As a field, nanotechnology has been growing since it was first introduced in the late ‘70s. It has had a significant influence and economic value in various fields, and the 2000s marked an explosion of research into its various medical uses [1]. Organic nanoparticles, specifically, have had significant clinical impact, such as the use of liposomes to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, inorganic nanotechnology is largely underused in clinical settings [2]. Organic nanoparticles, such as liposomes, are a strong option for drug transportation [3]. Yet inorganic nanoparticles (INPs), the most prevalent of which are quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles, offer their own advantages in that they are more stable than organic nanoparticles while still being biocompatible with living systems. Though first introduced as drug carriers, they have high potential for value in other medicinal uses, such as in cancer treatment, easier diagnosis, and improving radiation therapy [4]. Specifically, INPs could provide significant improvement to current cancer treatment. Their unique structures allow for more stability than ONPs, and their high surface volume creates more effective drug delivery.
How do they work?
INPs deliver drugs by encapsulating the chosen drug within their structure or chemically binding it to the surface, thereby protecting from degradation [5]. INPs can be functionalized with specific molecules or ligands, causing them to only bind to specific cells or tissues. The possibility of INPs to localize drugs, thereby killing only cancer cells, is one many researchers believe is possible. Furthermore, metal based nanoparticles have the ability to “burn” cancer cells, administering hyperthermia treatment to cancerous cells, and thereby rendering them nonfunctional [6]. Some particles, such as gold, silver, and iron oxide nanoparticles, exhibit high biodegradability and concerns about metal toxicity have led researchers to GQDs as an alternative [7]. Both technologies require much more research before they are widely available, but many are currently in clinical trials for cancer therapies.
Ethical and Legal Issues
Ethical – As with any new innovations, the long term effects of nanoparticles on the body are still unknown. Specifically, metal nanoparticles could have some level of toxicity, though many scientists assert risk is low, especially when compared to the risk of the deadly diseases they aid, such as cancer [1]. Furthermore, the widespread use of inorganic nanoparticles in various applications, such as consumer products and medical devices, may have large environmental impact. Nanoparticles could accumulate in ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and entering the food chain [3].
Legal – The development and commercialization of inorganic nanotechnology also raise issues for the scientists themselves – particularly, around intellectual property rights, such as patents, licensing agreements, and technology transfer. . The balance between building off of others’ research and unfairly using it must be struck, especially in a field of so much exponential growth.
Innovators
Paul Rothemund – In 1999, Rothemund developed scaffolded “DNA origami”, a tool that is used in nanotechnology to create complex 3D structures from single-stranded DNA molecules [9]. This has largely enhanced complex nanostructures, and today, it is vital to the creation of many nanoscale devices, such as those used in INPs, due to its high precision and complexity [9].
Chad Mirkin – Mirkin was the lead in the invention of dip-pen nanolithography (DPN), a technique used in nanotechnology to create patterns and structures on surfaces at the nanometer scale. An ADM tip is used to transfer molecules or nanoparticles onto the surface [4]. Mirkin’s technique is vital to much of current day nanotechnology research.
Robert Langer – Langer is one of the pioneers at the forefront of nanotechnology research. His work focuses on drug delivery systems and using nanotechnology to tissue engineering, diagnosis abilities, and overall treatment [10]. His works have been cited thousands of times in current nanotechnology research.
Nanotechnology has been called a revolution in the modern industry, expected to be a vital part of medical care [11]. Since the US launched the NNI, nanotechnology has become an expenditure worth billions [11], and its innovations reach similar heights. The FDA has approved over 15 nanopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy, the only INP being NanoTherm, a drug that utilizes iron oxide nanoparticles to attack cancerous cells [9]. Continuing research into INPs may expand that number in the years to come.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1367826/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9076002/
[3] https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2023/ra/d3ra01421e
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36182068/
[5] https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/4/1181
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36608938/
[7] https://www.cell.com/matter/abstract/S2590-2385(23)00619-7
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3660151/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982820/
[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4955578/
[11] https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/2/661