Edible Computer Chips | Nanotechnology

NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MEDICINE

The biological and medical research communities have exploited the unique properties of nanomaterials for various applications (e.g., contrast agents for cell imaging and therapeutics for treating cancer). Terms such as biomedical nanotechnology, bionanotechnology, and nanomedicine are used to describe this hybrid field.

Functionalities can be added to nanomaterials by interfacing them with biological molecules or structures. The size of nanomaterials is similar to that of most biological molecules and structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be useful for both in vivo and in vitro biomedical research and applications.

Thus far, the integration of nanomaterials with biology has led to the development of diagnostic devices, contrast agents, analytical tools, physical therapy applications, and drug-delivery vehicles (2).

NANOTECHNOLOGY-ON-A-CHIP

Nanotechnology-on-a-chip is one more dimension of lab-on-a-chip technology. Biological tests measuring the presence or activity of selected substances become quicker, more sensitive and more flexible when certain nanoscale particles are put to work as tags, labels, or carriers of agents in the body as Edible Computer Chips.

The behavior of Nanoparticles inside an organism is a function of their size, shape and surface reactivity with the surrounding tissue. Magnetic nanoparticles, bound to a suitable antibody, are used to label specific molecules, structures or microorganisms. Gold nanoparticles tagged with short segments of DNA can be used for detection of genetic sequence in a sample. Multicolor optical coding for biological assays has been achieved by embedding different-sized quantum dots into polymeric microbeads. Nanopore technology for analysis of nucleic acids converts strings of nucleotides directly into electronic signatures (2).

DRUG DELIVERY

The importance of Nanotechnology in drug delivery will forever change the way drugs are bioengineered. Side-effects of potent drugs can be lowered significantly by depositing the active agent in a selected region only, and in no higher dose than needed. This highly selective approach reduces costs and human suffering. An example can be found in dendrimers and nanoporous materials, as they can could hold small drug molecules transporting them to the desired location. Important applications include cancer treatment utilizing nanoparticles. Designer-targeted Nanomedicine reduces drug dosage consumption, treatment expenses, and side effects (2).

Glycemic Research Institute has been conducting Human Clinical In Vivo Trials in the field of diabetes for the past 23 years. This picture represents Nanotechnology in diabetes research.

TISSUE ENGINEERING

Nanotechnology can help to reproduce or to repair damaged tissue. “Tissue engineering” makes use of artificially stimulated cell proliferation by using suitable nanomaterial-based scaffolds and growth factors. Tissue engineering will eventually replace today’s conventional treatments, such as transplantation of organs or artificial implants (2).

NANO-COSMETICS : BEAUTY & NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnolgy has aggressively entered the cosmetic field, and is considered the “hottest technology” available.

Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder entered the NanoMarket (2006) with a range of products containing NanoParticles. The products, including anti-wrinkle creams, are said to be absorbed deeper into the skin due to Nanosized particles in the formulations.

L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, is devoting about $600 million dollars, of its $17 billion dollar revenues, to Nano patents, and has patented the use of dozens of “nanosome particles” 800 times smaller than a human hair as delivery systems for nutrients.

With 192 patents in Nanotechnology, L’Oreal now ranks No. 6 among Nano patents in the United States. At L’Oreal factories, nanosize bits are being created with high-pressure machinery that fires droplets of material at the speed of sound. L’Oreal is focusing its research efforts and expertise on engineering ultra-tiny particles that can act on skin and hair in ways that naturally occurring molecules cannot.

Christian Dior of France, Procter & Gamble, Shiseido, Estee Lauder, and other rivals of L’Oreal are hot on the heels of Nanotechnology in cosmetics, incorporating Nanoparticles into their products.

Nano products introduced by L’Oreal include Revitalift (described by L’Oreal as containing Nanosomes” of Pro-Retinal A), Vichy Reti C, Biotherm Age Fitness Nuit, and Revitalift Double Lifting (which delivers vitamin C into skin). L’Oreal intends to introduce cosmetics containing Nanoparticles engineered to produce more vivid colors, including metallic’s and iridescent shades.

In November 2006, New York based Duprey Cosmetics (www.DupreyCosmetics.com) entered into a $10 million dollar contract with Nutrilab Corporation (St. Petersburg, Florida) to incorporate patented Nanotechnology into their lip stain and other products.

Nutrilab Corporation scientists have been perfecting Nanotechnology since 1997, and hold numerous patents dating back to 1983. Nutrilab’s Research & Development team include Award-winning anti-aging scientists, Genetic researchers, and Quantum Physicists. Duprey Cosmetics President, Jim Duprey, stated “We are thrilled to have obtained licensing rights from Nutrilab for Nanotechnology in cosmetics, and plan on introducing Nano-Cosmetics to the public in 2007.”

From super-models to the intelligencia, Duprey Cosmetics (Allure, Marie Claire, Lucky magazines) can be seen on celebrity faces, such as the cast of Law & Order and Desperate Housewives, the Pussycat Dolls, super-model Niki Taylor, Mia Kershner, Fantasia Barrino (American Idol), and author/poet Maya Angelou.

In high-tech cosmetics, Nanotechnology takes skin care, make-up, and beauty products to an entirely new level of sophistication. Nano-based products offer the ability to combine cutting-edge science with cosmetics, creating a new market based on quantum physics. Nanotechnology also expands the range of ingredients that can be used, and allows microscopic-surface-coating for vitamins and other substances.

CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENT

Chemical catalysis and filtration techniques are two prominent examples where nanotechnology already plays a role. The synthesis provides novel materials with tailored features and chemical properties e.g. nanoparticles with a distinct chemical surrounding (ligands) or specific optical properties. In this sense, chemistry is indeed a basic nanoscience. In a short-term perspective, chemistry will provide novel “nanomaterials” and in the long run, superior processes such as “self-assembly” will enable energy and time preserving strategies (1-a).