Nanoparticles – The Next Big Thing in Healthcare

Organ health has seen a considerable boost in monitoring capabilities thanks to some recent advancements made in the tech sectors.

Organ health has seen a considerable boost in monitoring capabilities thanks to some recent advancements made in the tech sectors. While artificial intelligence remains the main focus of the media, many other technologies have the potential to play an even greater role in your future healthcare. Nanoparticles are a prime example of a technological breakthrough that could revolutionize modern medicine and help protect the lives of millions of people yearly. Here's what you need to know.

What are Nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are tiny structures that occur naturally. However, the term ‘nanoparticles' didn’t exist until 1857, when the famous inventor Michael Faraday coined it to describe the optical properties of metals he was studying. Notably, humans used nanoparticles long before they were understood. For example, nanoparticles helped early sculptures create unique effects, such as stained glass, that changed color in certain lighting conditions. Later research revealed that the color change resulted from gold and silver nanoparticles embedded in the glass.

Today's description of a nanoparticle is a particle with 1 to 100 nanometers (nm) in diameter. All nanoparticles have three main characteristics. First, they remain active in a free state. Second, they have +20% of the structure's atoms located on the surface of the particle, and lastly, they often showcase quantum effects. Notably, nanoparticles are found naturally but can also be created by scientists in a lab for research purposes. Their subatomic size and impressive surface area make them ideal for use across a wide range of industries, including electronics, environmental research, and medical care.

Breakthrough Nanoparticle Technology in Healthcare

Nanotechnology continues to revolutionize industries with the healthcare sector seeing some of the most advancements as of late. Nanoparticles are particularly useful in healthcare due to their ability to penetrate deep into the body, making them ideal for drug delivery, image scanning background, and many more uses. Here are just two examples of how nanoparticles could help save millions of lives moving forward.

Atherosclerosis

The first example of nanoparticles changing the healthcare sector was published this month in the journal, small. The study delves into researchers using nanoparticles to diagnose and treat Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major issue for millions of people who suffer from it globally. It’s a buildup of plaque within the arteries which can result in blood pressure concerns, heart disease, stroke, and death. Sadly, there are no direct treatments for this ailment yet.

Source -Mayo Foundation

Atherosclerosis is responsible for +17M deaths yearly. Even worse, the disease continues to affect a growing number of people due to rising environmental factors, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to harmful work conditions. These issues have continued to increase in severity over the last three decades alongside the number of people suffering from Atherosclerosis. This study delves into how nanoparticles could help to diagnose and distribute medicines to the affected area more efficiently.

Currently, there are multiple methods for imaging Atherosclerosis. Three primary imaging technologies used today include Intravascular ultrasound, Coronary angiography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The latter provides the highest-resolution images of the three but is expensive and can be harmful to people with metal implants, kidney issues, and other health complications.

Studies

This study delves into using nanoparticles' unique characteristics to locate and significantly reduce plaque burden or reverse atherosclerosis. The report describes a noninvasive method of utilizing the nanobots for dual purposes. The first is to locate and image atherosclerosis-infected cells, and the second purpose is to distribute medication deep into the infected area.

Nanoparticles to Treat Test Atherosclerosis

The testing began with researchers creating special nanoscale coordination polymers (NCP) and a pH-responsive linker to help track and deliver the therapeutic agents. At the core of the research is the use of nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs). These specific nanoparticles were purpose-built with a pH-responsive benzoic-imine (BI) linker and Gd3+ as part of the street.

In the testing phase, the researchers had the nanoparticles first deliver a contrast agent for MRI scanning called gadolinium. This maneuver allowed the MRI to capture real-time plaque locations and buildup, enabling an accurate measure of the severity of the issue. The nanobots also delivered a water-insoluble drug with anti-inflammatory properties that alter the acidic environment in a way that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. This maneuver causes the release of Simvastatin, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events during the process and after due to side effects.

Nanoparticles Testing Results

Test results have shown some promising data. The ST/NCP-PEG nanoparticles successfully provided fast and efficient diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Specifically, the team found that the nanoparticles were excellent at targeting atherosclerotic plaques and didn't cause stress to the body.

Benefits of Nanoparticles in Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment

This study brings to light several benefits. For one, this non-invasive diagnosis and treatment model is safer and more efficient than past alternatives. Additionally, nanoparticles can deliver therapeutic agents with nearly 10