Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 1.5
Application of Nanomaterials in Medicine and Pharmacy (Biosensors and Biolabels)
Nanosystem
Application
Biosensor and Biolabels
Gold nanoparticles
For ssDNA detection; in immunohistochemistry to identify protein-protein interaction
Iron oxide nanocrystals
Monitor gene expression; detect the pathogens such as cancer, brain inflammation,
arthritis, and atherosclerosis
Nanopores
Sensing single DNA molecules by nanopores
Cantilever array
Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, for detection of bacteria, fungi, viruses; for cancer
diagnosis
Carbon nanotubes
Blood glucose monitoring; sensors for DNA detection
Nanowire
Electrical detection of single viruses and biomolecules
Nanoparticle-based biodetection
Detection of pathogenic biomarkers, ultrasensitive detection of single bacteria
1.4.1.10 Extraction and Separation Techniques
Differen functionalized nanotubes are widely used as smart, nanophase extractors with molecular-
identification capabilities to eliminate specific molecules from solutions (Martin and Kohli 2003).
Generally, nanotube membranes can operate as channels for the specific transport of molecules
and ions among solutions that are present on both sides of the membrane. Membranes containing
nanotubes with internal diameters of less than 1 nm can separate small molecules on the basis of
their molecular size, whereas nanotubes with bigger internal diameters of 20-60 nm can be used to
separate proteins (Martin and Kohli 2003).
1.4.1.11 Nucleic Acid Sequence and Protein Detection
Targeting and identifying different diseases could be possible by detecting nucleic acid sequences
that are distinctive to specific bacteria, viruses, or to definite diseases, or the abnormal concentra-
tion of certain proteins that signal the presence of different cancers and diseases (Rosi and Mirkin
2005). NM-based assay methods are presently evaluated as well as more sensitive, protein detection
methods. Sequences of nucleic acids are, at present, detected by assays detecting molecular fluoro-
phores attached to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In spite of its high sensitivity and selectivity,
PCR has major drawbacks, such as its complexity of method, susceptibility to contamination, cost,
and lack of portability (Rosi and Mirkin 2005). Currently available protein detection methods, such
as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), permit the detection of protein concentra-
tions at which the disease is frequently advanced. More sensitive NM methods would transform the
physical treatment of many cancers and diseases (Rosi and Mirkin 2005).
1.4.2 a
pplIcatIoNs
IN
c
oMputer
t
echNology
The field of microelectronic engineering continually strives toward miniaturization, where the
smaller the circuit components—transistors, resistors, and capacitors—the more compact the cir-
cuit and the device can be. A reduction in size offers a few advantages, such as an increased device
portability and usability, and an often, lower manufacturing cost. Also, microprocessors can run
much quicker, enabling computations at far greater speeds. On the other hand, there are numerous
technological impediments to these improvements, which include
1. The difficulty in the manufacture of these ultrafine precursor components
2. The dissipation of a remarkable amount of heat generated by these microprocessors due to
quicker speeds
3. A short mean time of failures (poor reliability)
