Nanoscience in Healthcare
Prevention Treatment Prosthetics Nanoscience
From cancer to the common cold, from broken bones to sunburn, from cavities to heart disease.
How can small science help us fight big medical problems?
http://images.usefulzero.com/s/squirrel-broken-arm/ http://www.jadekimdds.com/ToothDecay.php How Big Is Nano?
This is one nanometer!
http://www.terressentials.com/exposure.html http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/The_scale_of_things.html Goals of Nanotechnology in Healthcare
With the use of nanotechnology, scientists hope to prevent illness, more quickly diagnose, control disease and treat disease with fewer side effects, and create better medical aids such as more compatible prosthetics. Nanoparticles and surfaces made of nanostructures are used in many areas of healthcare research. You’ll read about some of these on the following pages.
Ihttp://www.nanotruck.de http://www.publichealth.columbus.gov/programs/programs_114.asp Prevention Applications of Nanotechnology in Healthcare
Specific applications for nanotechnology in medicine include these developments: 1. Better tools for prevention Nanoscopes and nanotweezers Novel membranes for cleaning blood Miniaturized probes for recognizing disease
2. Nano-dots that trace disease 3. Improved detection through medical imaging MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) with better contrast agents CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scans
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17578&ch=nanotech http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/15jan_nano.htm http://medgadget.com/archives/2007/08/nanotweezers_help_understand_actions_of_chemotherapy_agent.html Nanotechnology Treatment Applications in Healthcare
4. Innovative medicines and drug delivery for detection and treatment Cancer medicines that only target cancer cells Antimicrobials (germs)
5. Implants and orthopedics (having to do with your bones) that are more compatible and that last longer http://hplusart.org/COMINGTECH.htm http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/techbeat/tb2007_0816.htm Besides,
Nanotechnology can make healthcare less expensive!
http://www.firststate-texas.com/images/piggy_bank.jpg 1. Nanoscience and Prevention
Nanoscience can potentially help us detect and treat cancer at the molecular level. Nanotechnologies will most likely allow us to rapidly sequence DNA (nanosequencing). Doctors could know right away if you have a genetic tendency for a disease or a drug interaction.
And imagine having a check-up without even leaving home. That may be possible with nanoscience and hand-held equipment .
http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11894885/Nano_Gold_Toothpaste.jpg http://biosingularity.wordpress.com/category/nanotech/ http://pro.corbis.com/search/Enlargement.aspx?CID=isg&mediauid=8B73D1A6-1F70-42BB-BFDA- 29989FB797C0 1. Nanoscience and Prevention
Toothpaste with special protection for tooth enamel could make happier and fewer dental visits. And imagine having a check- up without even leaving home. Potentially we could with nanoscience and hand-held equipment .
Nanotechnologies will be used for improving human performance, too. Go, team!
http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11894885/Nano_Gold_Toothpaste.jpg http://biosingularity.wordpress.com/category/nanotech/ https://www.alumni.unh.edu/connection/images/04_15_05/nanotech.jpg Microscopes, My How They’ve Changed!
Atomic force microscope (AFM) technology (which can move single atoms around) is being used to create smaller devices for use in diagnostics and drug discovery. AFMs can also be used to create surfaces using nanotechnology which will be more biocompatible than previous materials. Material, using nanotechnology, will help reduce the rejection rate of implants and the number of microbes on surgical devices and implants.
image: International Strategy and Foresight Report on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Final Report 19th March 2004 image: http://www.jnjgateway.com/home.jhtml?loc=USENG&page=viewContent&contentId=09008b9880ec8e18&parentId=09008b9880ec8c74 Nano-Tweezers
New nano-tweezers can guide themselves to pick up and move individual cells without damaging them. They can be attached to a microscope and be programmed to function without human control.
http://gizmodo.com/380882/robotic-hand-may-be-tiny-has-strong-grip Cleaner Air with Nanoscience
Imagine an air filtering system that is activated by light. Nanoparticles inside the device will destroy airborne germs and pollutants. You can read about it here. http://nanopedia.case.edu/NWPage.php?page=car.air.filters.explanation http://www.tew.com.tw/images/4.jpg Nanofilter Masks
Nanoscience can improve the filtration capabilities of masks because of the large amount of surface area in nanoparticles. They’re more efficient and last a long time. Read more about these masks here.
