Emerging trends of nanomedicine – an overview

Abstract

Nanotechnology is an emerging branch of science for designing tools and devices of size 1 to 100 nm with unique function at the cellular, atomic and molecular levels. The concept of using nanotechnology in medical research and clinical practice is known as nanomedicine. Nanoparticles possess some novel properties not seen with the macro molecules and they can be manipulated by attaching therapeutic components to help in diagnosis and treatment. They can also be used to probe cellular movements and molecular changes associated with pathological states. Nanodevices like carbon nanotubes to locate and deliver anticancer drugs at the specific tumour site are under research. Nanotechnology promises construction of artificial cells, enzymes and genes. This will help in the replacement therapy of many disorders which are due to deficiency of enzymes, mutation of genes or any repair in the synthesis of proteins. Currently nanodevices like respirocytes, microbivores and probes encapsulated by biologically localized embedding have a greater application in treatment of anaemia and infections. Thus in the present scenario, nanotechnology is spreading its wings to address the key problems in the field of medicine. Hence this review discusses in detail the applications of nanotechnology in medicine with more emphasis on drug delivery and therapy.

ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles as novel antimicrobial agents for oral hygiene: a review

“…Toxicity of these NPs needs a careful and balanced evaluation before successful clinical translations. Key factors determining the toxicity of NPs include nature and extent of interactions of NPs with cells, tissues, and organs, and their proper routes of administration for desired therapeutic effects (Sandhiya et al 2009;Suri et al 2007). As the use of ZnO NPs and TiO 2 NPs in toothpastes and mouthwashes is proposed, the possibility of their ingestion warrants the evaluation of their toxicity on intestinal epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro.…”

Nanotoxicology: Contemporary Issues and Future Directions

“…Various nanotechnological approaches are being used to achieve better therapeutic outcome. Application of nanotechnology in medical research and clinical practice for the treatment, diagnosis, monitoring and control of biological systems referred to as "nanomedicine" [ 6 ]. Nanomedicines propose solutions to the age old problems associated with the solubility, bioavailability, cellular uptake, and toxicity of many of the classical drugs [ 7 ].…”

Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy: The Giant Rats Tail

“…Recent technology have developed many multifunctional NPs for targeting, imaging, drug delivery, sensing of anticancer agents and small interference RNA (si RNA) delivery [28,29]. Nanotechnology promises construction of artificial cells, enzymes and genes that helps in the replacement therapy of many disorders which are due to deficiency of enzymes, mutation of genes or repair in the synthesis of protein [30]. In this review, we discuss the recent emerging trends of NPs in drug delivery system and in cancer therapy.…”