Applications Of Nanotechnology In Medicine

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Nanotechnology is manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. The earliest, widespread description of nanotechnology referred to the particular technological goal of precisely manipulating atoms and molecules for fabrication of macroscale products, also now referred to as molecular nanotechnology. A more generalized description of nanotechnology was subsequently established by the National Nanotechnology
Initiative, which defines nanotechnology as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nano meters.
Scientists currently debate the future implications of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology may be able to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such …show more content…

Some techniques have come in use, some are under development and some are only imagined. Nanotechnology in medicine involves applications of nanoparticles in various medical procedures, as well as longer range research that involves the use of manufactured nano‐robots to make repairs at the cellular level (sometimes referred to as nanomedicine).
Nanotechnology in Medicine Application: Drug …show more content…

In this method antibodies that are strongly attracted to proteins produced in one type of breast cancer cell are attached to nanotubes, causing the nanotubes to accumulate at the tumor. Infrared light from a laser is absorbed by the nanotubes and produces heat that incinerates the tumor
Nanotechnology in Medicine Application: Diagnostic Techniques
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are using antibodies attached to carbon nanotubes in chips to detect cancer cells in the blood stream. The researchers believe this method could be used in simple lab tests that could provide early detection of cancer cells in the bloodstream.
A test for early detection of kidney damage is being developed. The method uses gold nanorods functionalized to attach to the type of protein generated by damaged kidneys. When protein accumulates on the nanorod the colour of the nanorod shifts. The test is designed to be done quickly and inexpensively for early detection of a problem.
Nanotechnology in Medicine Application: AntiMicrobial Techniques
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing a technique to kill bacteria using gold nanoparticles and infrared light. This method may lead to improved cleaning of instruments in hospital

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