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Nanotechnology, which can be defined as the capacity to synthesize, manipulate and visualize matter at the nanometer scale, had a starting point in the 1980s. The usage of the “nanoparticle” term is broad and comprises both organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Lipids and biopolymers fall within the organic nanomaterials category, while non-spherical metals, oxides, and carbon are considered inorganic nanomaterials.
The nexus of nanotechnology and biotechnology is called nanobiotechnology. Nanobiotechnology is applied in life sciences for various use cases, ranging from new molecular imaging techniques for early-stage diagnosis of diseases and therapy aftereffects, to drug delivery in pharmacology. Nanobiotechnology is also used for quantitative analytical tools at the molecular level, as well as for the improvement of laboratory techniques concerning ex vivo. While most studies are still a work in progress for research laboratories, nano-based treatments, vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic devices are gradually being approved for commercialization and clinical use.
One of the most desirable aspects of nanotechnology is its stability, which also serves as a solubility-enhancing technique. Smaller particles allow the ratio of surface area to volume to increase, resulting in a higher solubility. A substance's solubility affects its ability to penetrate biological membranes and achieve the intended effect. This knowledge in nanobiotechnology is especially essential for medicinal studies as a key area of interest.
A significant concern for government agencies and health professionals worldwide is the issue of bacterial and fungal resistance. Traditional methods with oral and intravenous drugs pose several challenges such as adverse side effects, the need for increasing doses, and antibacterial drug resistance. Due to these issues, the need to increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies has never been higher.
Enter nanomaterials. Nanomaterials can potentiate the efficacy of both existing and novel drug therapies. By leveraging the unique properties and dimensions of nanomaterials, researchers aim to overcome drug resistance and provide more effective treatments through controlled, targeted delivery, and drugs that can force through biofilms in wounds which conventional treatments are unable to breach.
Controlled and targeted drug delivery systems are central to enhancing drug activity against bacteria and fungi. The function of nanomaterials allows for precise delivery of antimicrobial agents directly to the site of infection, reducing required dosage and minimizing side effects. These delivery systems can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes in two ways:
In addition to combating antibiotic resistance, nanomedicines have a range of diverse applications, such as in the treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Such innovations are set to revolutionize immunotherapy, with new developments like 'vaccine implants' that continuously modulate and enhance immune responses without the need for repeated administrations. These could lead to significant advancements in public health by providing more effective and long-lasting treatments for a variety of diseases.
As the study of nanomaterials advances, it is important to understand the toxicity of nanomaterials to unlock nanobiotechnology's true potential. While nanomaterials are appealing for a wide range of medical applications due to their ability to penetrate tissues, cells, physical barriers, and their reach to vital organs, their benefits are not entirely free of adverse effects. Nanomaterials use can lead to cell apoptosis, inflammation, exacerbation of asthma, fibrosis, chronic inflammatory lung diseases, and carcinogenesis. Two decades of research has shown that interactions between nanomaterials and microorganisms as well as their ecosystems are complex.
To address these risks, understanding and mitigating nanotoxicity should be enforced as a form of responsible research and innovation. Additionally, collaboration between scientists, pharmaceutical industry, regulators and governments are crucial to balance innovation with safeguarding public health. This collective effort will assist the medical community in navigating the complexities of nanobiotechnology to deliver scientific breakthroughs effectively and responsibly.
Esco Lifesciences LA2 G4 Biosafety Cabinet provides a contamination-free and controlled environment crucial for handling nanoparticles and sensitive nanomaterials. This ensures the integrity and safety of experiments involving nanoparticle synthesis, manipulation, and analysis, which is essential for developing targeted drug delivery sytems and nanomedicines. Our CCL-170B CO2 Incubator also offers a stable, precise environment for cell cultures, vital for nanobiotechnology applications like cancer therapies and antimicrobial studies. Its advanced CO2 control and temperature regulation create optimal conditions for growing cells used in nanomedicine research, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of nanomaterial-based treatments. Together, these products safeguard both the research and researchers, ensuring precise and contamination-free experimentation in nanotechnology.
Alshora, D. H., Ibrahim, M. A., & Alanazi, F. K. (2016). Nanotechnology from particle size reduction to enhancing aqueous solubility. Surface Chemistry of Nanobiomaterials, 163-191. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-42861-3.00006-6
Contera, S., Bernardino de la Serna, J., & Tetley, T. D. (2020). Biotechnology, nanotechnology and medicine. Emerging Topics in Life Sciences, 4(6), 551-554. https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20200350
Shahcheraghi, N., Golchin, H., Sadri, Z., Tabari, Y., Borhanifar, F., & Makani, S. (2022). Nano-biotechnology, an applicable approach for sustainable future. 3 Biotech, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-021-03108-9