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17578&ch=nanotech Nanotechnology Fights Salmonella
Pilot studies are underway to more quickly and accurately detect such pathogens using nanotechnology.
Recent outbreaks in Salmonella have consumers demanding quicker detection of food-borne pathogens.
http://blog.nanovic.com.au/2008/06/08/a-better-way-to-profile-nanotoxicity/ http://www.fehd.gov.hk/safefood/library/salmonella/1.html http://www.technologijos.lt/archyvas/medicina/k_tyrimai/Salmonella_typhimurium_kosmose Food Storage and Nanoscience
Maybe you already have one of these new storage devices that use nanotechnology to keep food fresher (and safer) longer.
http://www.nanosilverproducts.com/ 2. Diagnosis, Treatment and Control with Nanoscience
Patient illnesses will be diagnosed and monitored more rapidly with lab-on- chip devices thanks to nanotechnology. Patients will be able to regain sight and hearing, too.
http://www.frequencyclear.tv/index7.html Better Medications
Medicines made with nanoparticles have great advantages: Nanoparticles can improve their solubility. Medicines usually need to be water- soluble. They can increase the drug's resistance to stomach acid and enzymes which will allow better uptake from the small intestine. Nanotechnology will provide controlled release, possibly over days rather than minutes or hours.
image: live bovine cell with nanocrystal highlights :http://www.futureforall.org/nanotechnology/nanotechnology.htm International Strategy and Foresight Report on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Final Report 19th March 2004 http://images.premierfamilychiropractic.com/local/407/interior_momNanoGreen.jpg Better Drug Delivery
Drug delivery with nanoparticles attached to red blood cells. Read more about it by clicking here.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=616 Nanotech Approach to Heart Disease
1) Nanoscience is building delivery devices that carry medicines and nanodevices to where dangerous plague is located. 2) Scientists are also designing self-assembling molecular nano-stents, devices used to physically support arteries, and 3) Nanotechnology has also linked human proteins to nano- devices to sense and respond to vulnerable plaque. http://medgadget.com/archives/2005/06/burnham_institu.html Nano- Nerve Fibers
Nanosized molecules can self- assemble into hollow, cylindrical nanofibers inside the bodies of mice. These nanofibers then act as a scaffold by trapping cells, which help nerve fibers grow. The surface of the nanofibers also inhibits scar tissue from forming which would block the nerve fibers and prevent their growth.
http://blog.nanovic.com.au/category/biotechnology/ http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/images/nano/scott03_sm.jpg Nano-Nutrition
If that weren’t amazing enough, the nanoparticles are injected as a liquid. They restore these nerve functions of the body and then breaks down into nutrients in the body within three to eight weeks. So they’re biodegradable, too.
http://medicineworld.org/images/blogs/cancer-5522340.jpg Nano-Silver
Silver is amazing; it has been used to fight infections and control spoilage since at least the times of ancient Greece and Rome! As nanoparticles it can be used as a wound dressing, like bandages, antimicrobial ointments and cleaners. Silver must come in contact with the cut or burn to work effectively. Silver kills bacteria by blocking their metabolism in a way that makes it difficult for bacteria to become resistant to silver. There are many examples of how we already use nano-silver products at this site. You can also find products and criticisms at this nanoproducts weblink. http://www.physorg.com/news5536.html http://www.jnjgateway.com/home.jhtml?loc=USENG&page=viewContent&contentId=09008b9880ec8e18&parentId=09008b9880ec8c74 More Wound Care at the Nanoscale
A gecko-inspired medical adhesive may someday seal wounds and replace sutures or staples. Modeled after the feet of a gecko, it has extra sticking power. Someday they may also deliver medicines or growth factors to promote healing.
http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=344 http://quickmedical.com/images/index/wound_care.jpg Sore Muscle Rescue - Nanosized
Non-smelly nanoscopic fat-like spheres (liposomes) soothe away muscle pain. These liposomes surround the nutrients and medicines in the cream to help it be absorbed more deeply and irritate the skin less. Read more about it. No more smelly ointments! http://www.dermaviduals.de/english/publications/special-actives/active-agents-liposomes-nanoparticles-and-co.html http://www.nanovera.com/nanovera_science.htm No More Shots!
