Over the past three decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a major area of scientific interest. Scientists have created techniques for creating and analyzing vast collections of nanomaterials, proving their usefulness in preclinical settings. A new stage of nanotechnology in medicine development aims to use these technologies to help patients.
“The global nanoparticle technology market size is worth US$ 9.20 million in 2022. The market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period, to reach a market valuation of US$ 17.49 Mn by 2032,” states Sudip Saha from Future Market Insights. Corporations from all over the world are keen to leverage this growth for the advancement and increased application of this sector, particularly the Medical Field.
Nanotechnology in Medicine
Nanotechnology in medicine uses tiny components and tools to transform medical practice. By utilizing nanoparticles and nanodevices for focused therapy and diagnosis, it provides accurate drug delivery, sophisticated illness detection, and cutting-edge treatments. Using lab-on-a-chip technology and biosensors, nanotechnology in medicine has also made it possible to diagnose diseases more quickly. Antimicrobial nanomaterials, such as nano-silver, have the ability to combat antibiotic resistance. Clinical trials are being conducted on gold nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. Nanotechnology makes it possible for the medical fraternity to reach areas it has never gone to before. Widespread research and development is leading to newer techniques and technologies which help in the advancement of the medical sector.
The use of nanotechnology in medicine and healthcare is known as nanomedicine. It entails the use of nanoscale tools and materials for tissue regeneration, medication delivery, and other therapeutic purposes. The distinct physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of nanoscale materials enable innovative medicinal applications. Nano-devices provide less invasive operations, ultrasensitive biosensors, and point-of-care diagnostics. These cutting-edge technologies make it possible to provide individualized medical care. Nanotechnology is being adopted by more and more doctors worldwide to achieve faster and more accurate results. Hospitals are using researched equipment to diagnose and treat patients which is showing good results over time. Though nanotechnology in medicine is in its nascent stage, it has shown promising growth in multiple prospects.
Medical diagnostics can be greatly enhanced by nanotechnologies. “Smart pills” are a prime illustration of this since they are more affordable and convenient, as they allow patients and physicians to monitor a large array of illnesses. A majority of the healthcare problems can be solved if an illness is detected before its occurrence in a patient. The illness that a smart pill is intended to treat or diagnose will determine how it functions. Smart tablets use nanoscale sensors, which are intended to identify disease long before a patient may notice any symptoms. This can help doctors and patients take preventive steps to avoid the disease. Medications can be prescribed, therapies and diets can be administered to minimize the problem leading to the illness.
Nanorobots
Nanorobots—small motors that are able to navigate to specific body regions are a progressive innovation in nanotechnology. Nanorobots can be injected or swallowed, and they can travel to the location of the illness, take images, and communicate them to the patient or physician. Nanotechnologies are also shown to be very beneficial in the treatment of illnesses requiring close adherence to a specified medication schedule. The majority of patients with chronic illnesses don’t take their medications as directed. However, this issue can be solved by employing nanotechnologies that are designed to release medications on their own.
An origami nanorobot is made up of a synthetic DNA sheet that is flat, covered in an enzyme that clots blood, and can be folded into a variety of shapes. After being injected into the bloodstream, the nanosized DNA sheet is designed to find tumor cells, adhere to their surface, and inject them with the blood-clotting enzyme, depriving the tumor cell of the blood necessary for survival. One of the most difficult issues in cancer treatment is destroying cancer cells without endangering neighboring healthy tissue. This nanoscale robot helps solve the challenge.
Nanofibers
Nanofibers are used for application in tissue engineering, artificial organ components, implants, wound dressings, and surgical fabrics. Researchers are trying to create “smart bandages,” which, when applied, will dissolve into the surrounding tissue as the area heals. These smart bandages may include sensors to identify infection symptoms in addition to clotting agents and antibiotics embedded in nanofibres.
Another promising area of nanotechnology research for disease prevention is wearables. Smart bandages that incorporate growth hormones, blood-clotting agent nanoparticles, or sensors that can identify infections and deliver antibiotics are using nanotechnologies to help avoid infectious wounds. These bandages are often composed of biodegradable materials, which enable them to be applied to wounds and left there until they decompose.
Advancement of nanotechnology in medicine
Science is a dynamic field. The development of nanotechnology is fascinating and intriguing while it only still touching the tip of the iceberg. Medical institutions that utilize this cutting-edge knowledge, particularly those in the healthcare sector, will produce solutions that are easily attainable and contribute to a better world.
In the field of nanomedicine, there is still much to learn and explore. Engineers, biologists, and doctors are working together as a collaborative force to advance this field of study. The development of nanomaterials for cancer and vaccinations in clinical trials will guarantee progress. Comprehensive bench-side investigations of the behavior of these materials within the body offer a foundational framework for nanoparticle engineering. The advancement of nanomedicine for societal benefit will depend on these combined insights and future prospects.
There are still many obstacles to be overcome before nanotechnology is completely adopted into healthcare. The long-term effects of nanotechnology and its influence on the environment are a topic to debate. Authorities and regulatory bodies must establish more precise rules about nanotech-based devices and possible health hazards. Sometimes, the expensive cost of many nanotech-based gadgets prevents their mass production. These gadgets’ accessible production options will contribute to the widespread adoption of this technology. On the other hand, there’s growing hope that the application of nanotechnology in medicine will result in major advancements in illness prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The multiple uses of nanotechnology in medicine and its potential to lead the sector into a new phase of growth make it a sector to keep a watch on.
