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The latest news and blog posts from the World Nano Foundation.
Qualifications for a Career in Nanotechnology
What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale, typically involving structures sized between 1 and 100 nanometers. Its applications span various industries, from medicine to electronics, enabling breakthroughs at the tiniest scales.
What educational background is required to get into nanotechnology?
A background in science or engineering is generally required. Most professionals in the field possess a degree in physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, or various engineering disciplines. These foundational subjects provide the necessary knowledge base to delve into the intricacies of nanotechnology.
Do I need an advanced degree to work in nanotechnology?
While many positions in nanotechnology research and development require a Master's or PhD, there are positions available for those with a Bachelor's degree, especially in areas like quality control, manufacturing, and technician roles. The degree requirement may vary depending on the depth of work and specialisation.
What subjects should I focus on in school?
Subjects that are foundational for a career in nanotechnology include physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Advanced courses in quantum mechanics, molecular biology, and materials science can also be beneficial. These subjects offer the theoretical and practical basis for understanding and manipulating materials at the nanoscale.
Are there specific universities known for nanotechnology?
Yes, several universities around the world are renowned for their nanotechnology programs. It's best to research and find institutions with solid reputations in the specific area of nanotechnology you're interested in. Institutions with cutting-edge research facilities and notable faculty members are often sought after.
What types of courses are part of a nanotechnology program?
Typical courses might include nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, biomolecular engineering, nano-characterization techniques, and nanoscale physics. Each class aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and innovate within the nanoscale realm.
Are there certifications I can get in nanotechnology?
While a degree is often the primary qualification, various institutions and organisations offer certification programs and short courses. These can help further specialisation or stay updated with the latest technologies and methods. Certifications might give an edge in specific job markets or roles.
Is practical experience necessary in this field?
Absolutely. Lab work, internships, and research projects can provide hands-on experience that's invaluable in understanding theoretical concepts and making you more employable. Engaging in real-world applications aids in solidifying ideas and offers a clearer perspective on the industry's needs.
Are there online resources to help me get started in nanotechnology?
Yes, many online platforms offer courses, webinars, and resources related to nanotechnology. Websites of institutions and organisations dedicated to nanotechnology can also provide valuable insights and updates. These resources can be pivotal for self-learning, staying updated, or networking with professionals.
Is the field of nanotechnology growing?
Yes, the field is rapidly growing, with applications in medicine, electronics, energy, and more. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals in nanotechnology is expected to increase in the coming years. With its expanding horizon, the opportunities for innovative applications and solutions in diverse sectors are immense.
Top 5 Countries Leading in Nanotechnology for Nanoscale Innovation
What is nanotechnology?
Nanoscale technology, often called nanotechnology, involves manipulating and utilising materials at the atomic and molecular scale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in size. These tiny structures offer properties distinct from bulk materials, enabling innovations across numerous fields like medicine, electronics, energy, and materials science.
Which country is leading in nanotechnology research and development?
The top countries leading in nanotechnology research and development include:
China
India
United States
Iran
South Korea
Why is China considered the leader in nanotechnology?
A prime illustration of China's triumph in nanotechnology is 'Nanopolis', the globe's most expansive nanotech industrial hub in Suzhou in the east. This visionary metropolis accommodates numerous global corporations as well as emerging Chinese enterprises, spanning various sectors of nanotechnology and nanoscience.
China's leadership in nanotechnology is attributed to:
Significant government investment in R&D and infrastructure.
An increasing number of nanotech-related patent applications and publications.
Growing collaborations with international researchers and institutions.
A dedicated effort to become a global leader in high-tech sectors.
Rapidly expanding educational programs in the sciences and technology.
How is the United States advancing in the nanotechnology field?
While China leads, the U.S. continues to make significant strides due to:
Vast funding opportunities from the government (such as the National Nanotechnology Initiative) and private sectors.
The presence of world-renowned research universities and institutions.
Strong collaboration between academic, industry, and government entities.
The country’s history of technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
What potential applications are countries exploring through nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology has a vast array of applications being explored by leading countries:
1. Medicine:
Targeted drug delivery: Using nanoscale carriers to deliver drugs directly to affected cells, minimising side effects and maximising therapeutic impact.
Regenerative medicine: Leveraging nanostructures to guide cell growth, facilitating tissue repair and potentially organ regeneration.
