Organ health has seen a considerable boost in monitoring capabilities thanks to some recent advancements made in the tech sectors. While artificial intelligence remains the main focus of the media, many other technologies have the potential to play an even greater role in your future healthcare. Nanoparticles are a prime example of a technological breakthrough that could revolutionize modern medicine and help protect the lives of millions of people yearly. Here’s what you need to know.
What are Nanoparticles?
Nanoparticles are tiny structures that occur naturally. However, the term ‘nanoparticles’ didn’t exist until 1857, when the famous inventor Michael Faraday coined it to describe the optical properties of metals he was studying. Notably, humans used nanoparticles long before they were understood. For example, nanoparticles helped early sculptures create unique effects, such as stained glass, that changed color in certain lighting conditions. Later research revealed that the color change resulted from gold and silver nanoparticles embedded in the glass.
Today’s description of a nanoparticle is a particle with 1 to 100 nanometers (nm) in diameter. All nanoparticles have three main characteristics. First, they remain active in a free state. Second, they have +20% of the structure’s atoms located on the surface of the particle, and lastly, they often showcase quantum effects. Notably, nanoparticles are found naturally but can also be created by scientists in a lab for research purposes. Their subatomic size and impressive surface area make them ideal for use across a wide range of industries, including electronics, environmental research, and medical care.
Breakthrough Nanoparticle Technology in Healthcare
Nanotechnology continues to revolutionize industries with the healthcare sector seeing some of the most advancements as of late. Nanoparticles are particularly useful in healthcare due to their ability to penetrate deep into the body, making them ideal for drug delivery, image scanning background, and many more uses. Here are just two examples of how nanoparticles could help save millions of lives moving forward.
Atherosclerosis
The first example of nanoparticles changing the healthcare sector was published this month in the journal, small. The study delves into researchers using nanoparticles to diagnose and treat Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major issue for millions of people who suffer from it globally. It’s a buildup of plaque within the arteries which can result in blood pressure concerns, heart disease, stroke, and death. Sadly, there are no direct treatments for this ailment yet.
Source -Mayo Foundation
Atherosclerosis is responsible for +17M deaths yearly. Even worse, the disease continues to affect a growing number of people due to rising environmental factors, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to harmful work conditions. These issues have continued to increase in severity over the last three decades alongside the number of people suffering from Atherosclerosis. This study delves into how nanoparticles could help to diagnose and distribute medicines to the affected area more efficiently.
Currently, there are multiple methods for imaging Atherosclerosis. Three primary imaging technologies used today include Intravascular ultrasound, Coronary angiography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The latter provides the highest-resolution images of the three but is expensive and can be harmful to people with metal implants, kidney issues, and other health complications.
Studies
This study delves into using nanoparticles’ unique characteristics to locate and significantly reduce plaque burden or reverse atherosclerosis. The report describes a noninvasive method of utilizing the nanobots for dual purposes. The first is to locate and image atherosclerosis-infected cells, and the second purpose is to distribute medication deep into the infected area.
Nanoparticles to Treat Test Atherosclerosis
The testing began with researchers creating special nanoscale coordination polymers (NCP) and a pH-responsive linker to help track and deliver the therapeutic agents. At the core of the research is the use of nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs). These specific nanoparticles were purpose-built with a pH-responsive benzoic-imine (BI) linker and Gd3+ as part of the street.
In the testing phase, the researchers had the nanoparticles first deliver a contrast agent for MRI scanning called gadolinium. This maneuver allowed the MRI to capture real-time plaque locations and buildup, enabling an accurate measure of the severity of the issue. The nanobots also delivered a water-insoluble drug with anti-inflammatory properties that alter the acidic environment in a way that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. This maneuver causes the release of Simvastatin, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events during the process and after due to side effects.
Nanoparticles Testing Results
Test results have shown some promising data. The ST/NCP-PEG nanoparticles successfully provided fast and efficient diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Specifically, the team found that the nanoparticles were excellent at targeting atherosclerotic plaques and didn’t cause stress to the body.
Benefits of Nanoparticles in Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment
This study brings to light several benefits. For one, this non-invasive diagnosis and treatment model is safer and more efficient than past alternatives. Additionally, nanoparticles can deliver therapeutic agents with nearly 1000x more efficiency than previous methods, lowering risk and costs for all parties.
Biocompatible and Biodegradable
Another cool benefit of this approach is that it’s green. The nanoparticles used in the study are both biocompatible and biodegradable. As such, they can interact with your body without causing adverse reactions when administered correctly.
Researchers
Research for the Atherosclerosis nanoparticles study was conducted by NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) researchers. This study was led by Assistant Professor Wang Jiong-Wei from the Department of Surgery, Nanomedicine Translational Research Program at NUS Medicine, and Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI). He was assisted by a team of engineers from the same school to ensure the quality and correctness of the study.
