Effective Drug Delivery with Nanotechnology

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• A unique method of drug delivery has been developed with the use of polymeric nanoparticles.

About

• A team of scientists have used a chitin synthesis fungicide, Nikkomycin, to develop Nikkomycin loaded polymeric nanoparticles.
  • Chitin is the chief component of fungal cell walls and is absent in the human body. 
• The drug loaded nanoparticles were found effective against fungal infection known as Aspergillosis caused by fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. 
• The nanoformulation developed was found to be free of cytotoxic and hemolytic effects. 
• The method is useful to patients suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis, or previous lung disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer, or those exposed to corticosteroid medications for an extended duration.

What is Nanotechnology?

• Nanotechnology refers to the branch of science and engineering devoted to designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale, i.e. having one or more dimensions of the order of 100 nanometres (100 millionth of a millimeter) or less.

Advantages of Nanotechnology in Medical field

• Targeted Drug Delivery: Nanoparticles are useful to deliver drugs directly to specific cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and reducing side effects. 
• Imaging: Nanoparticles enhance the contrast in imaging techniques like MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds, enabling more accurate diagnosis of diseases.
• Tissue Engineering: Nanotechnology is used to create scaffolds that support the growth and regeneration of tissues, which can be used in repairing damaged organs or tissues, such as in bone and cartilage repair.
• Vaccine manufacturing: Nanoparticles can be used as adjuvants in vaccines, enhancing the immune response and improving vaccine efficacy.
• Nanofibers in Wound Dressings: Nanotechnology is used to create advanced wound dressings that promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Concerns of Nanotechnology

• Health Risks: The long-term effects of exposure to nanomaterials remain poorly understood. Nanoparticles’ ability to penetrate biological membranes raises concerns about potential toxicity and unforeseen health impacts, especially in food products.
• Ethical risks. There are ethical concerns surrounding the use of nanotechnology. In the healthcare industry, the introduction of nanotechnology could lead to harmful side effects and raises questions around data privacy as well.
• Lack of Standards: The rapid development of nanotechnology has outpaced the creation of regulatory frameworks. There is a concern that current regulations may not adequately address the unique risks posed by nanomaterials.

Way Ahead

• Researchers and companies should be transparent about their findings, especially regarding the potential risks of nanotechnology. 
• Regulatory agencies should monitor the development and use of nanotechnology and ensure that companies comply with safety standards.
• Research and development should focus on creating sustainable and environmentally friendly nanomaterials. Open access to data and peer-reviewed publications can help build public trust.

Source: PIB