2. What is Nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the construction and use of functional structures designed from atomic or molecular scale with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers. Their size allows them to exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical, and biological properties, phenomena, and processes. Source: http://www.nanoscience.gatech.edu/zlwang/research/nano.html
3. Nanomedicine Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology, and ranges from the implementation of nanoelectric biosensors, to enhancement of drug delivery methods, and even possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology. Nanomedicine has incredible potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of disease.
4. Biosensors/Biomarkers Via molecular imaging, we can utilize nanotechnology to: Track groups of cells/movement of drugs with luminescent tags which attach themselves to proteins Capture functional information on both cellular/molecular processes Capture anatomical detail on molecular structure Identify/diagnose tumors and other diseases Yield better disease analysis in conjunction with nanoparticle usage to protect markers White light nanoparticles Picture courtesy of: Nanogloss [http://nanogloss.com/nanoparticles/white-light-nanoparticles/#axzz1OoeandDa] Source: http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?articleid=1242
5. Drug Delivery (Before) In the 60s & 70s, applications of nanoparticles such as liposomes and dendrimers were used as vesicles to transport drugs into the body. This was dangerous, however, as those nanoparticles had the ability to accidentally alter cell structure and trigger apoptosis (cell death). The nanoparticles also possessed a high surface to volume ratio, which could make them extremely catalytic/reactive, increasing their susceptibility to cytotoxicity. Source: Marshall, Maryann. "The Dangers of Nanoparticles." Independent News on Natural Health, Nutrition and More. Web. 25 May 2011.
