纳米颗粒——医疗保健领域的下一件大事

由于科技领域最近取得的一些进步，器官健康的监测能力得到了显着提高。

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.

由于科技领域最近取得的一些进步，器官健康的监测能力得到了显着提高。虽然人工智能仍然是媒体的主要焦点，但许多其他技术有可能在未来的医疗保健中发挥更大的作用。纳米颗粒是技术突破的一个典型例子，它可以彻底改变现代医学并帮助保护每年数百万人的生命。这是您需要了解的内容。

What are Nanoparticles?

什么是纳米粒子？

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.

纳米颗粒是自然存在的微小结构。然而，“纳米粒子”这个术语直到 1857 年才出现，当时著名发明家迈克尔·法拉第创造了这个词来描述他正在研究的金属的光学特性。值得注意的是，人类早在纳米粒子被理解之前就开始使用它们了。例如，纳米粒子帮助早期雕塑创造出独特的效果，例如彩色玻璃，在某些照明条件下会改变颜色。后来的研究表明，颜色的变化是由嵌入玻璃中的金和银纳米粒子引起的。

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.

今天对纳米颗粒的描述是指直径为 1 至 100 纳米 (nm) 的颗粒。所有纳米粒子都具有三个主要特征。首先，他们在自由状态下保持活跃。其次，它们有超过 20% 的结构原子位于粒子表面，最后，它们经常表现出量子效应。值得注意的是，纳米颗粒是天然存在的，但也可以由科学家在实验室中出于研究目的而制造。它们的亚原子尺寸和令人印象深刻的表面积使其成为电子、环境研究和医疗保健等广泛行业的理想选择。

Breakthrough Nanoparticle Technology in Healthcare

医疗保健领域的突破性纳米颗粒技术

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.

纳米技术继续给各行各业带来革命性的变化，医疗保健行业最近取得了一些最大的进步。纳米颗粒在医疗保健领域特别有用，因为它们能够深入人体，使其成为药物输送、图像扫描背景和许多其他用途的理想选择。以下只是纳米粒子如何帮助拯救数百万人生命的两个例子。

Atherosclerosis

动脉粥样硬化

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.

纳米颗粒改变医疗保健行业的第一个例子本月发表在《小》杂志上。该研究深入研究了研究人员使用纳米粒子来诊断和治疗动脉粥样硬化的情况。动脉粥样硬化是全球数百万人面临的一个主要问题。它是动脉内斑块的堆积，可能导致血压问题、心脏病、中风和死亡。遗憾的是，目前还没有针对这种疾病的直接治疗方法。

Source -Mayo Foundation

来源-梅奥基金会

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.

动脉粥样硬化每年导致超过 1700 万人死亡。更糟糕的是，由于环境因素、压力、吸烟、饮酒和暴露在有害的工作条件下，这种疾病继续影响着越来越多的人。在过去的三十年中，随着患有动脉粥样硬化的人数不断增加，这些问题的严重性不断增加。这项研究深入探讨了纳米粒子如何帮助诊断并更有效地将药物分发到受影响的区域。

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，有多种动脉粥样硬化成像方法。目前使用的三种主要成像技术包括血管内超声、冠状动脉造影和磁共振成像 (MRI)。后者提供了三者中最高分辨率的图像，但价格昂贵，并且可能对患有金属植入物、肾脏问题和其他健康并发症的人有害。

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.

这项研究深入探讨了利用纳米粒子的独特特性来定位并显着减少斑块负担或逆转动脉粥样硬化。该报告描述了一种利用纳米机器人实现双重目的的非侵入性方法。第一个目的是定位和成像动脉粥样硬化感染的细胞，第二个目的是将药物深入到感染区域。

Nanoparticles to Treat Test Atherosclerosis

纳米颗粒治疗动脉粥样硬化

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.

测试始于研究人员创建特殊的纳米级配位聚合物 (NCP) 和 pH 响应连接体，以帮助跟踪和输送治疗药物。该研究的核心是纳米级配位聚合物（NCP）的使用。这些特定的纳米粒子是专门用 pH 响应性苯甲酸亚胺 (BI) 连接器和 Gd3+ 作为街道的一部分而构建的。

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.

在测试阶段，研究人员首先让纳米粒子提供一种称为钆的用于 MRI 扫描的造影剂。这种操作使 MRI 能够捕获实时斑块位置和堆积情况，从而能够准确测量问题的严重程度。纳米机器人还提供了一种具有抗炎特性的水不溶性药物，可以改变酸性环境，从而减少炎症和氧化应激。这种操作会导致辛伐他汀的释放，从而降低在此过程中和之后因副作用而发生心血管事件的风险。

Nanoparticles Testing Results

纳米颗粒测试结果

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.

测试结果显示了一些有希望的数据。 ST/NCP-PEG纳米粒子成功地为动脉粥样硬化提供了快速有效的诊断和治疗。具体来说，研究小组发现纳米颗粒非常适合针对动脉粥样硬化斑块，并且不会对身体造成压力。

Benefits of Nanoparticles in Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment

纳米颗粒在动脉粥样硬化诊断和治疗中的益处

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

这项研究揭示了几个好处。一方面，这种无创诊疗模式比过去的替代方案更安全、更高效。此外，纳米粒子可以提供近 10 种治疗剂