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Introduction to Nanomedicine - Nanotechnology
The document presents an overview of nanomedicine, specifically focusing on nanomolecular diagnostics which utilize nanotechnology for enhanced disease detection and monitoring at the molecular level. Key features include high sensitivity, rapid detection, and non-invasive methods, with applications in imaging, genetic diagnostics, and drug delivery. Further advancements in nanopharmaceuticals and nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles and quantum dots, play crucial roles in personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
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Introduction to Nanomedicine - Nanotechnology
- 1. Presented By Sijo A Ph.D.Research Scholar (Microbiology) School of Biosciences, MACFAST College Tiruvalla, Kerala, India Introduction to Nanomedicine
- 2. • Nanomolecular diagnosticsrefers to the application of nanotechnology in the field of medical diagnostics to detect and monitor diseases at the molecular and cellular levels. • This innovative approach leverages nanoscale materials and devices to improve the sensitivity, specificity, speed, and cost- effectiveness of diagnostic methods. • By enabling early detection of diseases and real-time monitoring of biomarkers, nanomolecular diagnostics is revolutionizing personalized medicine and point-of-care testing. Key Features of Nanomolecular Diagnostics: • High Sensitivity and Specificity: Nanoparticles (NPs) enhance signal detection due to their unique optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. • Miniaturization: Nanodevices require smaller sample volumes and allow multiplexed assays. • Rapid Detection: Nanomolecular techniques enable quicker results, essential for diseases like infections and cancers. • Non-Invasive Approaches: Many nanosensors can analyze biological fluids like saliva, blood, or urine, reducing the need for invasive procedures. Nanomolecular Diagnostics
- 3. • Advantages: • Biocompatibleand non-cytotoxic. • Minimal nonspecific binding. • Exhibits surface plasmon resonance, providing unique optical properties like robust absorption and scattering. Applications in Molecular Diagnostics: • Imaging Techniques: • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): • Acts as a stain for low-contrast samples (e.g., tissue specimens). • Conjugation with antibodies enhances spatial resolution and specificity. • Fluorescence Reflectance Imaging (FRI) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): • Utilized as optical contrast agents. • Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI): • Contrast agents for structural, functional, and molecular imaging. • X-ray Imaging: • Radiolabelled gold nanoparticles improve detection sensitivity. Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)
- 4. • Surface-Enhanced RamanSpectroscopy (SERS): • Conjugated with specific antibodies for detecting pathogenic microbes. • Eliminates the need for PCR or fluorescent tags. • DNA and Molecular Sensing: • Optical properties alter upon aggregation, aiding in single-base mismatch DNA detection. • Detects and quantifies various analytes. • Biological Sensing: • Fluorophores tagged to nucleic acid–gold nanoparticle conjugates enhance detection. • Nanoflare Constructs: • Enable specific, real-time detection of intracellular molecules (e.g., mRNAs, microRNAs, tumor markers). Significance: • Gold nanoparticles provide enhanced contrast, accuracy, and versatility in molecular imaging and diagnostics. • Play a crucial role in detecting diseases at the molecular level with high sensitivity and specificity. Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)
- 5. • Unique Propertiesof Quantum Dots (QDs): • Composition and Optical Features: • Nanocrystals of semiconducting materials with tunable sizes and compositions. • Broad absorption and emission spectra, covering a wide spectral range. • Advantages Over Organic Dyes: • Superior photostability and brightness. • Resistance to photobleaching, unlike classical dyes. • Higher two-photon cross-sections (up to 50,000 GM), making them ideal contrast agents. Quantum Dots (QDs)
- 6. • Applications ofQuantum Dots: • Imaging Applications: • In Vitro: Real-time imaging of single-cell migration, biomolecule labeling, and tissue imaging. • In Vivo: Live animal targeting and organ imaging with enhanced brightness and stability. • Fluorescent Tagging in Immunoassays: • Serve as robust alternatives to fluorescent dyes. • Used for pathogen detection, e.g., Salmonella Typhi. • Detection of Infectious Microbes: • High sensitivity, capable of identifying trace amounts of viruses and microbes. Quantum Dots (QDs)
- 7. • Significance inCancer Research: • Mechanism Insights: • Delineates molecular pathways of tumor invasion. • Assists in analyzing the tumor microenvironment. • Personalized Treatment Development: • Contributes to improved cancer therapies tailored to individual tumor profiles. Quantum Dots (QDs)
- 8. MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES Properties ofMagnetic Nanoparticles: 1.Physical Features: •Spherical nanocrystals with a size range of 10–20 nm. •Composed of magnetic materials like iron, nickel, cobalt, and their compounds. 2.Magnetic Behavior: •Unique magnetic resonance properties. •Attracted to high magnetic flux densities, making them ideal for imaging technologies. Applications in Medical Imaging: 1.Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Molecular Resonance Imaging (MRI): •Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) are widely used as contrast agents. 2.Clinical Uses of SPIOs: •Hepatic Metastases: Rapid hepatic uptake aids in precise diagnosis. •Prostate Cancer and Nodal Metastases: Used in Diffusion-Weighted MRI (DW-MRI). •Colorectal Cancer: Diagnosed with iron-oxide or iron-cored nanoshells. 3.Atherosclerosis Research: •Tracks macrophage activity in plaque development, aiding in therapeutic strategy development.
