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Review Article NANO ROBOTICS

Review Article NANO ROBOTICS

Received : 18‑05‑14 Review completed : 11‑06‑14 Review Article ‑ ‑ Accepted : 24 06 14

NANO - ITS TIME FOR CHANGE

Biji Balan, * Sreejesh Narayanan **

* Reader, Department of Conservative & Endodontics, Kannur Dental College, Kannur, Kerala, India ** MD, Consultant Dermatologist, The Apollo Clinic, Kannur Kerala, India ______ABSTRACT emergence of nanodentistry which involves the Nanodentistry is an emerging field with maintenance of oral health by the use of nano significant potential to yield new generation of materials, biotechnology and dental technologically advanced clinical tools and .[2] devices for oral healthcare. The growing HISTORY interest in the of dental applications of The first observations and size measurements of robotic dentistry is leading to the emergence of were made during the first decade [3] a new field called Nanorobotics in dentistry. of the 20th century by Zsigmondy, 1914. The Nanorobotics holds promise for advanced Nobel Prize winning physicist , diagnostics, targeted delivery with at an American Physical Society meeting in 1959, . can supposedly induce oral was received with speculation when he gave a analgesia, desensitize tooth; manipulate the talk, “There‟s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” in tissue to realign and straighten irregular set of 1959, in which he explored the implications of teeth and to improve durability of teeth The matter manipulation. Four decades ago, the purpose of this article is to review the manipulation of single and phenomenon of as it might seemed illusive; however, he predicted that the apply to dentistry as a new field called time would inevitably come when the atomically nanodentistry. precise manipulation of matter would be possible. The true founder of nanotechnology was, though, KEYWORDS: Nanorobotics; nanodentistry; Eric Drexler, who published in 1986 „Engines of nanotechnology Creation The Coming Era of Nanotechnology‟.[4]

He states that in the near future this kind of INTRODUCTION will be used to assembly atoms and “Nano” is derived from the Greek word which molecules in order to build nano circuits and nano stands for “dwarf”. Nanotechnology is the . The way average instruments can build of manipulating matter, measured in the billionths average machines out of compound pieces, of metres or , roughly the size of two or molecular instruments will create connections three atoms. It is distinguished primarily by the between molecules in order to create pinions, scale at which it acts, one billionth of a metre or engines, manipulating arms and minute covers one ten thousand the width of hair. In that will be assembled into complex machines. simple terms, it is at the atomic or The first scientist who described the medical molecular level. Nanotechnology, which is applications of nanotechnology and nano robots accomplished by manipulating matter at the was Jr. In an article published by atomic level, is actually measured in , the Journal of American Dental Association, he roughly the size of two or three atoms. defined nano as the science and Nanotechnology is an extremely diverse and technology of diagnosing, treating and preventing multidisciplinary field, ranging from novel disease and traumatic injury; of relieving pain; extensions of conventional to completely and of preserving and improving human health, new approaches based upon molecular self- through the use of nano scale-structured assembly, to developing new materials and [1] materials, biotechnology and , machines with nano scale dimensions. The and eventually complex molecular growing interest in the future of dental systems and nano robots. In the same article, applications of nanotechnology lead to the Freitas introduced the concept of nano dentistry,