Diagnostic tools: Developing nanoscale sensors and devices to detect diseases at earlier stages, improving chances of successful treatments.
2. Electronics:
Improved memory storage: Creating nanoscale memory devices that offer faster, more durable, and more compact storage solutions.
Quantum computing: Harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics at the nanoscale to develop computers with unprecedented processing power.
Nano-transistors: Designing transistors at the atomic scale, enabling more compact and energy-efficient electronic devices.
3. Energy:
More efficient solar cells: Incorporating nanomaterials to enhance the absorption and conversion of sunlight, leading to higher energy yield.
Advanced batteries: Utilizing nanotechnology to develop batteries with longer life, faster charging times, and higher energy densities.
Hydrogen storage: Designing nanoscale materials that can store hydrogen more efficiently, paving the way for a cleaner energy future.
4. Materials science:
Lightweight, more robust materials: Crafting materials with enhanced strength-to-weight ratios, ideal for industries like aerospace and automotive.
Intelligent textiles: Integrating nanotechnologies into fabrics to create clothing that can adapt to environmental conditions, resist stains, or even monitor health.
5. Environmental:
Water purification: Incorporating nano-filters and membranes to remove contaminants from water, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking sources.
Pollution control: Using nanomaterials to capture and neutralise pollutants, improving air and water quality.
Sustainable farming techniques: Employing nanotechnology to develop more effective and less harmful fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Why is international collaboration essential in nanotechnology research?
Nanotechnology research is interdisciplinary, complex, and resource-intensive. Countries can pool resources, share expertise, and accelerate innovation by collaborating. Addressing global challenges like climate change or health pandemics often requires international effort and nanotechnological solutions.
Are there any ethical or safety concerns associated with nanotechnology?
Yes, like any evolving technology, nanotechnology presents ethical and safety concerns. These include potential health impacts, environmental consequences, data privacy issues in nano-electronics, and more. Leading countries are actively working on regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe development and deployment of nanotechnologies.
Disclosure: The landscape of technological development is dynamic, so it's essential to check for updates regularly.
Top 9 Nanotechnologies Impacting the World
What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology manipulates matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. It allows for the design, creation, and use of structures and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanoscale.
Given its vast array of applications, from medicine to electronics to the environment, let's delve into the multifaceted world of nanotechnology and its impact on various sectors.
1. Medical Field
Targeted Drug Delivery: Nanoparticles, specifically liposomes and polymer-based nanoparticles, have emerged as effective carriers for drugs. They can be designed to target cancer cells, infectious agents, or specific tissues, which means that higher doses of the drug can be delivered directly to the affected area with minimal side effects.
Diagnostics: Nano-scale devices and materials can be used for early disease detection. For instance, quantum dots, semiconductor nanoparticles, can be used as fluorescent probes in medical imaging.
Regenerative Medicine: Nanomaterials play a role in tissue engineering, helping design scaffolds that encourage tissue growth and regeneration. They're also instrumental in stem cell manipulation.
2. Electronics Industry
Nanoscale Transistors: As conventional transistors approach their size limits, nanotechnology offers a way to miniaturise them further. This not only keeps Moore's Law alive but also paves the way for faster and more efficient electronic devices.
Memory Devices: The use of nanowires and nanotubes can lead to the development of ultra-high-density memory devices.
Graphene and Other Two-dimensional Materials: These materials have exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, promising to revolutionise electronics by making them faster and more energy-efficient.
3. Environmental Applications
Water Purification: Nanostructured materials like carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles can remove heavy metals, organic contaminants, and even pathogens from water, making it potable.
Improved Solar Cells: Nanomaterials enhance the efficiency of solar cells. Quantum dots, for example, can be used to design solar cells that capture a broader spectrum of sunlight.
Environmental Monitoring: Nanosensors can detect and monitor pollutants at deficient concentrations, improving timely pollution control and management.
4. Consumer Goods
Textiles: Nanotechnology has given rise to fabrics that resist stains, repel water, and even "self-clean" by breaking down dirt and microorganisms when exposed to sunlight.
Sunscreens: Nanoparticles like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used to make sunscreens more effective by providing broader protection and eliminating the white residue commonly associated with traditional products.
Sports Equipment: Incorporating nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes in sports equipment such as tennis rackets and golf clubs has made them lighter yet stronger.