Nanoparticles to Help Kidney Function
Another major nanotech breakthrough that has made headlines across the healthcare industry was published in Advanced Materials on July 29th. The study focused on using nanoparticles to treat kidney disease. Specifically, the engineers wanted to see how these processes would work alongside measuring how nanoparticle distribution was affected by damaged kidney cells.
Nanoparticles to Treat and Diagnose Kidney Disease Study
This study introduces renal-clearable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a means to administer kidney disease treatments. Additionally, the nanoparticles are used as a contrast agent to enable better X-ray imaging of the damaged cells and targeting of treatments.
Nanoparticles Test
Specifically, researchers wanted to see if they could improve X-ray image details and quality by introducing gold nanoparticles as an image background. This strategy would enhance contrast and allow for more accurate testing versus blood tests. The study begins by using nanorobots in mice with kidney ailments caused by the drug cisplatin.
The infected mice had nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels that were 10x the normal amount. The researchers found that the nanoparticles traveled much slower in this environment. Specifically, the team noninvasively tracked the nanobot’s transport and retention in cisplatin-injured kidneys with varying BUN and Cr levels.
Results
The test results showed that nanoparticles may not be the best method to distribute medications to those with severe kidney damage. The damaged cells can slow down and significantly reduce nanoparticles’ effectiveness, causing many of them to remain in a singular location rather than distribute equally within the kidney. This build-up could result in additional medical complications.
The researchers found that as kidney damage increased, the effectiveness of nanoparticles decreased. As such, they determined that the use of nanoparticles is most effective during early diagnosis stages where the particles can still navigate freely within the organ to deliver treatment efficiently.
Benefits
This nanoparticle study reveals many benefits to the market. As a non-invasive treatment and diagnosis tool, it lowers costs and reduces risks to patients. Additionally, it improves monitoring capabilities, which helps healthcare professionals better target treatments.
Researchers
The kidney nanoparticle study was led by a team of engineers from the University of Texas at Dallas. The lead researcher for the project was Chemistry and biochemistry research scientist Xuhui Ning. He worked alongside Dr. Jie Zheng, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and a Distinguished Chair in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and a team of scientists from UT Southwestern Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Two Companies Leading the Way in Nanoparticle Health Technologies
Nanoparticles open the door to some huge advancements in the way people are diagnosed and treated with severe illnesses. This technology is on the rise with manufacturers dedicating millions to R&D. Here are two firms that continue to provide pioneering efforts that could one day improve the lives of those suffering from these life-threatening diseases.
1. Liquidia Corporation 
The Liquidia Corporation was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in North Carolina. This biopharmaceutical powerhouse is recognized as a pioneer in the nanoparticles field due to its work in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Here, the firm introduced a proprietary built nanoparticle drug delivery system, to improve effectiveness.
Today, Liquidia’s PRINT technology is considered one of the most effective methods for combating pulmonary hypertension. The company has seen considerable growth and has entered into several licensing agreements with other healthcare leaders including a 2021 listing agreement with Pharma Biopharm.
Liquidia’s stock has seen some movement over the last year, falling in line with other tech stocks. The stock currently shows a 52-week high of $16.99 and a low of $5.71. Currently, the stock is around $10 per share, demonstrating a clawback of lost revenue from the tech stock crash. Notably, Liquidia’s positioning and unique treatments make it a smart addition to your portfolio.
2. Bruker Corporation 
Bruker Corporation is another healthcare provider that has delved deep into the use of nanoparticles to improve its offerings. The company launched in 1960 and is based in Massachusetts. It currently employs 9700 people and offers a selection of high-performance scientific instruments, diagnostic solutions, and more.
Bruker listed $2.96B in revenue in 2023 thanks to a variety of wise company maneuvers. Notably, Bruker has been responsible for many medical breakthroughs over the years including the launch of the first commercial Fourier transform NMR spectrometer. The company has also expanded its chemical analysis division as part of its growth strategy.
Investors will find that Bruker Corporation is a smart addition to their portfolio. The company remains a top-performing option in the nanoparticles industry and has several patents with the technology. Its first-mover status and dedication to innovation make Bruker stock worth watching moving forward.
Nanoparticles – Future
The use of nanoparticles is on the rise across multiple industries. This technology is sure to see continued adoption as it helps solve some long-standing issues across industries. You can expect to notice nanoparticles helping to make better safety systems, improve monitoring capabilities, enhance healthcare, and much more. Additionally, it’s worth noting that nanotechnology and AI algorithms have begun being used together to create advanced models that can better track these particles’ actions and improve results.
Nanoparticles are a Big Deal
Despite their microscopic size, nanoparticles are set to revolutionize healthcare. These projects have the potential to save millions of lives and improve current methods significantly. You should expect to hear a lot more about this revolutionary technology as it becomes integrated into people’s daily lives over the following years. For now, nanoparticles could unlock better treatments and a healthier future for all.
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