IJOCR Jul - Sep 2014; Volume 2 Issue 5 41 Nano robotics Balan B, Narayanan S which he defines as the science and technology depending on its task.[8] It has increased strength, that will make possible the maintenance of near- because of the main component used is in perfect oral health through the use of the form of diamond or composite. The , biotechnology, including tissue power of glucose can be done by metabolising engineering and nano robotics.[5] glucose, oxygen and externally supplied acoustic UNDERSTANDING NANOROBOTS energy. They can be controlled by onboard Nanorobots are theoretical microscopic devices capable of performing thousand or measured on the scale of nanometres (1nm equals more computations. A broad cast type acoustic one millionth of 1 millimetre). When fully signal helps in with these devices, realized from the hypothetical stage, they would it basically consists of , at the atomic, molecular and cellular level to controlled by light or electric signals, control, perform tasks in both the medical and industrial power, communication and interfacial signals fields that have heretofore been the content of across facial scales. A navigational network may . Nano robots are so tiny that they be installed in the body which provides, can easily traverse the human body. Nano robots positional accuracy to passing nanorobots to would constitute any active structure (nano-scale) know their location. These nanorobots are good at capable of actuation, sensing, signalling, differentiating different types in the body information processing, intelligence, and swarm based upon their surface antigens. They are behaviour at nano-scale. The nano robots are accomplished by the use of chemotactic sensors invisible to the naked eye, techniques like keyed to the specific antigens on the target cells. scanning electron (SEM) and atomic When the task of the nanorobots is completed, microscopy (AFM) are being employed to they can be retrieved by allowing them to expel visualize these nano-scaled devices. These nano themselves via the usual human excretory robots provide benefits in numerous areas such as channels. These can also be removed by active synthesis of new materials with advanced scavenger systems.[9] It is Freitas (1999) who properties like production technology, described how medical nano robots might use information technology, medical applications, specific motility mechanisms to crawl or swim transportation, etc. Medical nano robots represent through human tissues with navigational microscopical objects artificially manufactured, recession; cyto pentration and use any of endowed with intelligence capable of free multitude of techniques to monitor, interrupt or diffusion inside the human body and which can alter nerve impulse traffic in individual nerve interact with human body cells or can manipulate cells.[10] According to present day theories, dental them, with a nanometric resolution in order to nano robots should have at least two means of fulfil tasks in the medical field. As a regular communication: both with the doctor who , a medical nano robot can be manufactured coordinates it, and with the other nano robot he out of thousands of mechanical parts, made out of teams up with and the two possible ways of nano materials such as carbon nano tubes, communicating between nano robots are being metallic nano conductors and considered: either by means of light signals materials.[6,7] Unlike regular robots, medical nano through optical nano sensors[6] or by chemical robots will have invisible dimensions to the signals through chemical nano sensors (i.e. nano human eye, but compound parts will have robots glucose level).[11] As to the molecular sizes 1-10nm. Scientists report the possible ways of communication between nano exterior of a nano robot will likely be constructed robots and the doctor who coordinates them, of carbon atoms in a diamondoid structure research scientists incline towards acoustic because of its inert properties and strength. Super- signals, allowing rapid rates of data transfer, or smooth surfaces will lessen the likelihood of electromagnetic radio waves, considered useful in triggering the body's immune system, allowing detecting the current status of the nano robots the nano robots to go about their job unimpeded. inside the patient.[6,11] Glucose or natural body sugars and oxygen might Two perspectives of approaching nanodentistry be a source for propulsion and the nano robot will are: have other biochemical or molecular parts 1. Building up particles by combining atomic