5. Agriculture and Food Industry
Pesticide Delivery: Nanocapsules can be used to deliver pesticides directly to plants in a more controlled manner, reducing the amount of pesticide used and minimizing environmental impact.
Food Packaging: Nanocomposites are making their way into food packaging, enhancing shelf life by preventing oxygen, moisture, and other contaminants from degrading the food. These nanocomposites can also be used to detect spoilage or pathogen presence.
Nutrient Delivery: Nano-encapsulation can be used to deliver vitamins and supplements more effectively within the human body. This method ensures that nutrients are released slowly and are more easily absorbed.
6. Automotive and Aerospace Industries
Lightweight Materials: Carbon nanotubes and other nanomaterials are being integrated into the design of vehicles and aircraft to make them lighter and more fuel-efficient without sacrificing strength.
Self-repairing Materials: Nanotechnology is paving the way for materials that can "self-heal", automatically repairing minor damages, leading to increased longevity and safety.
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Nanotechnology is helping in the design of more efficient and cleaner fuel through better catalysis processes.
7. Cosmetics and Personal Care
Anti-aging: Nanoparticles can deliver anti-aging compounds like retinol deep into the skin, making them more effective.
Hair Care: Nanotechnology is used in shampoos and conditioners to enhance the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles.
UV Protection: As mentioned earlier, nanoparticles improve the efficiency of sunscreens. These same principles apply to cosmetics with SPF protection.
8. Defense and Security
Surveillance: Nano-drones and other nanoscale devices are being developed for covert surveillance and intelligence operations.
Protective Clothing: Using nanofibers and nanocomposites, better protective gear, resistant to chemicals, and biological threats are being designed for soldiers and first responders.
Advanced Sensors: Nanosensors can detect minute quantities of chemical or biological weapons, allowing for early detection and rapid response.
9. Energy Storage and Production
Batteries: Nanotechnology is enhancing the capacity and charge rate of batteries. For instance, using nanostructured silicon in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries can dramatically increase their storage capacity.
Fuel Cells: Nanomaterials can improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of fuel cells, making them more commercially viable.
Thermal Energy Storage: Nanofluids, which are nanoparticles suspended in liquid, are being researched for their potential in storing and transferring thermal energy.
Conclusion
Nanotechnology, due to its broad scope and versatility, intersects with almost every field of science and engineering. While it offers incredible potential, it's essential to approach its applications with a balance of enthusiasm and caution, ensuring that the societal and environmental impacts are considered. As research progresses, the next decade could witness even more revolutionary changes driven by nanotechnology.
Differences between Nanowires and Nanotubes
What are nanowires and nanotubes?
Nanowires:
Nanowires are one-dimensional nanostructures characterised by their hair-like, elongated shape. Typically, these structures have a diameter that ranges from micrometres within the nanometer scale, but their length can extend much further, often into the micrometer range.
These minute dimensions impart nanowires with unique electronic, thermal, and optical properties due to their high surface area to volume ratio and quantum confinement effects. Depending on the material from which they are made, such as metals, semiconductors, or even organic compounds, nanowires can be tailored for various applications, from advanced electronics and photonics to intricate sensors and biological probes.
Nanotubes:
Nanotubes, distinguished by their cylindrical form and hollow core, can be visualised as ultra-fine straws on the nanoscale. The walls of these nanotubes can range from a single atom thick to a few atoms, offering unique structural characteristics. Among the diverse types, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stand out, derived from rolled-up sheets of graphene, and are celebrated for their remarkable strength, conductivity, and versatility in various technological applications.
What are the main structural differences?
Nanowires: They are essentially solid rods at the nanoscale. They can be either straight or zigzagged based on their growth conditions.
Nanotubes: They always have a hollow centre, which provides unique properties, such as the capability to encapsulate other molecules or act as nano-sized conduits for fluids.
What materials can they be made from?
Nanowires:
Materials span metals (e.g., gold and silver), semiconductors (e.g., silicon and gallium nitride), and insulators (e.g., silica).
Some nanowires are also made from organic compounds or biological materials, expanding their potential applications.
Nanotubes:
While carbon is the most famous element used, other compounds like boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, and vanadium oxide can also form nanotubes.
What are their respective applications?
Nanowires:
Electronics: Potential components in future transistors, memory devices, and quantum dots.
Photonics: In producing more efficient solar cells and LEDs.
