I am a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds. I have completed my master's degree in the Erasmus Tribos program at the University of Leeds, University of Ljubljana, and University of Coimbra and my bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from VTU in NMIT, India. I am an editor and social networking manager at TriboNet. I have a YouTube channel called Tribo Geek where I upload videos on travel, research life, and topics for master's and PhD students.
Recent advancements in Nanotechnology applications in Medicine
Table of Contents
The article was written By Leyla Alieva, CEO and Co-Founder of NEOL Copper Technologies
Introduction
Nanotechnology refers to the research and development of technologies at the nanoscale which involves with the conception, creation, design, and application of valuable materials, instruments, and systems by manipulating matter at minute scale. This evolving field engages researchers and professionals from various disciplines, including physics, pharmacy, engineering, biology, and tribology. Nanomedicine is one of the trending applications of the nanotechnology that has attracted interests of various researchers and hence it is important to know what are the advancements that has been progressed over the years.
Nanomedicine
In nanomedicine, the research and development of novel nano-biomaterials and nano-therapeutics aim to enhance diagnostics, medical care, therapies, and clinical devices. Nanotechnology provides benefits such as improved therapeutic efficacy, increased surface area, flexible surface functionalization, low toxicity, enhanced passive targeting, stimuli responsiveness, and better bioavailability. Nano-therapeutics are expected to significantly advance biotechnologies like gene therapy and facilitate the modernization of traditional pharmaceuticals. Future studies could further explore nanotechnology applications in drug discovery, particularly through protein-protein interaction networks. Nanotechnology-based clinical cancer therapy represents a multidisciplinary advancement aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional therapeutics, such as poor safety and effectiveness, inability to target tumor cells, high side effects, lack of integration with drug vehicles, and short circulation times.
Figure-1Applications of nanotechnology in medicine and pharmaceutical technology
How does nanotechnology help in medicine?
In medical sciences, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) plays a crucial role due to its ability for self-assembly and the creation of programmable nanostructures, serving as a platform for various biological, mechanical, chemical, and physical applications. DNA is composed of four nucleotide bases that measures in the sub-nanometer range, while its double helix structure is on the nanometer scale. Additionally, proteins and cell membranes fall within this category, making the nanoscale ideal for the research and development of medical and clinical devices. For effective drug delivery, suitable carriers are essential to ensure drugs reach their targets efficiently, minimizing off-target effects. Nanobiology is a driving force behind the advancement of nanotechnology by enabling the use of nanoparticles, fibers, and devices for delivering drugs, heat, light, or other substances specifically to targeted cells in the human body. This approach helps identify and treat major ailments while reducing damage to healthy cells.
In addition to drug delivery, other significant areas of focus in nanomedicine include quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) and targeted imaging. Recent developments in nanomaterials facilitate easy access to molecules, intervene in molecular interactions, and detect molecular changes, providing valuable tools for molecular biology. Due to their unique properties—such as size, surface-to-mass ratio, quantum effects, and electrical, optical, and magnetic characteristics—nanoparticles serve as active mediators in the diagnosis and treatment of major diseases like cancer, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and blood disorders. The applications of nanotechnology in medicine and pharmaceutical technology are numerous and significant.
References
