Nanotechnology in medicine and healthcare: Possibilities, progress and problems

Abstract

Corresponding author : J Gardner (Jillian.Gardner@wits.ac.za) Nanotechnology or nanoscience covers the investigation, design, manipulation, precision placement, measurement, modelling or fabrication of matter, structures, devices and systems that exist at the nanoscale -essentially at the atomic and molecular size levels. Nanotechnology has the potential to change the way we address some of the world's most critical development problems. In 2005, the United Nations (UN) Millennium Project's Taskforce on Science, Technology and Innovation concluded that nanotechnology can contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), specifically, the goals to reduce child mortality, improve maternal mortality and combat HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Health, specifically improved primary healthcare, is one of six focus areas highlighted in South Africa's National Nanotechnology Strategy (NNS), where nanotechnology can offer the most significant benefits for the country. Nanotechnology can revolutionise the practice of medicine and the delivery and accessibility of healthcare. However, despite the significant benefits of nanotechnology, there are problems that could prevent it from being widely accepted. The qualities that make nanotechnology so appealing are also those that give rise for concern. In particular, there are uncertainties about its potential impact on human health, the environment and societies in general, along with the concern that nanotechnology, much like genetic engineering or modification, is 'messing' with the buil ding blocks of nature and is therefore, 'unnatural' even unethical. This article considers these concerns and concludes that there is nothing intrinsically good or bad about nanotechnology, but that its acceptability will depend largely on how it is used and introduced into society.S Afri J BL 2015;8(2):5053.

Opportunities and obstacles to the development of nanopharmaceuticals for human use

“…Drug delivery system, nanotherapeutics, nanobots, nanoshells, nanotubes, gene therapy, and vaccination and immunization improvement rank among the functional structures that pharmaceuticals will borrow from nanotechnology while chip technology, quantum dots and sensor nanobots emerge advantageous for diagnostic purposes [ 31 , 32 ]. However, reconstructive medicine and tissue engineering look forward to applying nanotechnology to cover the gap in clinical practice by providing biodegradable and biocompatible tissues [ 33 ]. Radiation enhancers are also under investigation to increase the usability of radiotherapy in war against cancer [ 34 ].…”

Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Treatment of Obesity, Cancer and Anti-microbial Resistance: Highlights of the Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre Biolabels Research Node at the University of the Western Cape

“…As experts in this area, the BRN recently published an extensive review of the three PHB-targeting strategies for the treatment of obesity [7]. These three nanotechnology-based strategies showed exciting outcomes by (1) inhibiting angiogenesis in the WAT vasculature of obese rodents [24,27], (2) browning of WATs [15,29], and (3) the induction of photothermal lipolysis of WATs using gold nanorods (AuNRs) and gold nanospheres (AuNSs) [16]. This is exciting because the nanotechnologybased strategies, which are well established in cancer treatment, also present the possibility of their use in the reversal of obesity [7].…”

“…Nanotechnology, defined as the science of designing, producing, and the application of materials at a nanometre scale, is one of the most exciting and fast-moving areas of science that may revolutionize many aspects of life [1]. This discipline has galvanized researchers worldwide and has contributed to the development of novel products for applications in the health, energy, food, agriculture, and water sectors [2].…”

“…This discipline has galvanized researchers worldwide and has contributed to the development of novel products for applications in the health, energy, food, agriculture, and water sectors [2]. In order to harness the benefits of nanotechnology, the SA government has, over the past 16 years, made extensive investments toward creating a critical mass of infrastructure, equipment, and human capital for nanotechnology research [1][2][3]. However, despite the great efforts made over the past decade, the promise of nanotechnology to bring many scientific breakthroughs with meaningful impacts to the SA bio-economy has not been met [4].…”

Conhecimento e conscientização de estudantes de enfermagem sobre o uso da nanotecnologia na área da saúde

“…(5)(6)(7)(8) Há uma ampla gama de usuários de nanotecnologia no mundo todo, especialmente no campo da saúde, e ela traz benefícios significativos para as práticas de enfermagem em decorrência do aumento de seu uso na medicina. (4,9,10) Espera-se que bactérias e vírus serão detectados mais rapidamente e seu controle com tratamento adequado será possível graças aos microchips desenvolvidos no campo da microbiologia. Assim, na perspectiva dos pacientes, previne-se uso desnecessário de medicamentos, enquanto na perspectiva da enfermagem, pode-se evitar a administração desnecessária de medicamentos e intervenções invasivas até que os resultados sejam claros.…”