Novel role of nanotechnology in medicine

Abstract

Nanotechnology by definition, means the use of nanoparticles in the field of medicine and for other benefits of mankind. At present, current modalities for diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases, especially for cancer face major limitations, like poor sensivity and specificity, and drug toxicity respectively. Newer and improved methods based on nanoparticles are being developed. These are used as contrast agents, fluorescent materials, molecular research tools and drugs with targeting antibodies. Nanoparticles used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes include paramagnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanoshells, nanosomes and dendrimers. Highly toxic anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs can be administered with a much better safety profile using drugs with targeting antibodies. Other modalities of nanomedicine are also being developed, which include heat induced ablation of cancer cells by nanoshells and gene therapy. This review article discusses the various platforms of nanotechnology in the field of diagnostics and therapeutics. The potential toxicities of nanoparticles are also described. The safety of nanotechnology is not yet fully defined. So formulation of a new nanodrug faces many regulatory challenges. But definitely, nanotechnology is hoped to play a very crucial role in future medicine.