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nano·tech·nol·o·gy (noun)
\na-nō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē\
: the science of working with atoms and molecules to build devices (such as robots) that are extremely small; nano - one billionth of a meter.
:the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices (as robots) (1)
Nanomedicine enables improved "early detection, prevention, improved diagnosis and imaging, treatment and follow-up of diseases" (3). The achievements of modern medicine are fused with the breakthrough methods of nanotechnology - yeildeing new tools and materials at the minute nano-scale - one billionth of a meter! Already, nanomedicine has helped improve target drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and even diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.
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· Since nanomedicine involves particles at the nano-scale, their miniature size may cause problems from inhalation.
· Developing nanomedicine is a very expensive process.
· NANOPARTICLES - certain nanoparticles, such as the carbon nanoparticles, accelerate blood clotting in the human system. Althogh useful in surgical procedures, these everpresent particles come from fuel exhaust, and therefore are overabundant within the urban populations. According to the University of Texas researchers, "formation which triggered platelet clotting in the human blood samples also caused blockage of the carotid artery in rats, a condition also known as thrombosis or deep-vein thrombosis." Deep-vein thrombosis is considered an immediate and long-term health hazard, often followed by pulmonart embolism (when a dislodged blood clot travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, blocking them; terminates in death of the affected individual) or post-phlebitis syndrome (when a clot permanetly damaging its corresponding host vein, causing pain, swelling, and even skin ulcers).
· The price of surgical tools and equipment will decrease, yet remaining effective and state of the art. Development of diagnoses tools will allow mass production - thus eliminating the need for numerous expensive laboratory tests. Nanobot's minute size will allow them to be introduced into the human body where they may freely locate the site of the illness, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment while providing it at a cheaper cost.
· Precision of nanomedicine - particularly its ability to pinpoint the cause of disease at a molecular level - will help eliminate medical malpractice and trial-and-error drug prescription approach.
· Microscopic tools developed through nanotechnological procedures will allow the surgeon to bypass cutting procedures, leaving the patient intact.
· The field of gene therapy will benefic also from nanomedicine as genetic level approach to disease will become easier with the nanobots and other nanotechnologically developed medical equipment.
· Organ replacement will become more efficient as implanted tiny machines enchance the performance and habituation of the foster organ.
ADVANTAGES
nan·O·MED·I·CINE (noun)
\nan-ō-med'i-sin\
: the application of nanotechnology to medical diagnostics and therapies
One of the most advanced nanomedicine applications involve the use of nanorobots - tiny machines designed to execute a particular task precisely and repeatedly at nanoscale dimenstions, a few nanometers or less - as miniature surgeons. Since nanobots are able to work on such a minute scale, they may enter cells and repair, or replace, damaged intracellular structures.
Since virtually all ailments and injuries to the human body can be traced to the cellular level, nanomedicine becomes a highly applealing field as time goes on and people realize that it IS possible to cure their diseases at the molecular level through the use od nanomedicine and nanorobotic machines. Traditionally, treatments for difficult diseases often include: surgery - a technique that may scar the patient for life and provide other unwanted consequences; drugs that target the side-effects of the problem, rather than the problem itself; chemotherapy destroys cancerous and healthy cells alike. Nanomedicine, on the other hand, resolves such issues. The minute workers - the nanomachines - unlike like their large counterparts do not abraise the skin surface as surgical instruments do, are able to target the disease rather than its symptoms unlike medical prescriptions, and work on a molecular level, so as to be able to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, unlike chemotherapy whole large scale does not permit it the ability to differentiate and conserve the robust cells of the body.
One of the most advanced nanomedicine applications involve the use of nanorobots - tiny machines designed to execute a particular task precisely and repeatedly at nanoscale dimenstions, a few nanometers or less - as miniature surgeons. Since nanobots are able to work on such a minute scale, they may enter cells and repair, or replace, damaged intracellular structures.
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DISADVANTAGES
QUANTUM DOTS
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NANOPARTICLES
NAN·O·PAR·TI·CLE (noun )
\nan-oh-pahr-ti-kuhl\
: a microscopic particle of matter that is measured on the nanoscale, usually one that measures less than 100 nanometers. (17)
The first known sighting of nanoparticle application dates back to 9th century Mesopotamia, where artisans have utilized nanoparticles to achieve a glittering effect on the surface of their works, such as pots. In the dawn of the Middle Ages, and later Renaissance, nanoparticles continued to emerge in various works of art; whether for lustre or the metallic film which resisted weathering and atmospheric oxidation. Currently, nanoparticles have entered the field of nanomedicine for gene delivery, detection of proteins, and many other applications.
Colorized colbalt nanoparticles.
Most renowned of the nanoparticles are the gold nanoparticles.
Gold nanoparticles are characterized by remarkable electronic and optical properties. Unlike most metals, gold remains unoxidized at the nanoscale and thus retains great contrast illustration in optical images.
Scientists have devised several ways of synthesizing gold nanoparticles:
1) Using an absorbate, scientists define the surface stress exerted on the nanoparticle during its production and therefore manufature nanoparticles in a custom sizing.
2) Gold nanoparticles may also be grown in the "pores of the mesoporous silicate." After they have matured, the nanoparticles are released from the silica with the help of thiols and hydrofluoric acid.
A nanobot consists of:
-> Transporting mechanism
-> Internal Processor
-> Fuel Unit
NANOBOTS
Nanobots - robots on the nanoscale.
Nanobots are essentially self-sufficient: nuclear technology allows them, with the aid of a radioactive material, to release energy through decaying atoms. The primary material for the body of the nanobot is silicon - strong, lasting, flexible, and a good conductor of electricity.
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To produce such small specimen, nanotechnology is essential; however, the results are worthwhile. The size of a nanobot allows the mechanized robot to interact with material at the atomic and molecular levels, opening a wide array of possible applications in the field of nanomedicine.
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