Research and Testing – Let’s Learn About Nanoparticle Application in Medicine and Tracking Methods for Nanoparticles
The ultrafine units or nanoparticles can measure up to 1 to 100 nanometers in size. These fine materials occur naturally, and sometimes, human activities create them. They contain numerous beneficial characteristics, making them suitable for practical application in medicine and catalysis. Researchers also explore its use in engineering and environmental remediation fields. As per ISO (International Organization for Standardization), a material could be called a nanoparticle if the three Cartesian dimensions were measured under 100 nm. It was the initial standardization. In 2011, it was decided that any nano-object with at least one characteristic dimension falling in the range of 1–100 nm qualifies to be a nanoparticle. That means other dimensions can be outside this range without affecting its characterization as a nanoparticle. One-dimensional nano-objects are classified as nanotubes and nanofibers, while 2D nano-objects are named nanoplates or nanodiscs.
- Nanoparticles used in medicine
These nano-objects have revolutionized medicine because of their small size, allowing them to flow into every body part and penetrate or attach to particular cells. Due to this, organ images have become more transparent, giving a proper view of different types of diseases in body tissues, such as tumors. They have also enhanced therapy delivery solutions, such as hyperthermia (local heating), vasculature blocking, and drug payloads. Everyone is already aware of the increasing number of cancer cases. The latest data suggest that America will witness over 2 million new cancer patients and 600K cancer deaths in 2024. Scientists and researchers continuously work on their innovations and discoveries to find a robust cure and diagnosis for this growing epidemic and have found nanoparticles tremendously efficient.
Today, magnetic nanoparticles are more widely used than radioactive technetium to track cancer in the lymph nodes. They help study the movement of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and kill tumors through hyperthermia. Due to localized heating, magnetic fields manage to destroy diseased tissues. These nano-objects also benefit fluorescent imaging, ultrasound, or positron emission tomography (PET). All these methods rely on nanoparticle’s ability to detect the disease state of cells. Theoretically, the same way these tiny materials can also be used for precise drug delivery at a disease site. Liposome, nanocapsule, permeable nanosponge structure, or some other means can carry the drug into the target area and slowly release it. Scientists believe the use of nanoparticles to deliver drugs to the brain through respiration can potentially help treat Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other neurological disorders.
Furthermore, nanofibers and nanoparticles can also be applied for tissue and bone repair because of being biocompatible. According to experts, the naturally occurring bone component calcium hydroxyapatite’s nanoparticles can be combined with collagens for tissue repairs.
- The importance of NTA
NTA stands for nanoparticle tracking analysis, which is used to visualize and analyze nanoparticles in the liquid depending on the particle size’s Brownian motion caused by the explosion of the molecules in the surrounding medium. It is critical in medicine to characterize nano-objects that can carry lipid-based, virus-like, or polymer-based drugs. DNA, RNA, peptides, proteins, and other macromolecular drugs are administered through injections because oral administration is susceptible to problems like low absorption and enzymatic degradation. However, nanoparticles can enhance the effectiveness of these drug carriers. Tracking and analyzing them is essential; NTA is a way to make this happen.
The NTA method uses a laser light scattering imaging system and digital camera to visualize and record nanoparticles in liquid.
- NTA process and benefits
The liquid sample containing particles is filled into a chamber before initiating the process of laser diode to scatter laser light when particles come into contact. The light scattering method is called the Tyndall effect, reflected by light signal fluctuation and tracked by a microscope and digital camera. A specific type of software is used for particle tracking and characterization under Brownian motion. Through this technique, you get to find the precise nanoparticle size. The fluorescent mode allows determining outcomes of the labeled particles, no matter how subtly they change. That’s why using the best equipment for such research is essential. NTA is an affordable technique as it needs fewer samples and few sample preparations, consuming fewer materials. Plus, you can recover samples and reuse them.
The medical field can make numerous advancements through NTA-like technologies because of the nano-sized particle characterization that reveals crucial details about size and stability. Particle size determines their role in medicine, while particle stability proves their reliability. It also makes them suitable for various purposes.
- Drug delivery
Nano-objects are already helping deliver drugs through injections. However, they are also studied to expand their use case in other targeted drug delivery methods. These particles are preferred for their ability to interact with cells of similar size, facilitating cell therapies. Due to their specific strength, they are also being examined for use in chemotherapy drugs to improve chemotherapy treatment and quality of life by reducing systemic toxicity.
- Brain tumor detection and treatment
The NTA method establishes the particle size, allowing scientists to understand if they can be sent to tricky areas like the brain by traveling past the blood-brain barrier. The nano-sized particles can help drugs reach the brain without any changes. If this works out, it will become a boon for mental health and cancer patients. Their ability to cross the almost impossible barrier can also enable specialists to diagnose targeted brain tumors. Nanoparticles are highly atomic, which allows imaging signals to interact smoothly with more X-rays and other high-surface fields to spot a specific tumor tissue and treat it through radiotherapy. Such targeted approaches control tissue harm and aid adjuvant chemotherapy.
Particles’ stability is also vital as it determines their lifespan in the body. NTA can give this data efficiently. It can also enable researchers to manipulate the nanoparticle stability for various drug delivery procedures by analyzing how particles will break down in the target area.
NTA is a potent particle analysis tool for every type of nanoparticle suspended in mediums like liquid. The same sample can be examined for particle size, fluorescence, zeta potential, and concentration. Hence, it is worth considering this step for quick and efficient medical advancements.