IJOCR Jul - Sep 2014; Volume 2 Issue 5 42 Nano robotics Balan B, Narayanan S

elements, i.e., bottom up approach.[12, 13] United Nations, in the same way Linux and Open 2. Using equipment to create mechanical Source has in recent years accelerated the nanoscale objects, i.e., top down approach.[14] development of systems, a similar MEANS OF APPROACH approach should benefit the society at large and Biochip accelerate nano robotics development. The use of The joint use of nano , nano biotechnology should be established as a , and new , can be human heritage for the coming generations, and considered as a possible way to enable the developed as an open technology based on ethical required technology towards nano practices for peaceful purposes. Open technology robots for common medical applications, such as is stated as a fundamental key for such aim. for surgical instrumentation, diagnosis and drug USES OF NANOROBOTICS IN DENTISTRY delivery.[15] Indeed, this feasible approach towards Local Anaesthesia manufacturing on nanotechnology is a practice In the era of nano dentistry a colliodal suspension currently in use from the electronics industry. So, containing millions of active analgesic micron- practical nano robots should be integrated as nano size dental robots will be instilled on the patient's electronics devices, which will allow tele- gingiva. After contacting the surface of crown or operation and advanced capabilities for medical mucosa, the ambulating nanorobots reach the pulp instrumentation. via the gingival sulcus, lamina propria and Nubots dentinal tubules. Once installed in the pulp, the Nubot is an abbreviation for " analgesic dental robots may be commanded by robots." Nubots are synthetic robotics devices at the dentist to shut down all sensitivity in any the nanoscale. Representative nubots include the particular tooth that requires treatment. After oral several DNA walkers reported by different groups procedures are completed, the dentist orders the and like Ned Seeman's group at nano robots to restore all sensation, to relinquish NYU, Niles Pierce's group at Caltech, 's control of nerve traffic and to egress from the group at Duke , Chengde Mao's group tooth by similar pathways used for ingress.[2] at Purdue, and Andrew Turberfield's group at the Hypersensitivity Cure University of Oxford. Dentin hypersensitivity may be caused by Positional nanoassembly changes in pressure transmitted hydrodynamically Nano factory Collaboration, founded by Robert to the pulp. This is based on the fact that Freitas and in 2000, is a focused hypersensitive teeth have eight times higher ongoing effort involving 23 researchers from 10 surface density of dentinal tubules and tubules organizations and 4 countries that is developing a with diameters twice as large than non-sensitive practical research agenda specifically aimed at teeth. Dental nano robots could selectively and developing positionally-controlled diamond precisely occlude selected tubules in minutes, mechano-synthesis and a diamondoid using native biological materials, offering patients nanofactory. that would be capable of building a quick and permanent cure. diamondoid medical nanorobots. Bone Replacement Materials Based Bone is a natural that is composed This approach proposes the use biological of organic compounds (mainly collagen) and microorganisms, like Escherichia colibacteria. reinforced with inorganic ones. Nanotechnology Hence, the model uses a flagellum for propulsion aims to emulate this natural structure for purposes. The use of electromagnetic fields are orthopaedic and dental applications and, more normally applied to control the motion of this particularly, for the development of nano bone. kind of biological integrated device, although his Nano crystals show a loose microstructure, with limited applications. nano pores situated between the crystals. The Open Technology surfaces of the pores are modified such that they A document with a proposal on nanobiotech adsorb protein, due to the addition of silica development using open technology approaches molecules. Bone defects can be treated by using has been addressed to the United Nations General these hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.[17] Assembly.[16] According to the document sent to

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Major Tooth Repair matter performing continuous calculus Nano dental techniques involve many tissue debridement. They prevent tooth decay and engineering procedures for major tooth repair provide a continuous barrier to halitosis with mainly nano robotics manufacture and installation good deformability, corrosion resistance, and of a biologically autologous whole replacement surface finish. tooth that includes both mineral and cellular Photosensitizers and Carriers components which leads to complete dentition Quantum dots can be used as photosensitizers and replacement therapy. carriers. They can bind to the antibody present on Nanorobotic Dentifrice (Dentifrobots) the surface of the target cell and when stimulated Sub occlusal dwelling nano robotic dentifrice by ultraviolet light, they can give rise to reactive delivered by mouthwash or toothpaste could oxygen species and thus will be lethal to the patrol all supra gingival and sub gingival target cell. surfaces at least once a day, metabolising trapped Nano Robots in Detection and organic matter into harmless and odourless Treatment vapours and performing continuous calculus Cancer can be successfully treated with current debridement. These invisibly small dentifrobots stages of medical and therapy tools. [1-10 micon], crawling at 1-10 microns/sec, However, a decisive factor to determine the would be inexpensive, purely mechanical devices, chances for a patient with cancer to survive is: that would safely deactivate themselves if how earlier it was diagnosed; which means, if swallowed and would be programmed for better possible, a cancer should be detected at least cleaning of the teeth. before the metastasis has begun. Another Orthodontic Treatment important aspect to achieve a successful treatment Orthodontic nano robots could directly for patients is the development of efficient manipulate the periodontal tissues, allowing rapid targeted to decrease the side effects and painless tooth straightening, rotating and from . Considering the properties of vertical repositioning within minutes to hours. A nano robots to navigate as blood borne devices, new stainless-steel wire that uses nano technology they can help on such extremely important is being studied that combine‟s ultra-high strength aspects of cancer therapy. Nano robots with with good deformability, corrosion resistance and embedded chemical biosensors can be used to surface finish. perform detection of tumour cells in early stages Maintenance of Oral Hygiene of development inside the patient's body. A mouthwash full of smart nano robots could Integrated nano sensors can be utilized for such a identify and destroy pathogenic bacteria while task in order to find intensity of E-cadherin allowing the harmless flora of the mouth to signals. Therefore a hardware architecture based flourish in a healthy ecosystem. on nano bioelectronics is described for the Cavity Preparation and Restoration application of nano robots for cancer therapy. Multiple nano robots working on the teeth in Analyses and conclusions for the proposed model unison, invisible to the naked eye, may be used are obtained through real time 3D . for cavity preparation and restoration of teeth. Nanocomposites The cavity preparation is very precisely restricted Nanoproducts has successfully to the demineralised enamel and dentin, thus manufactured nonagglomerated discrete providing maximum conservation of tooth nanoparticles that are homogeneously distributed structure. Further the devices would identify in resins or coatings to produce particles of food, plaque or tartar and lift them nanocomposites.[18] The nanofiller used includes from the teeth to be rinsed away. Being an aluminosilicate powder having a mean particle suspended in liquid and able to swim about, size of 80 ran and a 1:4 M ratio of alumina to devices would be able to reach surfaces beyond silica and a refractive index of 1.508. reach of toothbrush bristles or the fibres of floss. ADVANTAGES Sub-occlusally dwelling nano robots delivered by  Superior hardness dentifrice patrol all supra-gingival and sub-  Superior flexural strength, modulus of gingival surfaces metabolizing trapped organic