Sensors: Their high surface-to-volume ratio makes them sensitive to environmental changes, making them ideal for chemical and biological sensors.
Biological studies: Serving as probes or platforms for studying individual cells or molecules.
Nanotubes:
Nanocomposites: Adding strength and flexibility to materials like plastics.
Electronics: Field-effect transistors, memory devices, and even flexible displays.
Drug delivery: Their hollow structure allows them to carry drugs and deliver them to specific locations.
Energy storage: Employed in battery and supercapacitor technologies.
Which one is stronger?
Nanotubes: Specifically, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) demonstrate incredible tensile strength, making them among the most robust materials known, often touted as being stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight.
What about their electrical properties?
Nanowires: Their conductivity can be tailored based on the choice of material. For instance, silicon nanowires can be doped to control their semiconductive properties, while metallic nanowires are naturally conductive.
Nanotubes: How carbon atoms are arranged (chirality) determines whether a carbon nanotube is metallic or semiconducting. Remarkably, electrons can move through CNTs with minimal scattering, termed "ballistic transport", leading to high conductivity.
How are they synthesised?
Nanowires:
Vapour-liquid-solid growth: A standard method where a liquid catalyst aids in the collection of material from the vapour phase to produce a wire.
Template-assisted synthesis: Using a porous template to guide the growth.
Electrodeposition: Using an electric current to deposit material in a template.
Nanotubes:
Arc discharge: Applying an electric current between two carbon electrodes in an inert gas, causing one electrode to evaporate and deposit onto the other as nanotubes.
Laser ablation: Using a laser to vaporise a carbon target in a chamber filled with an inert gas.
Chemical vapour deposition (CVD): Decomposing hydrocarbons over a metal catalyst to grow nanotubes.
Are there any environmental or health concerns?
Nanowires & Nanotubes: Their small size allows them to enter biological systems, raising concerns about toxicity quickly. Specifically, certain forms of CNTs have shown similarities to asbestos fibres, raising concerns about lung toxicity when inhaled. However, research is ongoing, and conclusions vary based on the specific conditions and types of nanomaterials.
Are they being used in commercial products?
Nanowires are integrated into products such as high-performance solar panels and advanced sensors.
Nanotubes: Found in various products, from bicycle frames to tennis rackets and even specific protective clothing due to their strength and conductivity.
Future Research?
Nanowires & Nanotubes: Scientists are exploring more sustainable synthesis methods, broader application areas (e.g., medical), and methods to integrate these nanostructures into larger, macro-scale systems seamlessly.
This expanded guide provides a deeper understanding
Understanding Nanotechnology
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the field of science and engineering focused on creating, manufacturing, and utilising structures, devices, and systems by controlling atoms and molecules at the nanoscale. This involves dimensions less than 100 nanometres, equivalent to one-tenth of a micrometre.
Why is the Nano-scale significant?
At the nanoscale, materials often exhibit unique optical, electronic, and mechanical properties that differ from those at larger scales. These novel properties arise because of the quantum effects and increased surface area per volume of material at this scale.
What are some applications of Nanotechnology?
Medicine
• Targeted Drug Delivery: One of the most promising medical applications of nanotechnology is targeted drug delivery. Nanoparticles can be engineered to carry therapeutic agents directly to disease sites, minimising side effects by reducing the impact on healthy tissues. For example, in cancer treatments, nanoparticles can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to tumour cells, reducing the overall dosage required and minimising side effects.
Commercial products, like AuroVist™ from Nanoprobes, offer gold nanoparticles specifically for enhancing X-ray images.
• Imaging and Diagnostics: Nanoparticles with specific optical or electronic properties can be used as contrast agents in medical imaging, making detecting diseases at an early stage easier. For instance, quantum dots (tiny semiconductor particles) have been used to tag and visualise tumours.
• Regenerative Medicine: Nanofibers and nanoparticles can be utilised in tissue engineering to support the growth and regeneration of damaged tissues or organs.
Electronics
• Faster Processing Power: As electronic devices become smaller, nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in creating nano-sized transistors and memory cells, which can lead to faster processing speeds.
• Data Storage: Nanotechnology can create smaller, denser memory devices. Techniques like atomic-level manipulation might allow vast amounts of data to be stored in tiny spaces.
• Flexible Electronics: Nanomaterials like graphene can be used to develop thin, flexible, and highly conductive electronic devices, potentially leading to roll-up displays or wearable tech.
