Nanotechnology and its Application in Medicine

BY: CONNOR SLOAN

What is Nanotechnology? As defined by the US Government

◦ “Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers”

Nanotechnology is used in almost all commercial goods◦ I.E. Composite plastics, Clothing, Cosmetics,

Sunscreen, Motorcycle helmets…

History of Nanotechnology 1959

◦ Famous physicist Richard Feynman gives an after conference discussion about the possible benefits of machines capable of atomic precision

1977◦ At MIT Dr. Drexler begins to research the possibilities of nano-scale machines

1987◦ First man made protein is synthesized leading to the development of micro-scale machines

1990◦ IBM unveils a microscopic logo created from individual atoms

◦ This helped fuel the race in developing further tech between private corporations

History Continued 1991

◦ Japan’s MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) dedicates $200 million towards nanotechnology research◦ Six months later carbon nanotubes are discovered

◦ Carbon nano-tubes are the fundamental building blocks for current nano-machines

1995◦ US military begins research into military application

1996◦ NASA begins research into nano-technology

1998◦ First time DNA was manipulated with man made nano-machines

◦ This was the first medical application

2008◦ Nano machines are successfully able to “walk” along DNA paths and manipulate structure

Current Applications in Medicine

Nanotechnology is currently used to deliver drugs more efficiently◦ Vaccines are filled with nano-particles of iron and gold to ensure sterility and to help uptake into the human

blood stream

Used to coat surgical equipment ◦ Using a “shark scale” design, this coatings prevents bacteria from sticking to medical instruments keeping

them sterile

Future Applications In MedicineNanotechnology has shown promise in future treatments of various forms of cancer

◦ Using nanotechnology cancer cells can be targeted and destroyed with extreme accuracy◦ At least 10+ years for human trials and public use

Active nanotechnology is currently in development◦ This refers to complete remote control of man made particles

◦ Machines capable of travelling through the body with cameras, sensors, and the ability to target viruses and bacteria within the body

References

http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/medicine/

http://www.gizmag.com/nanoscale-coating-kills-msra/16050/

http://www.foresight.org/nano/history.html

http://www.nano.gov/you/nanotechnology-benefits

http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm

http://www.gizmag.com/nanoscale-coating-kills-msra/16050/picture/119310/