Nanotubes could be a mechanism for drug delivery, both as a container and possibly “nano- injections” into specific cells. You wouldn’t necessarily have to take your medication as a shot!
Medicines will be enclosed in nanoparticles so that they can target treatment to specific locations in the body.
http://gizmodo.com/366290/nanobots-get-brains-scarecrows-so-freakin-jealous http://networkedfuture.org/2007/12/22/human-bodies-to-accommodate-nano-physicians/ 3. Prosthetics
Damaged body parts could be replaced through advances in tissue engineering and improved implants will allow better mobility.
Surfaces of prosthetics and other medical devices can be made more wear resistant and antimicrobial. Click here for a list of nanoproducts created at UW-Madison in November of 2005.
International Strategy and Foresight Report on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Final Report 19th March 2004 http://biomet3i.com/3innovations/english/March_07/index.html Nanosurfaces
Besides improving the compatibility and longevity of devices and implants, these nanostrucured surfaces can get cells to attach to cells and even direct the cells to grow into certain shapes, like those nerve fibers mentioned earlier.
http://www.nanotechbriefs.com/auth/tech/tech_8_0306.html I Hate Germs!
Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent diseases so that people can live longer and healthier lives.
But... Improper use can results in resistant microorganisms. Not everyone has access to antibiotic or can afford them. People are forced to travel to, or send for medicines from, other countries or use a black market to get antibiotics at a reasonable price.
http://www.jnjgateway.com/home.jhtml?loc=USENG&page=viewContent&contentId=09008b9880ec8e18&parentId=09008b9880ec8c74 Social, Environmental and Ethical Concerns
1. Might these nanotechnology developments in healthcare infringe on human rights? 2. Could any of them decrease privacy of individuals? 3. Could the use of nanotechnology for healthcare have unwanted and negative environmental effects? 4. What economic impact could the use of nanotechnology in healthcare have on producers, consumers, and other industries? Might they be negative or positive? What About Your Rights?
If so, are these developments more important than
•Your privacy? •Your rights as a citizen? •Your rights as a human being?
Are the answers somewhere in between? Planning Your Presentation 1. What can be done to maximize the chances that humans will benefit from, rather than be harmed by To prepare for your these new developments? presentation, answer these questions using 2. If we can develop these reference materials technologies, should we? which can include the Why? websites linked to this webquest:
http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/02/15/PH2007021502068.jpg http://www.presentationalspeaking.com/images/pic_2.jpg Healthcare Websites
These are websites which are a good place to start in looking for more information on nanotechnology in healthcare. Then use the general website page linked at the bottom of this page. It is full of nanotechnology sites related to multiple areas including yours.
http://blog.nanovic.com.au/category/health/ http://www.discovernano.northwestern.edu/affect/applications_content/medicine http://nanopedia.case.edu/NWPage.php?page=nanomedicine http://www.nanotwin.com http://cmir.mgh.harvard.edu/cip/about.php?menuID_=60 cautions http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=1820.php http://www.nanotech-now.com/nanotechnology-medicine-glossary.htm http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/06/21/cancer.nanotech/ http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/06/21/cancer.nanotech/ http://www.nanocafes.org/nanoproducts_antibacterial http://www.smalltimes.com/articles/stm_print_screen.cfm?ARTICLE_ID=281852 food storage boxes http://www.nanosilverproducts.com/ machines http://www.samsung.com/ph/silvernano/# list of products http://products.ec21.com/manufacturers/nano_silver.html Band-aid silver http://www.curadusa.com/products/product_info.asp?SubCategoryId=2&ProductCatId=34 http://www.wounds1.com/news/mainstory.cfm/49/1
General Nanoscience Weblink http://www.nanotruck.de http://www.greentechforum.net/category/news/2007/07/04/if-it%e2%80%99s- in-bling-nanotech-must-be-mainstream More Help
If you would like help breaking down your research into steps, click on the help button for an outline.