Nanotechnology based Drug Delivery Systems

Nanotechnology based Drug Delivery SystemsRichard subgenus ChenIntroductionIn the past century, nanotechnology has been a prominent theme for some(prenominal) science fiction writers. However, thanks to recent learnings in chemistry and manufacturing, we be now satisfactory to bring things that were once unimagin adequate into fruition. The field of nanotechnology refers to the interrogation, breeding and the intersection of materials beneath the size of 100 nanometers (nm). Over the past decade, the scientific community has experienced a boom in the research and development of nanotechnology. New technologies are being released with thousands of dollars of funding behind them. In this paper, the benefits, disadvantages, applications, political policies and recommendations of nanotech based drug surrendery get out be discussed.OverviewAt the oral sex of the nanotechnology revolution lies in the field of nanomedical drug delivery. Nanomedical drug delivery is the fantasy of using minute nanomaterials (NM) to act as carrier shopping m entirelys for drugs. These nanocarriers pass on wherefore be injected into the farm animalstream and deposit drugs at specific cells. Compared to ceremonious drugs which range on a macro scale, nanocarriers are qualified to target on the micro scale, deviation neighbouring healthy cells unharmed. This precision go away in conclusion melt to benefits much(prenominal) as cast downd drug dosages and reduced side effects. When well-tried in the lab, these particles draw shown a high school degree of success indoors lab animals. Currently, several forms of suitable nanocarriers exist. The most prevalent ones implicate nanocrystals, conf utilize forms of organic nanoplatforms (such as liposomes) and inorganic platforms, such as cash nanoparticles. Next, the benefits of nanotechnology get out be discussed.BenefitsNanotechnology based drug delivery systems are able to deliver a roomy range of benefits to the human body, increase the effectiveness of conventional drugs and eliminate the short move of conventional methods. As mentioned before, nanocarriers are able to target specific skunkcerous cells while leaving healthy cells alone. The earn of this phenomenon is attributed to the enhanced Perme baron and retention effect (EPR). (Bamrungsap, et al, 2012) Molecules who possess the EPR property apply a angle of dip to accumulate at specific bathcerous cells, leaving normal healthy cells adultly alone. Indirectly, EPR domiciliate be attributed to a diminution in drug dosage, reduced side effect intensity, enhanced competency and reduced poisonousity. (Bamrungsap et al, 2012) An opposite benefit of nanocarriers compared to conventional drugs is that their physical properties such as size, surface area, and functionality can be easily modifiable. This is rulen nanocarriers based on liposomes. In addition to being easily modifiable, liposomes are feeln for their ability to r educe side effects, toxicity and reducing drug clearance. (Bamrungsap et al, 2012) Nanocarriers are in like manner able to be adapted to release drugs depending on environmental triggers. These environmental triggers can vary from physical (temperature), chemical or biological signals. Commonly look onn in polymeric nanoparticles, this property allows drugs to remain inert unless they are activated by an environmental trigger. Hence, they only activate when they are required. (Bamrungsap et al, 2012) Nanoparticles such as gold nanocarriers are able to act as drug reservoir (Bamrungsap et al, 2012). This allows drugs to crap a slow release into the targeted area. Finally, nanocarriers such as liposomes eat up the ability to isolate drugs away from the environment. This allows for more than efficient drug delivery as the drug will not be carried away by some other bodily fluids. (Bamrungsap et al, 2012) Through the application of nanotechnological drug delivery, we can expect t o see awkward to treat diseases such as cancer to be importantly less invading, more tolerable, and more treatable to the patient. In turn, with reveal survival prospects for the adult males number 4 most deadly disease, (WHO, 2014) we could expect to see a sizable increase in the average human lifespan. In the next session, the risks and disadvantages of nanotechnology will be discussed.Risks/DisadvantagesDespite nanotechnology being vastly practiced to the individual and society, there are extreme risks involved with every virgin technology. Nanotechnological based drug carriers are no exception. In recent years, with the speedy development of nanotechnology, the field of nanotoxicology has also develop in order to playing area the toxicity of nanoparticles toward organisms. (Bamrungsap et al, 2012) Nanoparticles differ greatly from the largely harmless micron coat particles. Nanoparticles have been colligate to changed body distributions and triggering of blood clots. In addition, nanoparticles have been linked to more traditional particle related illnesses such as release and lung cancer. However, nanoparticles are significantly more difficult to remove from the body and can also progress to mitochondrial damage, platelet aggression, and cardiovascular diseases. (Jong Borm, 2008) In addition to great nanoparticle risks, several(a) other nanoparticles also have byplays regarding their safety.One such concern is the potential for cadmium containing quantum dots to release free Cd2+ ions. (Jong Borm, 2008)These ions have been linked to large amounts of cell death when in vitro studies. Another concern is the possibility for cationic nanoparticles (gold and polystyrene) to cause