Why is nanotechnology useful

Nanotechnology, basically, deals with controlling and modifying matter at molecular and atomic scale. The physical properties of matter change dramatically as its surface to area ratio is increased to nanoscales. For instance, the elements that are known to be inert start functioning as catalyst. Similarly, materials develop unique colloidal properties, solubility capacity and electrical properties. Such materials find a wide variety of application in fields as diverse as electronics, medicine and energy production.

From drug delivery and imaging to cell repair machines and nanorobots, materials with nano-dimensions are extensively used for different medical purposes. Owing to the widespread presence of nanomaterials in different medical equipments and devices, in the present day, nanomedicine has become an important branch of nanotechnology. Let’s throw some light on the different medical applications of nanotechnology.

  • Drug delivery and nanoparticles
    The main objective of drug delivery is to make the drug available at those parts of the body where it is needed the most. At times, large drug particles are not absorbed by the body. On the other hand, nanoparticles are easily taken up by the body because of their small size and in this manner the effectiveness of the drug is increased. Likewise, all those drugs, which are practically insoluble or cause tissue damage, can be easily distributed via nanoparticle-based drug delivery system.
  • Biopharmaceuticals and nanoparticles
    Biopharmaceuticals are primarily proteins or peptides that result in multiple reactions in the body. They are extensively used for the treatment of debilitating diseases like cancer. The efficiency of biopharmaceuticals can be further enhanced by coupling them with nanoparticles. This will help in delivering the proteins or peptides on the site where the tumor is actually present. In this way, the cancer is cured without causing widespread damage.
  • Neuro-electronic devices
    Here the main idea is to develop a nanodevice that would link the nervous system with the computer. With the help of nanotechnology, the computer would be able to detect, interpret, control and respond to the nerve pulses. Such devices would help to reduce the affect of diseases that decay the nervous system slowly, but steadily like multiple sclerosis. They will also be useful in accidents and injuries that impair the nervous system partially or completely.
  • Nanorobots
    The introduction of nanorobots will totally revolutionalize the world of medicine. These miniature nanodevices can be easily inserted into the body for detection of diseases and infection, repair of internal wounds and injuries.
  • Nanonephrology
    In this case, nanotechnology is used for the detection and cure of kidney diseases. The different nanodevices are firstly used to study various processes of the kidney. The nanoparticles are used for imaging and drug delivery. Thus, nanotechnology not only helps in understanding the intricate kidney processes, but also assists in detecting and curing kidney diseases.
  • Cell repair machines and nanotechnology
    The advancements in the field of nanotechnology have been quite impressive. The cell repair machine is a prime example. This machine is as small as a virus or bacteria, and easily enters the cell membrane and moves through the tissues. They are typically used correcting molecular disorders like enzyme deficiency or DNA damage.