- 9. MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES • RegenerativeMedicine • Monitors stem cell activity in host organs like the brain, contributing to advancements in tissue regeneration. • Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance (DMR) Technology: • Key Features: • Employs magnetic nanoparticles as sensors. • High sensitivity and robustness. • Applications: • Detection of DNA/mRNA, enzymes, proteins, peptides, drugs, and microbes. • Enables multiplexed analysis using microliter samples, supporting detailed diagnostics.
- 10. NANOARRAYS Nanoarrays: • Miniaturized versionsof microarrays. • Consist of arrays of molecules arranged in micron or sub-micron scales. • Can analyze both biological samples (DNA, RNA, proteins, viruses) and non-biological samples (solutions, colloids, particle suspensions). Comparison with Microarrays: • Require significantly less surface area (1/10,000 of traditional microarrays). • High density: Over 1,500 nanoarray spots can fit within the area of one microarray spot. • Reduced reagent costs, shorter analysis times, and improved sensitivity and specificity.
- 11. NANOARRAYS Applications in Diagnostics: PathogenDetection: Highly sensitive to trace amounts of biomolecules. Effective in bioaffinity tests for DNA/RNA targets, protein interactions, and receptor-ligand bindings. Cancer Biomarkers: Used to detect bioprognostic markers like IL-6 and PSA in prostate cancer with high sensitivity (e.g., 10 pg/ml detection levels). Effective in identifying tumor subtypes, aiding in personalized treatments. Molecular Diagnostics: Applied in single-cell analysis to distinguish healthy cells from diseased cells. Useful in evaluating minor cellular changes and therapeutic effects that classical biochemical techniques may miss.
- 12. NANOCHIPS Nanotechnology-based chips areinnovative tools designed to overcome the limitations of traditional DNA sequencing methods, such as non-specific hybridization. These chips integrate electronic technology with nanomaterials to enhance accuracy, speed, and efficiency in analyzing DNA sequences. Key Features of Nanotechnology-Based Chips Electronic Current for DNA Sorting: • DNA probes are separated on the chip based on their charge and size. • The use of electronic fields ensures precise placement of DNA at specific test sites. Probe Hybridization: • The chip contains DNA probes designed to bind only with complementary DNA sequences from the sample. • Hybridization is highly specific, reducing errors from non-specific binding. Fluorescence Detection: • Once hybridization occurs, the probes emit fluorescence signals. These signals are detected by integrated sensors on the chip.
- 13. NANOCHIPS Onboard Computer Integration: •Data from fluorescence is transmitted to an onboard computer via platinum wiring. • The computer analyzes and records the results, providing real-time feedback. Multiplexing Capability: • Multiple DNA probes can be deployed simultaneously. • This allows the detection of various DNA sequences at once, speeding up the sequencing process Applications Genetic Diagnostics: Detect mutations and genetic disorders with high precision. Pathogen Detection: Identify bacterial or viral DNA in medical and environmental samples. Personalized Medicine: Analyze patient DNA to design tailored treatment plans. Forensic Analysis: Match DNA samples with high accuracy for criminal investigations. Agriculture and Food Safety: Detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or pathogens in crops and food products.
