Q. Nanotechnologies have a huge potential to revolutionise our life. Discuss the emerging applications of nanotechnology in human health. [69th BPSC-2024]
Ans:
Nanotechnology primarily refers to the use and creation of particles that are smaller than 100 nanometre. Conversion of any material in nanoscale results in alteration of its physicochemical, biological, mechanical, optical, electronic, etc. properties which can be utilized for different useful activities.
Nanotechnologies have a huge potential to revolutionise our life because it is a multi-disciplinary field and it has potentials to address the key problems faced by the world in almost all dimensions of our life like health, education, environment, medical, security, energy, disaster management, agriculture, industries etc. As per experts, Nanotechnology is the key technology of the 21st century and every sectors will be impacted by it. If utilised effectively and wisely it can be a important tool for achieving the sustainable development goals as well as INDC targets.
The emerging applications of nanotechnology in human health:
- Clinical investigation: Gold nanoparticles are used for the detection of targeted sequences of nucleic acids, as potential treatments for cancer and other diseases.
- Better imaging tools e.g. MRI and CT scan for earlier diagnosis, more individualized treatment options, and better therapeutic success. This improves the visibility of structures and abnormalities.
- Drug delivery: Nanotech materials can contain hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, protect drugs from chemical and enzymatic degradation etc.
- Gene sequencing technologies through design and engineering of advanced solid-state nanopore materials.
- Nanotechnology enables the development of miniaturized and portable diagnostic devices. These devices can provide rapid and accurate detection of diseases, infections, or specific biomarkers at the point of care.
- Theranostics: Combining therapy and diagnostics, theranostic nanoparticles offer a dual role in both delivering therapeutic agents and providing real-time imaging to monitor treatment efficacy.
- In treatment of Cardiovascular, Ocular Diseases because of their small size and highly variable surface properties.
- Nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties are being explored to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Silver nanoparticles, for example, exhibit strong antibacterial effects and can be used in wound dressings and coatings.
- Nanotechnology offers potential solutions for the treatment of neurological disorders by enabling targeted drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and improving imaging techniques for early diagnosis.
- Nanotechnology plays a role in regenerative medicine by providing nanoscale scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix, promoting tissue regeneration and controlled release of growth factors.
- Nanomaterials are used in dentistry for applications such as improved dental fillings, targeted drug delivery for oral diseases, and the development of antimicrobial coatings on dental implants.
- Nanoparticles are used for targeted drug delivery and imaging in cancer therapy. They can selectively accumulate in tumor tissues, allowing for precise drug release and enhancing the effectiveness of therapies like chemotherapy.
Nanotechnology will provide promising therapies to cope with various severe diseases, and will also provide tools to solve the various in healthcare sectors. However, there are some challenges which needs to be addressed:
- Triggered unwanted allergic and other reactions that can be potentially harmful to the body.
- Nanomaterials may help create ‘free radicals’ which can cause cell damage and damage to the DNA.
- Might alter the particles’ toxicity and consequently harm human cells as Nanoparticles might have reactive surfaces.
- Other limitations: high cost, controlling their activity in sensitive environments, their environmental impacts, etc.
Thus, different nanomedicines and nanoformulations targeting various diseases must be meticulously designed in order to achieve the safest and most efficacious therapeutic regimen.
