Nanotechnology in Medicine

Applications of nanotechnology in medicine currently being developed involve employing nano-particles to deliver drugs, heat, light or other substances to specific cells in the human body. Engineering particles to be used in this way allows detection and/or treatment of diseases or injuries within the targeted cells, thereby minimizing the damage to healthy cells in the body.

The longer range future of nanotechnology in medicine is referred to as nanomedicine. This involves the use of manufactured nano-robots to make repairs at the cellular level. Read more about this on our Nanomedicine page.

Nanotechnology in Medicine: Current Applications

While most applications of nanotechnology in medicine are still under development nanocrystalline silver is already being used as a antimicrobial agent in the treatment of wounds.

Nanotechnology in Medicine: Applications under Development

Qdots that identify the location of cancer cells in the body.

Nanoparticles that deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells to minimize damage to healthy cells.

Nanoshells that concentrate the heat from infrared light to destroy cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells. For a good visual explanation of nanoshells, click to see this slide.

Nanotubes used in broken bones to provide a structure for new bone material to grow.

Nanoparticles that can attach to cells infected with various diseases and allow a doctor to identify, in a blood sample, the particular disease.

Nanotechnology in Medicine: Company Directory

Company	Product
CytImmune	Gold nanoparticles for targeted delivery of drugs to tumors
Nucryst	Antimicrobial wound dressings using silver nanocrystals
Nanobiotix	Nanoparticles that target tumor cells, when irradiated by xrays the nanoparticles generate electrons which cause localized destruction of the tumor cells.
Oxonica	Disease identification using gold nanoparticles (biomarkers)
Nanotherapeutics	Nanoparticles for improving the performance of drug delivery by oral, inhaled or nasal methods
NanoBio	Nanoemulsions for nasal delivery to fight viruses (such as the flu and colds) and bacteria
BioDelivery Sciences	Oral drug delivery of drugs encapuslated in a nanocrystalline structure called a cochleate
NanoBioMagnetics	Magnetically responsive nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and other applications
Z-Medica	Medical gauze containing aluminosilicate nanoparticles which help bood clot faster in open wounds.

Nanotechnology in Medicine: Resources

National Cancer Institute Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer; This alliance includes a Nanotechnology Characterization Lab as well as eight Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence.

Alliance for NanoHealth; This alliance includes seven research institutions performing collaborative research.

European Nanomedicine platform

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is funding research at eight Nanomedicine Development Centers.

Other Medical Related Pages

Nanomedicine