- 14. NANOPORES Nanopores are tinyholes or pores with diameters on the nanometer scale, typically ranging from 1 to 10 nanometers. They serve as a powerful analytical tool in nanotechnology and are primarily used for the detection, characterization, and sequencing of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. The ability of nanopores to analyze single molecules in real time has revolutionized several fields, including genomics, proteomics, and diagnostics. Structure and Types of Nanopores Structure: • Nanopores are typically embedded within thin membranes made from synthetic materials (e.g., silicon nitride, graphene) or biological molecules (e.g., protein channels). Types: Biological Nanopores: • Derived from proteins such as α-hemolysin or Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA). • Often used in DNA sequencing due to their well-defined structure and compatibility with biological molecules. Solid-State Nanopores: • Fabricated from synthetic materials like silicon nitride or graphene using nanolithography or ion-beam sculpting. • Known for their robustness and tunable size. Hybrid Nanopores: • Combine biological and solid-state components for enhanced stability and selectivity.
- 15. NANOPORES Working Principle • Nanoporesoperate based on the principle of ionic current modulation. • A nanopore is placed within a membrane that separates two chambers filled with an electrolyte solution. • When a voltage is applied across the membrane, ions pass through the nanopore, creating a measurable ionic current. • As a biomolecule (e.g., DNA or protein) passes through the nanopore, it partially blocks the current, causing characteristic disruptions. • These disruptions (current changes) are analyzed to provide information about the size, shape, and sequence of the molecule.
- 16. NANOPORES Applications DNA and RNASequencing: • Nanopores are extensively used in genomic sequencing to determine nucleotide sequences by detecting base-specific disruptions in ionic current. • For example, Oxford Nanopore Technologies employs nanopore-based sequencing for rapid and portable genomic analysis. Protein Analysis: • Detecting and characterizing proteins, including post-translational modifications and folding patterns. Biomarker Detection: • Real-time detection of disease-specific biomarkers for cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. Environmental Monitoring: • Detection of pollutants, toxins, and microorganisms in water or air samples. Drug Screening: • Understanding drug interactions with biomolecules by monitoring their passage through nanopores.
- 17. NANOPHARMACEUTICALS • Nanopharmaceuticals representa revolutionary advancement in the field of drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. • They utilize nanoscale materials (1-100 nm) to design and develop pharmaceutical formulations that enhance the bioavailability, stability, and targeting of drugs. • By modifying the physical and chemical properties of drugs through nanotechnology, nanopharmaceuticals aim to overcome limitations of conventional drugs, such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and non-specific distribution. Generation of Nanopharmaceuticals The generation of nanopharmaceuticals involves precise engineering of nanoscale drug delivery systems. Key techniques include: 1. Bottom-up Approach: Building nanoparticles through molecular assembly, such as self-assembly or precipitation. 2. Top-down Approach: Reducing the size of bulk materials into nanoscale, e.g., milling or high-pressure homogenization. 3. Nanoformulation: Incorporating drugs into nanoscale carriers like liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and lipid-based systems.
- 18. NANOPHARMACEUTICALS Significance of Nanopharmaceuticals EnhancedSolubility and Bioavailability: Nanopharmaceuticals improve the dissolution of hydrophobic drugs, ensuring better absorption. Example: Paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles enhance solubility and reduce toxic effects. Controlled and Sustained Release: Nanosystems enable the gradual release of drugs, reducing dosing frequency. Example: Polymeric micelles for cancer therapy. Targeted Drug Delivery: Nanoformulations can selectively deliver drugs to specific cells or tissues, minimizing side effects. Example: Doxorubicin-loaded liposomes for targeted cancer therapy (Doxil®). Protection of Sensitive Drugs: Nanoencapsulation shields drugs from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract or bloodstream. Example: Insulin nanoparticles for oral delivery.
- 19. NANOSUSPENSIONS Nanosuspensions are colloidaldispersions of drug particles in a liquid medium, where the drug is reduced to nanometer-sized particles, typically ranging from 10 to 1000 nm. This reduction in particle size increases the surface area, improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. How Nanosuspensions Work: Improved Drug Solubility: Many drugs have limited solubility, which reduces their bioavailability. Nanosuspensions enhance the solubility of these drugs by reducing their particle size, which increases the surface area available for dissolution. Enhanced Absorption: Smaller particles can be absorbed more efficiently in the gastrointestinal tract due to the increased surface area. Stability: Nanoparticles in nanosuspensions can be stabilized by surfactants, preventing agglomeration and ensuring the stability of the formulation. Example: Amphotericin B Nanosuspension: Amphotericin B, an antifungal drug, is known for its poor solubility. Nanosuspension of amphotericin B has been developed to enhance its solubility, leading to improved bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, especially for systemic fungal infections.
