Nanotechnology and Biomedicine(2)
Source: Neelina H. Malsch_Biomedical Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the ability to measure, design, and manipulate at the atomic, molecular and supramolecular levels on a scale of about 1 to 100 nm in an effort to understand, create, and use material structures, devices, and systems with funda- mentally new properties and functions attributable to their small structures. All biological and man-made systems have their first levels of organization at the nanoscale (nanocrystals, nanotubes, and nanobiomotors), where their fundamental properties and functions are defined. The goal in nanotechnology may be described as the ability to assemble molecules into useful objects hierarchically integrated along several length scales and then, after use, disassemble objects into molecules. Nature already accomplishes this in living systems and in the environment.Rearranging matter on the nanoscale using “weak” molecular interactions such as van der Waals forces, H bonds, electrostatic dipoles, fluidics, and various surface forces requires low energy consumption and allows for reversible and other subse- quent changes. Such changes of usually “soft” nanostructures in a limited temper- ature range are essential for bioprocesses to take place. Research on “dry” nano- structures is now seeking systematic approaches to engineering human-made objects at nanoscale and integrating nanoscale structures into large-scale structures as nature does. While the specific approaches may be different from the slow evolutions of living systems in aqueous media, many concepts such as self-assembling, templating, interaction on surfaces of various shapes, self-repairing, and integration on multiple length scales can be used as sources of inspiration.Nanobiomedicine is a field that applies nanoscale principles and techniques to understanding and transforming inert materials and biosystems (nonliving, living or thinking) for medical purposes such as drug synthesis, brain understanding, body part replacement, visualization, and tools for medical interventions. Integration of nanotechnology with biomedicine and biology, and with information technology and cognitive science is expected to accelerate in the next decade. Convergence of nanoscale science with modern biology and medicine is a trend that should be reflected in science policy decisions.Nanobiosystem science and engineering is one of the most challenging and fastest growing components of nanotechnology. It is essential for better understand- ing of living systems and for developing new tools for medicine and solutions for health care (such as synthesis of new drugs and their targeted delivery, regenerative medicine, and neuromorphic engineering). One important challenge is understanding the processes inside cells and neural systems. Nanobiosystems are sources of inspi- ration and provide models for man-made nanosystems. Research may lead to better biocompatible materials and nanobiomaterials for industrial applications. The confluence of biology and nanoscience will contribute to unifying concepts of sci- ence, engineering, technology, medicine, and agriculture.
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