Energy
• Efficient Solar Cells: Nanomaterials can enhance the efficiency of solar cells by enabling better light absorption and electron transport and minimising energy loss.
• Improved Battery Performance: Nano-structured materials can increase the surface area of electrodes in batteries, leading to faster charging times and longer battery life.
Materials
• Stronger Materials: Carbon nanotubes are renowned for their strength and are integrated into materials to create lightweight composites yet incredibly strong.
• Lighter Materials: Nanotechnology can be used to develop materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio, leading to lighter yet durable products, essential in industries like aerospace.
• Smart Materials: Nanotechnology can lead to materials that can self-repair or change properties in response to environmental stimuli, like temperature or pressure.
Environment
• Water Purification: Nanoparticles can target and remove contaminants from water, leading to more effective and efficient water purification systems.
• Environmental Clean-up: Certain nanoparticles can bind to pollutants, making removing them from the environment more accessible. This has been researched for cleaning oil spills, for instance.
• Air Purification: Nanotechnology can be incorporated into materials that, when exposed to light, can break down air pollutants, potentially leading to cleaner indoor air environments.
Is Nanotechnology new?
While the concept of manipulating matter at the nanoscale is not new, it's only in the last few decades that tools and techniques have been developed to intentionally design, produce, and measure materials and devices at this scale.
Are there risks associated with Nanotechnology?
Like any technology, there are potential risks and benefits. Some concerns have been raised about specific nanomaterials' environmental and health impacts. Research is ongoing to fully understand these impacts and develop safe practices for producing, using, and disposing of nanomaterials.
How is Nanotechnology different from traditional manufacturing?
Traditional manufacturing is often a top-down approach, starting with bulk materials and refining them into the desired shape and size. In contrast, nanotechnology usually involves a bottom-up approach, assembling structures atom by atom or molecule by molecule.
What tools are used in Nanotechnology research?
Some essential tools include the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM), the atomic force microscope (AFM), and electron microscopes. These tools allow scientists to visualise, manipulate, and measure materials at the nanoscale.
How does Nanotechnology impact our daily lives?
From improved electronics and sunscreens with nanoparticles to clothing with enhanced durability, the influence of nanotechnology can be seen in various everyday products. As research progresses, the number of applications in daily life is expected to increase.
What is the future of Nanotechnology?
The future of nanotechnology is vast. Advancements in tools and techniques are expected to drive breakthroughs in medicine, clean energy, water treatment, and numerous other fields, potentially revolutionising how we live.
How can I learn more about Nanotechnology?
Numerous online resources, courses, books, and universities offer programs dedicated to nanotechnology. Starting with academic institutions and organisations focused on nanoscience can be a great way to delve deeper.
How Nanomedicine is Shaping the Future of Treatment
What is Nanomedicine?
Nanomedicine refers to the utilisation of nanotechnology in the field of healthcare. This multidisciplinary domain encompasses both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Specifically, it involves using nanoscale materials and tools extending to nanoelectronic sensing devices.
Beyond these current applications, the field also touches on prospective advancements in molecular nanotechnology, including the potential for bioengineered machinery.
With its precise approach, nanomedicine seeks to enhance the efficiency and specificity of treatments, providing solutions that traditional medicine might not offer.
Historical Background
During his groundbreaking 1959 lecture at Caltech, Richard Feynman introduced the revolutionary idea of nanotechnology, envisioning a world where machines could be used to construct even tinier machines, extending all the way to the molecular scale.
Nanomedicine, a significant 21st-century science, emerged in the 1990s, though nanoscale particles were used in ancient times. It was rooted in 20th-century studies of ultra-small biological, chemical, and physical structures and inspired by Richard P. Feynman's 1950s nanotechnological vision.
Nanomedicine has rapidly expanded, encompassing techniques like tissue engineering and biosensors for diagnostics. It uses nanomaterials, like liposomes, for targeted treatments, especially in cancer therapies. Future areas include drug delivery, theranostics, tissue engineering, and magnetofection. Emerging focuses also cover regenerative medicine and gene therapy.
Applications of Nanomedicine
1. Drug Delivery:
Nanomedicine facilitates targeted drug delivery, allowing drugs to reach specific cells, increasing efficacy, and reducing side effects. For instance, engineered nanoparticles can deliver therapeutics directly to cancer cells, minimising systemic exposure.
