Last month we introduced the basic concepts of Nanotechnology, the manipulation of structures at a molecular (or, nanoscale) level. Now we'll highlight some resources that explore the potential impact of research and development in nanotechnology on biology and medicine.
Nanomedicine, the term used to reflect the application of nanoscale principles to biomedical technology, has been defined as follows:
(1) the comprehensive monitoring, control, construction, repair, defense, and improvement of all human biological systems, working from the molecular level, using engineered nanodevices and nanostructures; (2) the science and technology of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease and traumatic injury, of relieving pain, and of preserving and improving human health, using molecular tools and molecular knowledge of the human body; (3) the employment of molecular machine systems to address medical problems, using molecular knowledge to maintain and improve human health at the molecular scale.1
This ambitious agenda continues to capture interest and funding in the biomedical community. The overview articles presented below serve as an introduction to the goals and concepts of nanomedicine.
While many of the visions discussed in the literature of nanomedicine still sound like the stuff of science fiction novels, there have been some practical breakthroughs and one company expects to market a product they refer to as "Doctor-on-a-Chip" by 20052. Explore the links below to learn more about some specific applications in nanomedicine.
Among the more practical applications of nanomedicine are several products under development employing sophisticated nanoparticle-based biochips in handheld computers. These "lab-on-a-chip" devices could be used to analyze body fluids to provide quick and accurate diagnoses at the bedside. They could also aid clinicians by analyzing a patient's DNA to determine the most effective form of drug therapy for that individual. For specific examples of diagnostic applications for PDAs, see the links below.
Nanotechnology is believed by some to be the key to a brave new world in diagnosis, therapy and disease prevention, while others fear that "self-replicating microscopic robots the size of bacteria"3 will overrun and destroy life as we know it. In spite of their fears many critics still support further research to understand and assess the risks of nanotechnology. Collaboration between biologists and engineers is likely to become even more commonplace in the future.
- Nanomedicine Glossary
- Opposition to nanotechnology. New York Times; August 19, 2002
- Team has many obstacles to leap before the Doctor-on-a-Chip is in. Small Times.com; August 23, 2002
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