Nanomedicine: Current Status and Future Implications.
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Date
2012-06
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Abstract
Adverse effects form a major part of the drawbacks of the current therapeutics. The two main reasons are: Distribution of
drugs to an area, which is not the desired site of action and another is attaining higher than desired concentration at the site of
action. Nanomedicine raises hopes to overcome these problems. Nanomedicine is the medical use of nanobiotechnology. It is a
relatively newer technology based on the uses of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). ENMs are medical materials available in
nanometer (one-millionth of a millimeter) scale. Because of nanoscale, the molecules acquire changes in their physicochemical
properties which are utilized for easier and more thorough penetration in cells. Nanomedicine has shown promising results
both in diagnostics as well as therapeutics e.g. in oncology and diseases of central nervous system. Nanoparticle targeting and
neuroelectronic interface raises hopes for a number of clinical disorders for which the satisfactory treatment is currently not
available. The most striking use can be repairs at a molecular level. Like other modalities of treatment, nanomedicine also has
disadvantages; however, currently the benefits outweigh the risks. It will be interesting to see how the rising ethical concerns
will be dealt with.
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Keywords
Engineered nanomaterials, nanoparticle, neuroelectronic interface, quantum dots
Citation
Yadav Shailesh, Bansal Monika, Goyal Manoj, Singh Virender. Nanomedicine: Current Status and Future Implications. Indian Journal of Clinical Practice. 2012 June; 23(1): 11-16.