- 20. NANOGELS • Nanogels arethree-dimensional, cross-linked polymeric networks that can swell in water to carry both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. • Due to their high water content and flexible structure, nanogels offer controlled drug release and protection to the encapsulated drugs. • They can be administered via oral, intravenous, or topical routes. How Nanogels Work: • Drug Delivery and Controlled Release: Nanogels are capable of encapsulating drugs and releasing them in a controlled manner. This sustained release minimizes the need for frequent dosing. • Biocompatibility: The polymers used in nanogels are often biocompatible, making them suitable for long-term use. • Therapeutic Targeting: Nanogels can be designed to target specific cells or tissues by attaching ligands to their surface. Example: Topical Nanogels for Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Nanogel formulations are used for the topical delivery of anti- inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. These formulations provide controlled release, reducing the frequency of application and enhancing therapeutic outcomes for skin conditions.
- 21. NANOFORMULATIONS Nanoformulations refer topharmaceutical preparations at the nanoscale (1–100 nm) designed to enhance the efficacy, stability, and delivery of drugs. These formulations incorporate nanotechnology principles to overcome challenges like poor solubility, low bioavailability, non-specific targeting, and rapid degradation of conventional drugs. Types of Nanoformulations Nanocrystals: Pure drug crystals reduced to nanoscale, often stabilized by surfactants or polymers. • Significance: Improves solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. • Example: Fenofibrate nanocrystals for better oral absorption. Lipid-Based Nanoformulations: Include liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). 1. Liposomes: Spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers. • Example: Doxorubicin-loaded liposomes (Doxil®) for cancer therapy. 2. SLNs and NLCs: Offer improved stability and controlled release for hydrophobic drugs. • Example: Insulin-loaded SLNs for diabetes management. Polymeric Nanoparticles: Biodegradable polymers used to encapsulate drugs. • Significance: Controlled drug release, targeted delivery, and reduced toxicity. • Example: Paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for chemotherapy. Nanomicelles: Self-assembled amphiphilic molecules forming a core-shell structure. • Significance: Ideal for delivering hydrophobic drugs in aqueous environments. • Example: Curcumin-loaded nanomicelles for anti-inflammatory therapy.
- 22. Enhancement of DrugTherapy through Epitaxy Epitaxy, derived from the Greek words epi (above) and taxis (arrangement), refers to the ordered growth of a crystalline layer of a material (often a drug) on the surface of another substrate, typically a nanocarrier. This process allows precise control over the structural and functional properties of the drug formulation, enabling significant enhancements in drug therapy. Key Features of Epitaxy in Nanopharmaceuticals Ordered Drug Growth: • Epitaxy involves the controlled deposition of drug molecules as a crystalline layer on a substrate (e.g., nanoparticles or porous scaffolds). • This structured assembly ensures stability and predictable drug release. Improved Drug Loading: • The crystalline alignment on the nanocarrier's surface allows high drug-loading efficiency without compromising the structural integrity of the carrier. Controlled Drug Release: • Epitaxial layers can be engineered to release the drug at a controlled rate, responding to environmental stimuli like pH or temperature. Enhanced Bioavailability: • Crystalline forms often exhibit superior solubility and dissolution rates, leading to better absorption and therapeutic efficacy.
- 23. Enhancement of DrugTherapy through Epitaxy Examples of Epitaxy in Nanopharmaceuticals Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs): • Drugs like doxorubicin are epitaxially loaded on MSNs, ensuring controlled release and enhanced solubility. • Application: Cancer therapy with reduced systemic toxicity. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): • Epitaxial layers of drugs on MOFs provide high stability and precision in drug release. • Example: Delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs with minimal degradation in the bloodstream. Crystalline Drug Nanolayers on Polymers: • Thin epitaxial drug films on polymeric nanocarriers are used for sustained release in chronic conditions. • Example: Insulin layers on biodegradable polymers for diabetes management.