奈米顆粒－醫療保健領域的下一件大事

由於科技領域最近取得的一些進步，器官健康的監測能力得到了顯著提高。

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.

由於科技領域最近取得的一些進步，器官健康的監測能力得到了顯著提高。雖然人工智慧仍然是媒體的主要焦點，但許多其他技術有可能在未來的醫療保健中發揮更大的作用。奈米顆粒是技術突破的典型例子，它可以徹底改變現代醫學並幫助保護每年數百萬人的生命。這是您需要了解的內容。

What are Nanoparticles?

什麼是奈米粒子？

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.

奈米顆粒是自然存在的微小結構。然而，「奈米粒子」這個術語直到 1857 年才出現，當時著名發明家邁克爾法拉第創造了這個詞來描述他正在研究的金屬的光學特性。值得注意的是，人類早在奈米粒子被理解之前就開始使用它們了。例如，奈米粒子幫助早期雕塑創造出獨特的效果，例如彩色玻璃，在某些照明條件下會改變顏色。後來的研究表明，顏色的變化是由嵌入玻璃中的金和銀奈米粒子引起的。

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.

今天對奈米顆粒的描述是指直徑為 1 至 100 奈米 (nm) 的顆粒。所有奈米粒子都具有三個主要特徵。首先，他們在自由狀態下保持活躍。其次，它們有超過 20% 的結構原子位於粒子表面，最後，它們經常表現出量子效應。值得注意的是，奈米顆粒是天然存在的，但也可以由科學家在實驗室中為研究目的而製造。它們的亞原子尺寸和令人印象深刻的表面積使其成為電子、環境研究和醫療保健等廣泛行業的理想選擇。

Breakthrough Nanoparticle Technology in Healthcare

醫療保健領域的突破性奈米顆粒技術

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.

奈米技術繼續為各行各業帶來革命性的變化，醫療保健行業最近取得了一些最大的進步。奈米顆粒在醫療保健領域特別有用，因為它們能夠深入人體，使其成為藥物傳輸、影像掃描背景和許多其他用途的理想選擇。以下只是奈米粒子如何幫助拯救數百萬人生命的兩個例子。

Atherosclerosis

動脈粥狀硬化

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.

奈米粒子改變醫療保健產業的第一個例子本月發表在《小》雜誌上。該研究深入研究了研究人員使用奈米粒子來診斷和治療動脈粥狀硬化的情況。動脈粥狀硬化是全球數百萬人面臨的一個主要問題。它是動脈內斑塊的堆積，可能導致血壓問題、心臟病、中風和死亡。遺憾的是，目前還沒有針對這種疾病的直接治療方法。

Source -Mayo Foundation

來源-梅奧基金會

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.

動脈粥狀硬化每年導致超過 1700 萬人死亡。更糟的是，由於環境因素、壓力、吸煙、飲酒和暴露在有害的工作條件下，這種疾病繼續影響越來越多的人。在過去的三十年中，隨著患有動脈粥狀硬化的人數不斷增加，這些問題的嚴重性不斷增加。這項研究深入探討了奈米粒子如何幫助診斷並更有效地將藥物分發到受影響的區域。

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.

目前，有多種動脈粥狀硬化成像方法。目前使用的三種主要影像技術包括血管內超音波、冠狀動脈造影和磁振造影 (MRI)。後者提供了三者中最高解析度的圖像，但價格昂貴，並且可能對患有金屬植入物、腎臟問題和其他健康併發症的人有害。

Studies

研究

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.

這項研究深入探討了利用奈米粒子的獨特特性來定位並顯著減少斑塊負擔或逆轉動脈粥狀硬化。該報告描述了一種利用奈米機器人實現雙重目的的非侵入性方法。第一個目的是定位和成像動脈粥狀硬化感染的細胞，第二個目的是將藥物深入感染區域。

Nanoparticles to Treat Test Atherosclerosis

奈米顆粒治療動脈粥狀硬化

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.

測試始於研究人員創建特殊的奈米級配位聚合物 (NCP) 和 pH 響應連接體，以幫助追蹤和輸送治療藥物。研究的核心是奈米級配位聚合物（NCP）的使用。這些特定的奈米顆粒是專門用 pH 響應性苯甲酸亞胺 (BI) 連接器和 Gd3+ 作為街道的一部分而建造的。

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.

在測試階段，研究人員首先讓奈米粒子提供一種稱為钆的用於 MRI 掃描的造影劑。這種操作使 MRI 能夠捕捉即時斑塊位置和堆積情況，從而能夠準確測量問題的嚴重程度。奈米機器人還提供了一種具有抗炎特性的水不溶性藥物，可以改變酸性環境，從而減少發炎和氧化壓力。這種手術會導致辛伐他汀的釋放，從而降低在過程中和之後因副作用而發生心血管事件的風險。

Nanoparticles Testing Results

奈米粒子測試結果

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.

測試結果顯示了一些有希望的數據。 ST/NCP-PEG奈米粒子成功地為動脈粥狀硬化提供了快速有效的診斷和治療。具體來說，研究團隊發現奈米顆粒非常適合針對動脈粥狀硬化斑塊，並且不會對身體造成壓力。

Benefits of Nanoparticles in Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment

奈米顆粒在動脈粥狀硬化診斷和治療中的益處

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

這項研究揭示了幾個好處。一方面，這種非侵入性診療模式比過去的替代方案更安全、更有效率。此外，奈米粒子可以提供近 10 種治療劑