2. 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.
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3. 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.
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4. 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)
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5. 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.
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6. 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.
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7. 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.
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10. 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.
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11. 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.
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12. 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.
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13. 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)
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14. 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.
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15. 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.
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16. 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)
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17. 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.Monday, August 1, 16
20. 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.
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22. Pros
Surgical 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.
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23. 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.
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24. 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
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