Nanotechnology for Biomedical Devices: Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The emergence of nanotechnology has provided the field of medicine with an excellent platform to explore and work with novel applications that show great potential to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in cancer treatment and research. The methodologies regarding locating specific cells of nanoparticles are highlighted, which include active and passive targeting—two techniques that differ in the way nanoparticles target, interact, and deliver therapeutics to cancer cells. Other factors that affect the targeting of cancer cells such as nanoparticle shape, tumor permeability, as well as an understanding of the biological environment is also emphasized. Various applications regarding nanoparticles are discussed in detail; both organic and inorganic. Such examples included in the report are: liposomal nanoparticles, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles, which have shown much promise in terms of drug delivery, imaging, and cancer treatment. Furthermore, cancer imaging and the diagnostic process regarding nanoparticles are further discussed to stress the importance of imaging and screening of cancer cells. Factors involving the design and potential issues in imaging are also underlined. The challenges concerning potential cytotoxicity, unanticipated behaviours, and bio-compatibility of nanoparticles that still remain are pointed out. However, it is clear that there is a strong potential for nanotechnology to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. This report focuses on various nanotech prospects, their methodologies and significance, as well as the benefits and disadvantages in cancer detection and imaging, diagnosis, and treatment.