About Medical Advantages of Nanotechnology

Medicine, particularly medical research, necessitates the most sophisticated technology. Presently, nearly all medical devices cannot be permanently implanted. The implants are not yet advanced enough. Medical nanotechnology monitors, repairs, constructs and controls biological systems at the molecular level. It uses tools that are measured in the billionth of a meter in size; one nanometer is approximately equal to six hydrogen atoms in a row. These nano-devices will be helpful in gathering information on a person's state of health, leading to earlier treatment. It will also detect problems and change the body's chemical balance in the blood or tissues.

History

Many medical nanotechnology vehicles remain in the beginning stages. Yet, a growing number of products are presently being studied. There are also some items that are already on the commercial market, such as suture needles, bone replacement materials, wound dressings, in-vitro molecular diagnostics and micro-needles. Nanorobots that are inserted inside bodies for health improvements still have a long way to go before actually being introduced. However, a team of American and Australian researchers have designed a nanorobot 3-D software that helps them simulate the behavior of future devices. It shows the way that nanorobots will be able to effectively enhance healthcare and medical defense and allow real-time protection against pandemic outbreaks, such as influenza. Nanotechnology drug therapies, or smart drugs, are proving to cause less side effects and increase effectiveness over traditional therapies. In the future, nanotechnology will also help form molecular systems that recreate living systems and allow regeneration or replacement of body parts presently lost to infection, injury, or illness.

Identification

Nanotechnology is expected to make an immeasurable impact on medical diagnosis and treatment. For example, it is agreed that the early detection of cancer even before problems are visible is a requisite. A goal in cancer diagnosis for the 21st century will be to non-invasively detect tumors much earlier in order to ensure maximum therapeutic outcomes. In breast cancer, for instance, the aim of molecular imaging is to correctly diagnose when a tumor mass has about 100 to 1000 cells instead of mammography, which necessitates at least a million cells for accurate diagnosis. Nanotechnology is presently being developed that creates artificial and mechanical red blood cells, which could replace some types of blood transfusions, treat health issues such as anemia and lung disorders and improve breathing. Similarly, the creation of white blood cells will be able to destroy disease in the blood stream, bodily systems and organs.

Considerations

At Rice University in Texas, an instrument called the flesh welder fuses two pieces of chicken meat together. Then, a green liquid with gold-coated nanoshells is spread along the seam where the two pieces meet and an infrared laser welds the two sides together. It is hope that this may provide a solution to blood leaks in surgery when the doctor attempts to restitch the arteries cut during a kidney or heart transplant. The flesh welder could perfectly seal the artery. Nanoparticles are also being studied for the treatment of various kidney diseases. Nanoephrology is the creation and use of molecular and atomic materials and devices for the diagnosis and treatment of renal diseases. Advances in nanonephrology may provide nano-scale information on the cellular molecular systems involved in normal and pathological states of kidney processes. With greater knowledge of proteins and molecular structure at the kidney's atomic level, innovative approaches can be developed to fight major renal diseases.

Potential

Diagnostic nanomachines may be used to monitor the body's internal chemistry in the future. Nanorobots that carry wireless transmitters could move around in the blood and lymph systems and emit warnings when chemical imbalances occur.
Similar nonmobile nanomachines could be placed in the nervous system to keep track of functions, such as pulse and brain-wave activity. Implanted nanotechnology devices could also dispense drugs or hormones in individuals with chronic chemical imbalances or deficiencies. The most advanced nanomedicine considered today involves utilizing nanorobots as minscule surgeons. They may repair injured cells or replace damaged intracellular structures. Nanomachines may even be able to replicate themselves or correct genetic deficiencies by altering or replacing DNA molecules.

Expert Insight

Many scientists and the general public believe that additional research is needed regarding the possible risks of nanotechnology to human health. Reducing structure size to nanometer scale results in very different properties. Immobilized nanostructures located in or on medical devices, such as surgical implants, are not expected to pose any risks as long as they remain fixed. However, possible release may cause problems. For medical applications that use free nanoparticles or nanostructures, such as drug delivery systems, the specific toxicological properties need to be studied. A risk management plan is essential for all medical technology approaches.