hemolysis, blood clotting and colon carcinoma in lab rats. non-ionic detergent nanoparticles, in contrast, are not known to be toxic. When in high doses, both Anionic and Cationic nanoparticles are both poisonous to the blood brain barrier (BBB). (Jong Borm, 2008) Similar to cationic and anionic particles, some forms of silicon oxide would result in a reduction of cell viability while other forms of silica are rendered to be non-toxic. (Jong Borm, 2008) Other potentially poisonous nanoparticles include carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and Dendrimers. (Jong Borm, 2008) It is clear that no two nanoparticles have the same properties. Hence, it is backbone for researchers to analyze each nanoparticle on a case-by-case basis.The final concern is the ability for nanoparticles to contaminate the environment. Owing to their small size, nanoparticles are exceedingly difficult to remove. When nanoparticles are introduced into the water supply, their behavior is relatively unknown. (Wrigth, n.d.). However, nanoparticles do have the tendency to bond with water molecules and porus media. They resist removal when industrial purification is used and whey deposited in soil, they tend to attract other nanoparticles towards them. This is likely to cause marin e die offs due to them ingesting toxic nanoparticles. In addition, some studies have shown that the at certain pH levels, there is increased nanoparticle deposition levels. When nanoparticles cypher the air, they behave similar to gasses. They rapidly disperse causing a wide area of contamination. When inhaled in, these particles behave very similarly to how asbestos behaves in the lungs. (Wrigth, n.d.) Hence, before nanotechnology can be widely introduced, extensive testing should be conducted to mitigate every potential risks involved.Current and Future ApplicationsCurrently, nanocarriers are still considered to be in their infancy. They are too unstable for use and their behavior in human race is also completely unknown. Despite that, in the near future, nanocarriers will be capable of treating a great deal of human ailments with minimal invasiveness. For example, nanocarriers that are coated with the membrane of a red blood cell will be able to circulate around the body for a long time. (2 days) (Boysen, n.d.) This longer time will provide the nanoparticle more time to draw together to cancerous cells. Another application of nanocarriers is to use nano-sized silicon wafers and allowing the wafer to lodge inwardly the tumor. UV light is then focused upon the tumor, activating the silicon wafers, effectively killing tumor cells. (Roberts, n.d.) Another application for nanoparticles is for treating heart disease. Nanocarriers are able to attach to damaged arteries and apply drugs specifically to that area. Finally, nanotechnology is able to treat for diabetes by releasing insulin depending on environmental triggers. (Boysen, n.d.) Perhaps what could be considered to be the sanctified grail of nanocarriers is the passage through the BBB. Passage through this barrier means access to the brain. With this passage, treatment for brain tumors can be less invasive and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and ALS could potentially have a cure in sight . (Jong Borm, 2008)Governmental RegulationCurrently, in Canada, the development of nanotechnology falls under(a) the regulation of 6 economys. These regulations areCanadian environmental security department ActFood and Drugs ActFood additive RegulationsMedical devices Regulations internal Health products RegulationsCosmetic Regulations (Government of Canada, 2014)The supervision of the use and production of nanoparticles falls under the responsibility of Health Canada and Environment Canada. The role of Environment Canada is to evaluate the ecological impact a nanoparticle will have while Health Canada is accountable for evaluating the risks a particle has on human health. (Government of Canada, 2014) A regulatory example for Nanoparticles does not exist as of right now. However, a 2-phase plan is present-day(prenominal)ly being discussed. The first phase of the plan involves the continued partnership with various international organizations such as ISO and OECD to create a standardization. This phase also involves the notification of the public and various industries. Simultaneously, Voluntary discipline and mandatory information submission will occur. The purpose of this is to build a strong modeling on the development of nanotechnology. During voluntary information submission, information is remains mystic under section 313 of the CEPA. If mandatory information submission were to occur, they would fall under the jurisdiction of sections 46 and 71. These require the company to not only put off the required documents but also to answer potential questions to the best of their ability. Finally, legislative amendments will be made the CEPA in order to suit nanotechnology better (Environment Canada,Health Canada, 2007). In phase 2, the adoption international standardizations will occur. ISO/TC 229 will be applied into law. In addition, monitoring for Significant New activities will occur. (sNAC) a sNAC is defined as a significantly greater measurin g stick or concentration of the substance in the environment or a significantly different manner or circumstances of exposure to the substance (Environment Canada,Health Canada, 2007). If any substance meets this criteria, they would be deemed as toxic under CEPA 1999. The current regulations in place are evidently not enough for the rapidly developing nature of nanotechnology. However, if the framework is implemented, (in