotechnology.


ProsSurgical procedures and treating disease will become far more efficient, cost effective and reduce recovery time.

Early diagnosis of diseases will become prevalent ultimately reducing harmful effects and death.

Nano sensors can be used to monitor the function of the body and detect abnormalities.

Overall health of the population will improve and the average lifespan will grow longer.

Repair of cells and structures from within the body will be made possible.


Cons Nanotechnology is still early in development and extensive research and tests will be required before it will be available.

This technology in the hands of an organization or person wishing to attack civilian or other populations may be successful in causing massive damage and widespread disorder.

This technology is still being studied and developed, therefor it currently an expensive technology.


Sources Billington, J. (2014, December 25). The mind-blowing things nanobots could do. Retrieved July 26, 2016, from http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/wearables/the-mindblowing-things-nanobots-could-do/news-story/5c1d2305a52c6056c63cc0a53422ce82

Boysen, E. (2016). Nanotechnology vs. heart disease. Retrieved July 27, 2016, from http://www.understandingnano.com/heart-disease-nanotechnology.html

BCNet staff. (2016, March 23). Nanomedicine : Seeking & destroying disease. Retrieved July 26, 2016, from http://www.bostoncommons.net/nanomedicine-seeking-destroying-disease/

Kreuter, J. (2007, March). Nanotechnology - A historical prespective. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joerg_Kreuter/publication/6687946_Nanoparticles-A_historical_perspective/links/564df7b608ae4988a7a58ecc.pdf

Pratima, A. (2015, March 12). Nanotechnology and its applications in medicine. Retrieved July 27, 2016, from http://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/nanotechnology-and-its-applications-in-medicine-2161-0444-1000247.php?aid=41535d


http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/wearables/the-mindblowing-things-nanobots-could-do/news-story/5c1d2305a52c6056c63cc0a53422ce82






http://www.understandingnano.com/heart-disease-nanotechnology.html




http://www.bostoncommons.net/nanomedicine-seeking-destroying-disease/




https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joerg_Kreuter/publication/6687946_Nanoparticles-A_historical_perspective/links/564df7b608ae4988a7a58ecc.pdf




http://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/nanotechnology-and-its-applications-in-medicine-2161-0444-1000247.php?aid=41535d




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