Imagine a world where a microscopic computer chip — one-third the size of a grain of salt — could go into your cells and assess whether you have a tiny cancerous growth or not. Then imagine, if you do have cancer, that chip will lead a drug directly to the source to eradicate these unhealthy cells before they even have a chance to spread. The field of nanotechnology holds much promise for the future, although there is some disagreement about the end result of nanomedicine. The Human Enhancement Ethics Group writes: “These technologies promise great benefits for humanity – such as increased productivity and creativity, longer lives, more serenity, stronger bodies and minds, and more – though there is a question whether these things translate into happier lives, which many see as the point of it all.”
In Europe, Dutch food scientist Frans Kampers is making a presentation titled: What Nanotechnology Can Do for the Average Donut. He explains that a nanoparticle can re-engineer ingredients to bring healthy nutrients to the body more efficiently, while ensuring that less-desirable components pass on. European scientists are creating structures within foods that will deliver specific nutrients to specific locations in the body for the most beneficial effects. “We are basically creating nano-structures in food that are designed to fall apart in your body because of digestion so in the end there will not be nanoparticles,” Kampers explains. Yet, he admits, there are some people who are fearful of the nanotechnology applications. For instance, if persistent metal or metal oxide particles are used in food packaging, there is some worry that they may be able to migrate through the bloodstream, into the cells and into the nucleuses. “These are the more controversial applications of nanotechnology,” Kampers adds. “More research is necessary to understand the kinetics and dynamics of these particles before large-scale applications in food are developed. At the moment, these types of nanoparticles are rarely used in food products.”
In other nanotechnology news, Agricultural Research Service scientists in Athens, Georgia have developed a microscopic biological sensor (using nano science) that can detect salmonella bacteria and other foodborne pathogens like E coli and mad cow disease. Even though these nano particles are 10-100 times thinner than a strand of hair, they are able to take fluorescent organic dye particles directly to salmonella antibodies, where they stick to the bacteria and light up like a beacon. Bio-sensors are commonly used in nature — in sex pheromones to attract animals to other animals to mate or to alert fish to nearly imperceptible water vibrations.
One of the most exciting frontiers of nanotechnology uses is occurring in modern cancer research. Scientists in Bucharest, Romania have found a way to carry radioactive isotopes on tiny particles of albumin protein (found in the blood) to cancerous tumors. Researchers say if they can get a nanoparticle to directly hone in on the site of cancerous growths, they can attach antibodies and medication that will not cause some of the unwanted side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Currently, they’re working on the next phase of clinical trials, which tests the targeting capabilities of the nanospheres, as well as the efficacy of newly developed drugs.
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