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elasticity and translucency Bionic Mandible  50% reduction in filling shrinkage The bionic mandible is helpful to reconstruct the  Excellent handling properties entire mandible similar to normal mandible in  Trade name: Filtek O Supreme Universal function and sensation. It is not far from Restorative P Lire Nano O achieving, just like the first bionic arm Nanoneedles constructed on Sullivan by Todd Kuiken and his Nanosized stainless-steel crystals incorporated team using nanotech-enabled robotic myoelectric [21] into suture needles have been developed. Cell prosthetic limb. may be possible in the near future with POSSIBLE DIFFICULTIES IN THE PATH nanotweezers, which are now under development. OF NANODENTISTRY Nanosolution  Precise positioning and assembly of molecular Nanosolutions produce unique and dispersible scale part nanoparticles, which can be used in bonding  Economical nanorobot mass production agents. This ensures homogeneity and ensures technique that the adhesive is perfectly mixed everytime.  Biocompatibility Trade name: Adper O. Single Bond Plus  Simultaneous coordination of activities of Adhesive, Single Bond. large numbers of independent micron-scale Impression Materials robots Nanofillers are integrated in vinylpolysiloxanes,  Social issues of public acceptance, , producing a unique addition of siloxane regulation and human safety impression materials. The material has better CONCLUSION flow, improved hydrophilic properties and Nano robots will change dentistry, health care and enhanced detail precision. Trade name: Nanotech human more profoundly than other Elite H-D. developments. Nano dentistry holds the promise Nanoencapsulation to lead to an earlier diagnosis, better therapy and SWRI [South West Research Institute] has improved follow-up care, making the health care developed targeted release systems that more effective and affordable. Nano dentistry will encompass nanocapsules including novel also allow a more personalised treatment for vaccines, and drug delivery with many diseases, exploiting the in-depth [19] reduced side effect. understanding of diseases on a molecular level. Dental implants: Structure, and Although research into nano robots is still in its Biocompatibility preliminary stages, the promise of such The determining factors for successful osseo- technology is endless. Nano robots applied to integration are surface contact area and surface dentistry hold a wealth of promise for treating topography. However, bone bonding and stability disease very rapidly. There will be times when the also play a role. Bone growth and increased dentist will not be present for the treatment and predictability can be effectively expedited with leave the job to the assistant and the dentrirobots implants by using nanotechnology. The addition of his clinic. In future, dentist employment of nano scale deposits of hydroxyapatite and opportunities may demand a degree in nano calcium phosphate creates a more complex robotics. This is going to be true soon. [20] implant surface for osteoblast formation. CONFLICT OF INTEREST & SOURCE OF Extensive research on the effects and subsequent FUNDING optimization of micro topography and surface The author declares that there is no source of chemistry has produced ground-breaking strides funding and there is no conflict of interest among in material engineering. These new implants are all authors. more acceptable, because they enhance the BIBLIOGRAPHY integration of nano-coatings resembling 1. Feynman RP. There is plenty of room at the biological materials to the tissues. bottom. Eng Sci 1966;23:22-4. 2. Frietas RA. Nanodentistry. JADA 2000;131:1559-69.

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