Nanotechnology: A new part of future medicine

Nanotechnologies and Nano-objects bring together the techniques and tools of the world of the infinitely small: the millionth of a millimeter. To work on such a scale offers immense perspectives in many fields: computer science, cosmetics, energy … In health, the “Nanos” should lead to important progress in the diagnostic methods and the therapeutic approaches. A field of innovation of which, probably, one can scarcely perceive the potential … but also the possible risks. Consider MSTnano for nanotechnology related services.

Understand the potential of nanotechnology

Nanotechnologies correspond to all the techniques and tools that make it possible to study or interact with the particular phenomena that exist at the nanometric or nanoscopic level. Indeed, on this scale, the laws of physics are not the same as macroscopic dimensions for an identical compound: it appears new properties or multiplied, specific.

How small is a nanometer?

A nanometer (10 -9 m, or nm), of the Nano prefix that means dwarf in Greek, roughly corresponds to the distance between two atoms. For comparison, one molecule of water measures 0.1 nm, the diameter of the DNA is 2 nm and that of a virus varies according to the species between 30 and 200 nm. Visit MSTnano website in order to get nanotechnology related service.

In the field of medical imaging

Many imaging techniques (radiography, MRI, scintigraphy …) are based on monitoring the evolution of contrast products injected into the body. Nanoparticles represent an interesting alternative to the agents currently used (organic fluorides or radioactive isotopes) because they could improve the resolution and specificity of the images obtained, while being better tolerated by the body.

Today, their properties are already exploited in the context of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can implement nanoparticles of iron oxide for certain applications. Research is continuing to expand the panel of available agents and imaging techniques eligible for these agents.

Other perspectives are also emerging in the field of functional imaging, through which it is possible to dynamically study the functioning of a normal or pathological tissue. For example, photoluminous nanoparticles containing proteins that specifically recognize certain cells are developed: their photoluminescence activates when they bind to their target, making their observation by medical imaging possible. In the more distant future, a therapeutic compound could be added, in order to couple in a single action targeting and treatment.

In the field of biological analyzes

In any disease, many biological phenomena occur at the molecular level, and the symptoms are only the late result, identifiable on the macroscopic scale. Developing a measurement or analysis device with the ability to directly study nanoscale phenomena could help prevent or diagnose certain diseases early. This idea has been gaining ground for several decades and medical analysis is experiencing a “big” revolution with the development of biochips, some of which are real pocket laboratories.