2. Diagnostics:
Nanotechnology enhances diagnostic capabilities. Nanoparticles like quantum dots can improve molecular imaging's resolution and contrast, aiding in early and accurate disease detection.
3. Regenerative Medicine:
Nanotech tools, such as nanofibers, support tissue regeneration by acting as scaffolds for cell growth. Additionally, nanoparticles can deliver growth factors to injury sites, promoting faster healing.
4. Therapeutics:
Some nanomaterials have inherent therapeutic properties. Gold nanoparticles, for instance, can be used in hyperthermia treatments for cancer, where their absorption of infrared light generates heat to destroy cancer cells.
Benefits of Nanomedicine
1. Increased Efficacy:
Nanomedicine's ability to target specific cells or tissues enhances the precision of drug delivery. This targeted approach ensures that the therapeutic agent acts predominantly on the intended site, maximising its therapeutic effect. As a result, treatments can be more effective, leading to better patient outcomes.
2. Reduced Side Effects:
Traditional treatments often impact diseased and healthy cells, causing undesirable side effects. Nanomedicine's focus on targeted delivery significantly reduces this problem. Minimising exposure to healthy cells and tissues can considerably reduce the likelihood and severity of side effects, improving the patient's overall experience and safety.
3. Cost Savings:
While the initial cost of developing nanomedicine treatments might be higher, their increased effectiveness can lead to reduced hospital stays, fewer treatment sessions, and less need for follow-up care. Over time, this can translate into substantial savings for healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, early and accurate diagnostics, made possible by nanotechnology, can lead to timely interventions, preventing the escalation of diseases and further reducing healthcare costs.
Challenges and Concerns
The long-term effects of nanoparticles are still being studied. Nanotechnology's potential environmental impacts and medical ethical considerations also present ongoing challenges. Regulatory standards for these treatments are still in development in many regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do nanomedicines differ from traditional ones?
The primary difference is the use of nanoparticles, which can allow for interactions at a cellular level.
How are nanomedicines administered?
Depending on the intended use, methods include injections, oral formulations, and topical applications.
Are there approved nanomedicines on the market?
Several nanomedicine products have gained regulatory approval, especially in cancer treatment areas.
What are the potential risks associated with nanomedicines?
While nanomedicines offer many benefits, there are concerns about their long-term effects on the human body and the environment. Further studies are ongoing to understand these potential risks fully.
Can nanomedicine be used for conditions other than cancer?
While many nanomedicine applications focus on cancer, they're also being explored for cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases, among others.
How is the safety of nanomedicines evaluated?
Nanomedicines undergo rigorous testing in both pre-clinical and clinical settings to ensure their safety and efficacy before they receive regulatory approval.
Current Research and Innovations
The scope of nanomedicine research is broad, spanning areas from nano-robotics to sophisticated drug delivery mechanisms.
Researchers at MIT have pioneered a nanoparticle-based sensor with the potential to detect cancer early via a simple urine test.
Evox Therapeutics is at the forefront of harnessing exosomes for treatments against various diseases. By obtaining intellectual property rights for EV-driven delivery of nucleic acids and proteins, the company seeks to transform how therapies are administered, capitalising on the innate delivery advantages of exosomes.
Exploring bioresponsive polymers for nanomedicine
Dr. Sabina Quader, senior research scientist of the Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, together with Dr. Joachim van-Guyse, assistant professor at Leiden University, has published a review article titled "Bioresponsive Polymers for Nanomedicine-Expectations and Reality!" in the journal Polymers.
Bioresponsive polymers or polymers with bioactive moieties have attracted significant attention in the field of nanomedicine because their interaction with biology enables targeted delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents. In addition, the recent expansion of insight into complex biology and the diversification of the design and synthesis of functional polymers continue to drive innovation in nanomedicine.
Bioresponsive polymers in nanomedicine have been widely perceived to selectively activate the therapeutic function of nanomedicine at diseased or pathological sites, while sparing their healthy counterparts. This idea can be described as an advanced version of Paul Ehrlich's magic bullet concept.
From that perspective, the inherent anomalies or malfunction of the pathological sites are generally targeted to allow the selective activation or sensory function of nanomedicine. Nonetheless, while the primary goals and expectations in developing bioresponsive polymers are to elicit exclusive selectivity of therapeutic action at diseased sites, this remains difficult to achieve in practice.
