Exploring the Impact of Nanoparticles in the Human Body and Brain
© 2024 Anwar Jahan, Anika Vashisht, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field with vast implications across numerous industries, including medicine. The ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale has opened up new possibilities for targeted drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and medical imaging. One particular area of study within nanotechnology is the use of nanoparticles in the human body. When the size of particles between 1-100 nanometers are known as nanoparticles. They differ from their bulk counterparts in terms of their characteristics and behaviors. This is due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and quantum confinement effects. In this article we examine the latest research on nanoparticles in the human body, highlighting their potential applications, as well as concerns and challenges associated with their use. Nanoparticles have shown great promise in different biomedical uses such as the delivery of drugs, biosensors and imaging agents. They ideal candidates for targeted drug delivery, as they can accumulate at specific sites in the body and release therapeutic agents in a controlled manner.
Introduction
Nanoparticles can be engineered to have specific surface properties, such as functional groups or ligands, that allow them to selectively bind to certain cell receptors or tissues, enhancing their specificity and efficacy [1]. In recent years, researchers have focused on developing various types of nanoparticles for biomedical applications [2]. These nanoparticles can consist of a variety of components, including lipids, polymers, metals (like gold and silver), and inorganic compounds (like silica and iron oxide). Every material has certain qualities and benefits that make it appropriate for a given set of uses. Gold nanoparticles have been widely studied for their potential in cancer therapy. They can be functionalized with targeting ligands and loaded with anticancer drugs, allowing for specific tumour targeting and controlled drug release. Silica nanoparticles, on the other hand, have gained attention as potential imaging agents due to their stability and ability to be functionalized with fluorescent dyes or contrast agents. The use of nanoparticles in drug delivery systems has revolutionized the field of medicine. Targeted distribution to certain cells or tissues, increased medication stability, and increased bioavailability are just a few of the benefits that nanoparticles have over conventional drug delivery methods. Despite their promising applications, the introduction of nanoparticles into the human body raises crucial questions regarding their biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and long-term effects. The research community has consistently advocated for the need to give producers, legislators, healthcare providers, and the general public legal clarity [3].
The diverse routes of entry, such as inhalation, ingestion, dermal exposure, and medical applications like drug delivery systems, necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the fate of nanoparticles within the human biological milieu. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising tool in medical research, with potential applications in various fields, including brain imaging and drug delivery. Nanoparticles can cross the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) and build up inside the brain [4]. Researchers are investigating the use of nanoparticles in the brain for targeted drug delivery, imaging of brain tumours, and even for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s [5]. Following intranasal delivery, a therapeutic’s route into the Central Nervous System (CNS) can be influenced by the formulation’s composition [6]. Because they can pass through the blood-brain barrier, nanoparticles present an appealing alternative to standard delivery systems for administering medications directly to the brain. In addition, nanoparticles can be functionalized with specific targeting ligands to enhance their selectivity and binding to specific cells or structures in the brain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a lot of promise for using nanoparticles in the study of neuroscience and neurology. The potential of nanoparticles to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and selectively target brain cells offers stimulating prospects for the creation of new treatment strategies. To provide different stakeholders with legal clarity, the concerns about biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and long-term impacts of nanoparticles must be addressed as research in this area advances. Ongoing research projects and clinical trials continue to explore the applications of nanoparticles in treating neurological disorders, it is evident that nanotechnology has great potential to revolutionize the treatment and diagnosis of brain-related problems. With further advancements in nanomedicine, nanoparticles are poised to play a significant role in enhancing drug delivery and imaging techniques for various neurological conditions, offering hope for improved outcomes and patient care in the future.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Chemistry, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 for supporting the basic research ideas and also for the resources provided.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding: Not applicable to this work.
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