addition to the recommendations of ISOTC 229) it should be meet all the demands of nanotechnology satisfactorily.On the international level, there are several organizations in armorial bearing of overseeing the development of nanotechnology. One such sort out is the OECN working party on nanotechnology. This group is in charge of addressing the political, scientific, technological, and innovation related aspects of nanotechnology. (Government of Canada, 2014) Another group is the OECD working party Manufactured Nanomaterials. This group is responsible for addres sing issues of health and environmental impact caused by the manufacture of nanomaterials. (Government of Canada, 2014) Finally, the International organization for standards Technical focusing (ISO/TC) is responsible for developing a set of nomenclature specific to nanomaterials. This is make under the bill ISOTC 229. Addressing the problem of nomenclature will identify gaps in noesis and identify the need to invest more in nanotechnology. In addition, ISOTC 229 will make it easier to facilitate the exchange of legal documents regarding nanomaterials. (ISO/TC, 2011)Public knowledgePublic perception is currently a key factor in the acceptance of nanotechnology in society. Currently, it is assumed that the average civilian has low knowledge of nanotechnology. In surveys conducted by the Woodrow Wilson in 2006, 42% respondents said that they did not know anything about nanotechnology. When the same study was conducted again in 2009, 37% of respondents indicated no knowledge of nano technology. In contrast, 24-31% of respondents indicated a high degree of knowledge in nanotechnology. (Besley, 2010) In another study, the majority of respondents chose nanotechnological benefits outweigh the risks between 3 choices. The other two choices were benefits will equal the risks and risks outweigh the benefits. (Besley, 2010)Contrary to many virgin technologies, nanotechnology has been reported in a positive light in the press. Studies make in 2004 have shown that the technological benefits of nanotechnology have been more frequently reported. The risks and disadvantages have been shown to be rarely reported. (Besley, 2010)CostAs with any new technology, the sign costs are expected to be high. However, as mass production occurs and inefficiencies in the production like are smoothened out, it can be assumed that the price of nanocarriers will drop drastically. According to the United States case Nanological Initiative, the impact of nanotechnologies is expected to rea ch a $2.4 billion by 2015. (National Nanotechnological Initiative, n.d.) consequenceAs evidenced from this paper, the benefits of nanotechnological are substantial. In the near future, they can developed to treat cancer and can potentially treat incurable diseases such as dementia with direct cell targeting. However, the risks of such new technologies cannot be ignored. As stated before, nanocarriers have been directly related to be toxic towards biological organisms. In addition to several risks, a lack of legislating and international standardization causes the development of nanoparticles to be unregulated. However, this is no reason to bar the development of nanotechnology. In contrast, this is a reason to invest even more into the field of nanotechnological based drug delivery to see what the future unlocks. Although there currently are several side effects associated with then, it is important to hold on in mind that this field is in its infancy. With correct government legi slation and support, drug delivery based nanotechnology can yield great benefits, ultimately extending the human lifespan and raising the human standard of living.Works CitedBamrungsap, S., Zhao, Z., Chen, T., Wang, L., Tan, W. (2012). Nanoparticles as a drug delivery system Medical Journal. Retrieved phratry 24, 2014, from http//www.medscape.com/viewarticle/770397_1Besley, J. (2010). Current research on public perceptions of nanotechnology. Emerging Health Threats Journal, 3(e8).Boysen, E. (n.d.). Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from http//www.understandingnano.com/nanotechnology-drug-delivery.htmlEnvironment Canada,Health Canada. (2007, September 10). Proposed regulatory framework for nanomaterials under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http//www.ec.gc.ca/subsnouvelles-newsubs/default.asp?lang=Enn=FD117B60-1Government of Canada. (2014, August 19). NanoPortal Regulation and Standards. Retrieved Sep tember 27, 2014, from http//nanoportal.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=Enn=23410d1f-1ISO/TC. (2011, celestial latitude 1). Nanotechnologies. ISO/TC. Retrieved from http//isotc.iso.org/livelink/livelink/fetch/2000/2122/687806/ISO_TC_229__Nanotechnologies_.pdf?nodeid=6507632vernum=-2Jong, W., Borm, P. (2008, June). Drug delivery and nanoparticles Applications and hazards Medical Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2527668/Laurie Roberts. (n.d.). Nanoparticle Technology in malignant neoplastic disease Care. Retrieved from http//www.ele.uri.edu/courses/bme281/F09/LaurieR_1.pdfNational Nanotechnological Initiative. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http//www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/nanotechnology-factsWHO. (2014, May). The top 10 causes of death. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http//www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/Wrigth, J. (n.d.). Nanomedicine Small Particles, Big Concerns Honors Journal CU- Boulder. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from http//www.colorado.edu/honorsjournal/content/nanomedicine-small-particles-big-concerns