Numerous research efforts have been undertaken, and are ongoing, to tackle this fine-tuning. This review summarizes key findings of biological relevance that are often used in the design of bioresponsive polymers to provide a foundation for discussion and to identify gaps between expectations and current reality.
Anti-viral drugs can be final solution as WHO warns against lowering our guard to COVID-19
Suggestions that COVID-19 is on the wane have been strongly contradicted by the World Health Organization’s senior pandemics scientist, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove.
And her criticism of virus complacency has fuelled calls for research and development of anti-viral drugs to stop all coronaviruses at source, in addition to ongoing vaccines and testing for COVID-19 variants.
Dr Van Kerkhove, a highly regarded infectious disease epidemiologist and World Health Organization (WHO) Head of the Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses Unit, delivered her wake-up call in a BBC TV interview where she insisted that COVID-19 was still evolving and the world must evolve with it:
“It will not end with this latest wave (Omicron) and it will not be the last variant you will hear us (WHO) speaking about – unfortunately,” she told BBC interviewer Sophie Raworth.
Countries with high immunity and vaccination levels were starting to think the pandemic is over, she added, but despite 10 billion vaccine doses delivered globally, more than three billion people were yet to receive one dose, leaving the world highly susceptible to further COVID mutations - a global problem for which a global solution was needed.
She also challenged assumptions that the COVID Omicron variant was mild: “It is still putting people in hospital…and it will not be the last (variant). There is no guarantee that the next one will be less severe. We must keep the pressure up – we cannot give it a free ride.”
WNF Chairman Paul Stannard said: “We welcome Dr Van Kerkhove’s timely intervention. Too many people think we can sit back with COVID now, forgetting lessons learned the hard way.
“Such as there’s always another variant just around the corner, and testing and vaccines are not the complete answer.
“Even if Omicron seems milder than its predecessors – though this may be due to vaccinations and growing herd immunity – who can say that a more fatal COVID mutation will not follow, or an all-new virus is waiting to strike.
“Many other pathogens have entered humans in last 15 years including SARS, Ebola, Zika virus and Indian Flu variants, so permanent pandemic protection investment is vital to restoring confidence in our way of life and the global markets.
“An even older lesson is Spanish Flu (1918-20): the death toll was relatively contained initially, lulling people already fatigued by WW1 devastation into thinking the worst was over.
“But that virus then mutated into its most deadly strain, killing 50 million people when Earth’s population numbered less than two billion. All of which suggests we must maintain or redouble our efforts against COVID-19 and other potential threats.
“We have already benefitted from greater healthcare investment and research due to the pandemic: experts say the first six months of the emergency delivered sector progress equivalent to the previous 10 years.
“This helped unusually rapid deployment of new and better testing and vaccines that have driven down infection, hospitalization and deaths, but we hope that the WHO view will now foster a new and potentially more effective development against COVID and other threats – anti-viral drugs.
“Instead of attacking the virus like a vaccine, anti-viral drugs aim to stop it functioning in the human body. Merck and Pfizer say they have re-purposed existing drugs to do just that.
“But a better option is gathering momentum using nanomedicine, AI and advanced computational technology to develop all-new drugs more quickly and effectively, potentially delivering breakthroughs against many serious killers, including viruses, cancers and heart disease.
“WNF believes these can disrupt the traditional pharmaceutical industry as Tesla has done in the auto industry, or SpaceX and Blue Origin have done in space.”
California-based Verseon has developed an AI and computational drug development platform and has six drug candidates, including an anti-viral drug to potentially block all coronaviruses and some flu variants, potentially transforming pandemic protection.
This could be on the market within 18 months after securing a final $60 million investment, a small amount compared to the $1 billion pharma industry norm for a single new drug (source: Biospace), and weighed against 5.6 million COVID deaths globally and an estimated $3 trillion in economic output (source: Statista) lost since the start of the pandemic.
Verseon Head of Discovery Biology Anirban Datta said: “Vaccines and the current anti-viral drugs are retrospective solutions that don’t treat newly emergent strains. We need a different strategy to avoid always being one step behind viral mutations.
“So, we switched target from the virus to the human host. If we stop SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) entering our cells which, unlike viruses, don’t mutate then we have a long-term solution.
“Even better, the strategy should work against other coronaviruses and influenza strains that use the same mechanism as SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells – a key point, since it surely won’t be the last pandemic to affect humanity.”
