Nanomedicine – amazing result of nanotechnology
publicat in: Blog // Publicata pe 26.11.2018
In 1959, when physicist Richard Feynman discussed for the first time the possibility of controlling and even manipulating particles at the molecular and atomic level, no one predicted the impact of the sciences studying these phenomena. After 10 years, Professor Nori Taniguchi first introduced the term "nanotechnology" (very small particle technology, after "nano" = dwarf in Greek) and in another 10 years, with the development of the electron microscope, atoms became visible and nanotechnology went beyond the elementary level. Thus, following 20 years of theoretical definitions and approaches, came another 30 years of research and thorough studies that allowed the identification in 2011 of over 1300 products resulting from the exploitation of extraordinary properties of dwarf particles. Relevant for many popular areas (defense industry, environment, aeronautics, special materials), the nanotechnology collected research funds and in the field of medicine, for activities targeting operations on human biological systems at the molecular level. Robert Freitas Jr., graduate of physics and psychology but also a doctor in law, published since 1999, a series of research in this area, among which "Nanomedicine, Volume I: Basic Capabilities", represents the first major work referring to the practically unlimited possibilities of nanotechnology in medicine. Aiming to exterminate all common diseases known in the 20th century, pain and suffering, nanomedicine is the main weapon especially in areas where traditional medicine has proved deficient. The benefits of molecular nanotechnology in all branches of medicine are multiple, and here are the most obvious:
- the possibility of more precise and faster diagnosis of diseases
- accelerated effects of treatments by directing toward sick cells
- reducing the possibility of side effects, while protecting the areas where treatment is not necessary
- checking the progress of treatment by following the behavior of treated organs
- working with non-biodegradable agents
- diminishing local effects
- control and versatility of treatments
- direct analysis conducted on sick organs
However, the amazing elements introduced by nanomedicine are nanorobots. Tiny particles, size between 0.5 and 3 microns, consisting mainly of carbon, but also hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, fluoride, silica, nanorobots are inserted directly into the bloodstream, "rowing" assiduous to the sick organs or the areas that need analysis. The results of the analysis transmitted in real time are accurate, as well as the effects of the treatments. Research followed by practical achievements and series of experiments revealed spectacular results in various fields, such as:
- sterilization of hospitals and the exposed areas inside them using bactericidal water micro-particles, which explode in contact with pathogens releasing oxygen that kills bacteria
- using nanorobots introduced in the body for diagnosing some diseases; they transmit real-time information on the analyzed organs acting also as healing agents
- cells marking by placing inside nanoparticles looking for sick and invading cells attaching to them; as a result the cells affecting the correct functioning of the body can be identified and analyzed
- pain relief
- replacing lost teeth with others having very similar properties to the originals
A comparison between the diseases known at the end of the 19th century and the late 20th century shows that substantial progress has been achieved in treating some diseases. This, all diseases from the end of the 19th century found remedies in the 20th century and some disease were exterminated, while for another there were remedies reducing their effects. With two major exceptions: cancer and cardio-vascular diseases.
Nanomedicine has made amazing progress in the treatment of cancer highlighting the presence of cancerous cells in early stages and promoting the healing with nanoparticle treatments. For the diseases of the circulatory system, nanomedicine transformed the diagnosis of atheromas and thrombus and their efficient and fast treatment.
All these results, backed up by experience, have prompted the acceleration of research and an increase in the volume of investments in this area, making nanomedicine a peak of nanotechnology and one of the main priorities of development in the 21st century.