Nanoparticles can improve Fungal Infection Treatment

Posted 21 Aug 2024

2 min read

A team of Scientists have recently used Polymeric Nanoparticles method, which is most advanced method of drug delivery, for effective release of drugs to treat fungal infections.

Nanoformulation developed was found to be free of cytotoxic (substance that kills cells) and hemolytic effects (condition when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made).
This method of drug delivery can prove useful to patients suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV, cancer, etc.

About Nanotechnolgy

It refers to branch of science and engineering devoted to designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale (100 nanometeres or less).

Applications of Nanotechnology in healthcare

Better imaging and diagnostics: Nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans for better visualization, etc.
Targeted Drug Delivery: Directly to targeted body area reducing concerns of side-effects, etc.
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: Nanostructured materials, such as hydrogels scaffolds, can mimic the extracellular matrix, providing a favorable environment for cell growth and tissue regeneration
Developing gene sequencing technologies: Design and engineering of advanced solid-state nanopore materials will enable single-molecule detection at low cost and high speed.

Applications of Nanotechnology in other Fields

Energy: Nanoparticles can be used in catalysts to enhance the efficiency of chemical processes, use of nanotechnology-enabled gas lift valves in offshore operations, etc.
Environmental Remediation: Nanomaterials can be employed in water purification and desalination technologies to improve filtration and reduce energy consumption, nanofabric "paper towel" woven from tiny wires of potassium manganese oxide that can absorb 20 times its weight in oil for cleanup applications, etc.
Electronics and IT Applications: Nanoscale transistors, logic gates, and memory devices can enable the continued miniaturization and performance improvements; Quantum dots and other nanostructures can be used in the development of advanced displays, lighting, etc.
Agriculture and Food system: Nanoparticles can be used to deliver targeted nutrients, pesticides, or herbicides to improve crop yields, can be incorporated into food packaging to enhance shelf life, improve food safety, etc.