Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
used to describe this hybrid i eld. Functionalities can be added to nano-
materials by interfacing them with biological molecules or structures. h e
size of nanomaterials is similar to that of most biological molecules and
structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be useful for both
in vivo
and
in
vitro
biomedical research and applications [46-48]. h us far, the integra-
tion of nanomaterials with biology has led to the development of diagnos-
tic devices, contrast agents, analytical tools, physical therapy applications,
and drug delivery vehicles.
12.4
Uses and Advantages of Nanoparticles in
Medicine
Some of the uses of nanoparticles in biology and medicine include:
• Creating l uorescent biological labels for important bio-
logical markers and molecules for research and diagnosis of
diseases;
• for drug delivery systems [49].
• for gene delivery systems in gene therapy;
• For biological detection of disease-causing organisms and
diagnosis [22], [50].
• for detection of proteins;
• For the isolation and purii cation of biological molecules
and cells in research [51].
•
for probing of DNA structure;
•
for genetic and tissue engineering;
•
for the destruction of tumors with drugs or heat;
•
in MRI studies; and
•
In pharmacokinetic studies.
Nanoparticles are being increasingly used in drug delivery systems.
Nanomedical approaches to drug delivery center on developing nanoscale
particles or molecules to improve drug bioavailability. Bioavailability refers
to the presence of drug molecules where they are needed in the body and
where they will do the most good. Drug delivery focuses on maximizing
bioavailability both at specii c places in the body and over a period of time.
h is can potentially be achieved by molecular targeting by nanoengineered
devices. It is all about targeting the molecules and delivering drugs with
cell precision. More than $65 billion are wasted each year due to poor
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