Nanomedicine and AI computational drug delivery is key to beating never-ending COVID mutation cycle
As the world reels from the rise of another COVID-19 variant – the omicron strain – attention again rightly focuses on vaccine protection.
But the big question increasingly asked is: “Can this end the pandemic or do we always face being outflanked by the next new variant?”
Pfizer admitted this week that we could still be ‘managing’ COVID variants into 2024 as the virus moves, hopefully, from pandemic to endemic.
This suggests that the world desperately needs robust new anti-viral drugs that stop all coronaviruses at source, using the latest nanotechnology and AI drug discovery applications.
Industry experts admit that the current crop of mRNA vaccines represent a major step-up. Developed in record time, they have been highly effective in preventing symptoms, viral load and the spread of prior COVID-19 variants.
But viral mutations continue to degrade vaccine effectiveness, particularly for respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19.
And a large part of global society either can’t access, or worse, refuses vaccination, thereby enabling these viruses to mutate in unprotected hosts and perpetuate the ‘Groundhog Day’ nightmare that humanity keeps re-living.
In contrast, anti-viral drugs should be easier to distribute, more readily taken up, and protection of the majority is less likely to be compromised if certain people choose not to take the drugs.
They work differently: instead of enabling the virus to mutate, they disrupt or block the process. One approach was described as “like putting diesel in a petrol engine,” according to a Daily Telegraph report quoting Stephen Griffin, associate professor in the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.
Established drug giants, Merck and Pfizer, recently announced COVID-19 anti-virals repurposed from prior programs, though questions have been raised about how long these drugs last in the body and their dosage frequency.
Merck’s Molnupiravir – modified from an anti-flu drug - needs eight doses daily and while Pfizer’s Paxlovid only needs four, it must be partnered with an HIV drug to prevent the liver filtering it out before it can act.
There is still more to understand about their efficacy: although Paxlovid’s estimated effectiveness in preventing adverse outcomes such as severe illness or death remains high for now, Molnupiravir’s effectiveness has been revised down to potentially only 30%.
It has also been suggested that they become less effective as the virus continues to mutate. All of which prompts three questions:
Firstly, are these drugs a better answer than vaccines?
Secondly, rather than always playing catch-up with such viruses why not stop them entirely in the first place, through new drug discoveries?
Thirdly, who will come up with such solutions?
Last week, Nano Magazine ran a major international report on new trends in nanomedicine and the use of AI and other technologies in drug discovery.
Various companies were mentioned, including London-based BenevolentAI, which joined a public-private consortium to find treatments for COVID.
BenevolentAI identified Baricitinib as an existing drug to repurpose for treating COVID-19, but according a report in The Lancet, the drug prevented just one additional death in every 20 Baricitinib-treated patients against a placebo batch in a later clinical trial.
Nano Magazine’s report also mentioned California-based Verseon as one of the more promising companies in drug discovery, and its Head of Discovery Biology Anirban Datta said:
“Vaccines and the current anti-viral drugs are retrospective solutions that don’t treat newly emergent strains. We need a different strategy to avoid always being one step behind viral mutations.
“Verseon’s thinking is to focus on blocking the host mechanism through which SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) enters cells. Unlike viruses, the host’s cells don’t mutate, so going after the proteins on host cells that allow viral entry is a long-term solution.
“Given the emergence of yet another highly infectious strain like omicron, we have just started a program at Verseon that does exactly that.”
Data added that other coronaviruses and influenza strains use the same mechanism as SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells – a key point, since it won’t be the last pandemic to affect humanity.
Paul Stannard, Chairman of the World Nano Foundation said: “This is exactly why our not-for-profit organisation has put together an international consortium of investment partners for future pandemic protection and preparedness.
“Because eventually encroachment on natural habitats, handling practices for living and butchered animals, or other issues will introduce yet another pathogen against which humans have no natural defense, so we are in a race against time to develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that block entry into our body cells.
And the stakes could be far higher next time, according to Dr. Mike Ryan Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Program at WHO (World Health Organization):
“This pandemic has been very severe. It has affected every corner of this planet. But this is not necessarily the big one.”
Another anti-viral drug hit the headlines this week when the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) announced that it would deploy Sotrovinab, a GlaxoSmithKline anti-viral drug for clinically vulnerable patients, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and other high-risk groups.