Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
It is advantageous to use nanotechnology for medical applications since
most biological processes, including those processes leading to cancer and
other diseases, occur at the nanoscale (1-100 nm). Nanotechnology allows
the understanding and manipulation of these biological processes at the
cellular, sub-cellular and single-molecule level. Rapid interest in the medical
applications has led to the emergence of a new ield called nanomedicine. 2
Nanomedicine refers to the specialized application of nanotechnology for
diagnosing, treating and preventing disease and improving human health.
A bibliographic analysis of research articles in the Pubmed Citation Index
shows that nanomedicine has seen a surge in research activity over the past
decade, with publication numbers rising from 25 in year 2000 by a factor of
10 up to 2009 ( Fig. 20.1 ) .
The overall goal of nanomedicine is to achieve accurate and early
diagnosis, effective treatment with minimal or no side effects and rapid
and non-invasive monitoring of treatment eficacy. Traditionally, medicine
takes a generalized approach to treat diseases, though the response may
vary dramatically among individuals. The development of nanotechnology-
based theranostic tests involving cellular, proteomic and genomic level
testing platforms such as microchips represents a paradigm shift in patient
care. It provides unique, individualized medications for each patient, being
more targeted and cost-effective. Based on unique capabilities, nanoscale
science probes cells and biomolecules in their physiological states at
forces, displacement resolutions and concentrations at the piconewton,
nanometre and picomolar scales, respectively. Studying human diseases
from a nanoscale perspective may lead to better understanding of the
Figure 20.1. Trends in the number of research articles on nanotechnology and
medicine published during the last 15 years (Pubmed Citation Index) and relative
research interest in the ield.
 
 
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