How Nanotechnology Will Revolutionize the World of Medicine

Because of the speed of its technological advancement, size and range of use, nanotechnology has found a very important place in medicine. Since a nano device can be even smaller than a human cell, it has a myriad of uses in the medical field. Strides towards this development are underway in different parts of the world. A major advantage of this technology is its positional capabilities and tip chemistry. Positional capabilities put an emphasis on the size of the of the device. The size of nano devices are approximately 0.1 microns and this helps in the positioning of the device in different locations inside the human body. Tip chemistry is the process by which the state or structure of the molecule is altered by the induction of the nano device. The size of the nano device is very small as compared to a human cell in our body thus enabling it to be placed in places of importance, even inside a cell.

This technology has enabled us to design small devices that could identify and destroy cancerous or diseased cells. The area of such activity can be precisely monitored and restricted to the affected area. Not to stop here, the device can be used to monitor the general condition of all parts of the body. A major factor that can be monitored is the pressure in the body. The nano device can be used to identify changes in the body pressure as small as 0.1 atmosphere. The size of the device is as small as 10 nanometres.

Another area of using nanotechnology is for controlled release of oxygen to areas of impaired circulation. Impaired circulation can be due to accidents, blood vessel collapse and a numerous other reasons. Nanotechnology has made if possible to release oxygen to the affected area using diamondiod sphere. This sphere is as small as 0.1 microns and can be guided to the required area.

Today, scientists are working on nano devices and nano structures that will be used as potential drugs for disease and ailments like cancer, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and for treatment of damaged tissues in the kidneys and livers. It is being researched to even repair impaired sight and hearing. Today Nanotechnology is being used to alter the structure of the DNA by inducing the nano devices in the DNA structure to produce the perfect prototype of the human parts and the body.

Nanotechnology today is the technology used in all spheres of science. Right from electronics and manufacturing, medicine to health care nanotechnology finds a very important place. Nanotechnology is also used in water treatment and has been identified as one of the best ways to get the purest from of water.

In conclusion, nanotechnology is a gift to mankind and a means by which we can alter modern medicine while also affecting the general quality of life of the general population, in ways which may not have been possible with traditional methods.

Reference:

1. Nanotechnology and Medicine by Ralph C Merkle
http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/nanotechAndMedicine.html

2. http://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/04/15/23594.aspx