Nanotechnology in Medicine

A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter(much smaller than the visible wavelength of light.) Nanotechnology is the engineering of matter at the molecular scale, and the fabrication of devices or materials in this range of size.

It has a potential wide range of applications in agriculture, industry, communications, medicine etc. Already, nanotechnology is being used commercially; for example, sunscreens made with nanotechnology do not give a whitish tinge when applied to the skin. Nanoparticles in glass screens breaks down when UV radiation falls on it, loosening the dirt on its surface, thus making it self cleaning. A chemical coating of nanoparticles on a car windscreen can make water roll down as tiny droplets, thus improving visibility even in a heavy downpour.

Since the size of nanomaterials are similar to that of most biological molecules and structures, nanomaterials can be useful in medical research and applications.

A futuristic microchip when placed in a tumor mass can collect information on the presence or absence of metastatic cells, thus determining if more aggressive cancer therapy is required or not. Novel nanostructures can help in Parkinson's disease and cardiovascular disease. Artificial tissues can be made to replace diseased kidneys, livers, and nerves. Nervous system integrated nanodevices could restore vision, hearing, and make more efficient prosthetic limbs.

Currently, many strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. Bandages made with nanoparticles of silver are an effective medium for antibiotic delivery.

Visualization of parts of the small intestine with current technologies have severe limitations. A 'pill cam' can help to solve this problem. This 'pill' has a tiny digital camera at it's tip and tiny LED's to provide light. It take 2 pictures/second and sends it by radio signals to sensors attached to the body. The patient swallows the 'pill' and goes on with routine daily activities. The recorded data is downloaded later into a computer and a doctor can view the digital images to spot any abnormalities in the small intestine.

Other futuristic scenarios include the development of artificial red blood cells to improve blood flow, artificial mitochondria to maintain metabolism in tissues suffering from ischemic injury etc. Clearly, the sky is the limit for nanotechnology!

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