Nanotechnology’s Role in Reshaping Modern Medicine

Authored By: Bhavya Anoop

Oftentimes, the smallest innovations can drive the greatest advancements—such as medical breakthroughs that enable precision drug delivery or technologies that can bypass many traditional treatment barriers. Nanoparticles, which are about 100,000 times thinner than a piece of paper, have been prompting significant discovery in the realm of biomedical engineering. Nanotechnology is essentially the engineering of particulate matter into physical states between 1 and 100 nanometers. These nanoparticles can then be rearranged into nano-systems that serve various functions, such as advancing drug delivery mechanisms, improving disease detection, and advancing tissue engineering [1]. 

To begin, nanoparticles have been heavily used in drug delivery, given their numerous beneficial qualities. For instance, nanoparticles can be engineered to have specific surface properties that allow them to selectively target diseased cells while avoiding healthy cells, improving the efficacy of drugs and reducing unwanted side effects that are often seen in many strong drugs [2]. Recently, lipid-based Drug Delivery Systems (DSSs) have shown promise. Lipid DSSs are divided into two categories: micelles, which are ideal for transporting hydrophobic drugs in aqueous environments, and liposomes, which are larger and can exploit enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) in tumors [3]. Both allow for targeted drug delivery, while minimizing cytotoxicity and improving treatment efficacy. An illuminatory example is PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (or Doxil), which allows drugs to circulate longer and also accumulate in tissues with increased microvascular permeability, which are often regions containing tumors [4]. Furthermore, to incorporate sustained drug delivery over time, nanoparticles can be designed to release their cargo in a controlled manner [5]. For instance, collagen nanoparticles are used as carriers for slow-release drugs, greatly improving the antibacterial field [6].

In addition to longer-scale drug delivery, nanoparticles can also be utilized for early and rapid disease detection. They can be used for numerous diagnostic purposes, such as contrast agents in medical imaging. In fact, silica-based nanoparticles have been used as X-ray contrast agents for CT imaging. Furthermore, researchers have since realized that the magnetic and optical properties of nanoparticles, along with the magnetic field of the MRI, can be utilized to monitor changes in living tissues without using radioactive tracers found in PET or CT scans [3]. 

Additionally, nanotechnology can reduce sample consumption and integrate detection modes such as optical, electrochemical, magnetic, and more to provide detailed analyses and increase the accuracy of detection results [6]. The small features of nanotechnology allow for detection devices to be smaller and even portable, thus allowing detection to occur outside of the lab and possibly in field settings or places with limited medical access. 

Another promising use for nanoparticles is in tissue engineering, where their size-dependent properties have been able to eliminate many of the obstacles faced in the field. Different nanoparticles exhibit unique properties, making them suitable for different applications. For instance, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have surface conjugation and conducting properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have useful electromechanical properties, and silver nanoparticles prompt antimicrobial effects [7]. 

Furthermore, the small size of all nanoparticles allows them to easily cross membranes and be uptaken by cells, facilitating many regenerative therapies. Thus, they can be used as carriers for growth factors and signaling molecules, all of which can promote tissue repair [3]. It has even been proven, namely in bone and cartilage tissue regeneration, that GNPs and titanium dioxide nanoparticles have enhanced cell proliferation rates [7]. They can also be used as scaffolds to improve mechanical properties in tissue engineering by improving tensile strength and elongation. There are many methods to do so, including creating hybrid scaffolds, amplifying cross-links, and more [7].

Nanotechnology has made great progress over the past few decades and its influence in biomedical engineering applications has and will only continue to grow. From improving drug delivery mechanisms to enhancing disease detection methods and tissue engineering feats, nanoparticles can greatly revolutionize modern medicine. To achieve more effective, personalized, and less invasive medical treatments, nanotechnology must be harnessed to its maximum potential. For instance, in addition to promoting partnerships between academics, business, and healthcare providers, increased government funding and policy support could greatly enhance research and development. At the same time, manufacturing costs, scalability, and regulation factors must be addressed to allow for greater adoption across the world. Following these focused efforts, nanotechnology can lead to less invasive and more individualized medical therapies. 

References

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2. Huang, Q.; Yu, H.; Ru, Q. Bioavailability and delivery of nutraceuticals using nanotechnology. J. Food Sci. 2010, 75, R50–R57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01457.x 

3. Yusuf, A., Almotairy, A. R. Z., Henidi, H., Alshehri, O. Y., & Aldughaim, M. S. (2023). Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems: A Review of the Implication of Nanoparticles' Physicochemical Properties on Responses in Biological Systems. Polymers, 15(7), 1596. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071596

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Prospects of using nanotechnology for food preservation, safety, and security,

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6. Huang, Y., Guo, X., Wu, Y. et al. Nanotechnology’s frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment. Sig Transduct Target Ther 9, 34 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-024-01745-z 

7. Hasan, A., Morshed, M., Memic, A., Hassan, S., Webster, T. J., & Marei, H. E. (2018). Nanoparticles in tissue engineering: applications, challenges and prospects. International journal of nanomedicine, 13, 5637–5655. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S153758