System For Predicting How Nanoparticles Affect the Human Body Could Save Us from Our Tech

Nanoscale Ferromagnetic Particles Nanoparticles possess lots of interesting properties that are only partially understood. That can be a problem when we introduce them to biological systems where they can do damage to essential tissues. Here ferromagnetic particles gather around a magnet placed beneath a piece of glass, forming structures we don't usually see at the macro scale. Gregory F. Maxwell via Wikimedia

Almost exactly one year ago, two Chinese women earned the distinction of becoming the first humans to be killed by nanotechnology, after nanoparticles in a paint used in their poorly ventilated factory took residence in their lungs, causing respiratory failure. Now a team of researchers at North Carolina State have developed a method of modeling the way nanoparticles interact with biological systems, giving medical and nanotech researchers their first means to predict how a given particle will move through a human body.

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Science, Clay Dillow, biology, drug delivery, health, medicine, nanoparticles, nanotech, nanotechnology

The researchers used a handful of chemicals to determine the size and characteristics of various nanomaterials and then correlated that data with the molecules each different nanoparticle was most drawn to, creating a sort of dossier for different nanoparticles. Armed with that knowledge, researchers can now predict where a nanoparticle will likely go after it enters the body as long as they know the size and surface attributes of the particle in question.

That knowledge will not only help researchers determine which particles are safe for human consumption and which could cause health complications, but it could also aid in drug delivery systems. Knowing which particles are drawn to particular organs or regions of the body could help medical researchers design drugs that are highly targeted, reducing side effects and enhancing drug efficacy.

[Nanotechnology Now]