Nanotechnology is a discipline that studies phenomena at a nanometric scale and has revolutionized various areas of knowledge, including medicine. Nanomedicine applies nanotechnological principles and it is presented today as one of the medical branches with the greatest potential to transform the future of health.
Nanomedicine has applications ranging from prevention to treatment of complex diseases. The ability of nanomaterials to interact at the molecular level opens new possibilities in the fight against acute and chronic diseases.
nanomedicine
Nanomedicine is a specialty of medicine that focuses on studying biological processes at the nanometric level. It uses nanomaterials designed to interact with the human body at a molecular level.
These interactions allow the development of innovative medical applications that can significantly improve people’s health and quality of life. This discipline covers four major areas of application: nanodiagnosis, nanotherapy, disease prevention and regenerative nanomedicine.
According to the European Science Foundation, Nanomedicine has the potential to revolutionize disease managementsince it interacts with fundamental components of the human body, such as DNA and proteins. Many diseases are caused by alterations in these elements.
Application areas
The four basic areas of application of nanomedicine are the following.
Nanodiagnosis
Nanodiagnosis uses strategies and tools based on nanotechnology to detect diseases at the molecular or cellular levelboth inside the body (in vivo) as well as in laboratory environments (in vitro). An example is the use of contrast nanoparticles in medical imaging techniques, which increase sensitivity and contrast in images.
Nanotherapy
Nanotherapy has become a fundamental tool to personalize medical treatments, especially in oncology. Nanodrugs are designed for this purpose. They can release active ingredients in a controlled manner and direct them specifically to the affected cells and tissues.
Prevention
Nanomedicine too plays an important role in disease prevention. A notable example is the development of vaccines, such as COVID-19 vaccines that use mRNA molecules encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. These nanoparticles protect the mRNA until it enters the cells, where it triggers the immune response.
Regenerative nanomedicine
The combination of nanotechnology and biomedical engineering has opened new possibilities in tissue regeneration. Nanomaterials are being developed that improve biocompatibility and the biomechanical properties of traditional medical products.
Besides, smart biomaterials are being designed that release signaling molecules in a controlled manner to promote tissue regeneration.
Advantages
One of the greatest benefits of nanoparticles is its ability to improve the safety and effectiveness of numerous drugs. These advantages include:
Protection of the encapsulated molecule
Nanoparticles can protect active molecules from degradation. Thus, ensure that they reach their destination intactwhether it is an organ, tissue or specific cell.
Ability to cross biological barriers
The nanoparticles They have the ability to overcome various biological barrierssuch as the skin, gastrointestinal or respiratory mucous membranes, and even the blood-brain barrier. This allows treatments to reach hard-to-reach areas.
Precise direction to the target organ or tissue
One of the main advantages is its ability to specifically target the organtissue or cell group where the molecule needs to act. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
Access to intracellular compartments
The nanoparticles can enter intracellular compartments. This allows treatments to act directly inside the cells, which is crucial for certain therapies.
Control of drug release
These particles allow precise control over the release of active molecules in the exact place of action or absorption, optimizing the therapeutic response.
At the moment, The applications of nanotechnology are not just theoretical. In several countries, such as the United States, Germany and Canada, nanotechnology is already being used in medical products. In some cases, they are already replacing traditional procedures.
Future of Nanomedicine
The future of nanomedicine is promising and full of possibilities. Some of the expected advances include:
- Personalized Treatments: with the ability to deliver medications more accuratelyan increase in the use of personalized treatments based on the patient’s genetic and molecular profile is expected.
- Nanorobots: in the not too distant future, the development of nanorobots capable of performing tasks inside the bodysuch as tissue repair, elimination of cancer cells or automated drug delivery.
- Improvements in Diagnostics: Nanotechnology-based diagnostic tools could revolutionize the way medical tests are performedmaking them faster, less invasive and more accessible.
- Cost Reduction: As technology advances and becomes more widely adopted, it is expected that costs of nanomedicine-based treatments decreasewhich could make these approaches accessible to a greater number of patients.
It is essential to also address the ethical and safety considerations associated with the use of nanoscale technologies in human health.
