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Dhar A, Gupta SL, Saini P, Sinha K, Khandelwal A, Tyagi R, Singh A, Sharma P, Jaiswal RK. Nanotechnology-based theranostic and prophylactic approaches against SARS-CoV-2. Immunol Res 2024; 72:14-33. [PMID: 37682455 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has been an unpredicted burden on global healthcare system by infecting over 700 million individuals, with approximately 6 million deaths worldwide. COVID-19 significantly impacted all sectors, but it very adversely affected the healthcare system. These effects were much more evident in the resource limited part of the world. Individuals with acute conditions were also severely impacted. Although classical COVID-19 diagnostics such as RT-PCR and rapid antibody testing have played a crucial role in reducing the spread of infection, these diagnostic techniques are associated with certain limitations. For instance, drawback of RT-PCR diagnostics is that due to degradation of viral RNA during shipping, it can give false negative results. Also, rapid antibody testing majorly depends on the phase of infection and cannot be performed on immune compromised individuals. These limitations in current diagnostic tools require the development of nanodiagnostic tools for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has necessitated the development of specific, responsive, accurate, rapid, low-cost, and simple-to-use diagnostic tools at point of care. In recent years, early detection has been a challenge for several health diseases that require prompt attention and treatment. Disease identification at an early stage, increased imaging of inner health issues, and ease of diagnostic processes have all been established using a new discipline of laboratory medicine called nanodiagnostics, even before symptoms have appeared. Nanodiagnostics refers to the application of nanoparticles (material with size equal to or less than 100 nm) for medical diagnostic purposes. The special property of nanomaterials compared to their macroscopic counterparts is a lesser signal loss and an enhanced electromagnetic field. Nanosize of the detection material also enhances its sensitivity and increases the signal to noise ratio. Microchips, nanorobots, biosensors, nanoidentification of single-celled structures, and microelectromechanical systems are some of the most modern nanodiagnostics technologies now in development. Here, we have highlighted the important roles of nanotechnology in healthcare sector, with a detailed focus on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. We outline the different types of nanotechnology-based diagnostic devices for SARS-CoV-2 and the possible applications of nanomaterials in COVID-19 treatment. We also discuss the utility of nanomaterials in formulating preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2 including their use in manufacture of protective equipment, formulation of vaccines, and strategies for directly hindering viral infection. We further discuss the factors hindering the large-scale accessibility of nanotechnology-based healthcare applications and suggestions for overcoming them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atika Dhar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India, 110067
| | | | - Pratima Saini
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India, 110067
| | - Kirti Sinha
- Department of Zoology, Patna Science College, Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
| | | | - Rohit Tyagi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Alka Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Feroze Gandhi College, Raebareli, U.P, India, 229001
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Patna Science College, Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India.
| | - Rishi Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
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Wasti S, Lee IH, Kim S, Lee JH, Kim H. Ethical and legal challenges in nanomedical innovations: a scoping review. Front Genet 2023; 14:1163392. [PMID: 37252668 PMCID: PMC10213273 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1163392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Rapid advancements in research and development related to nanomedical technology raise various ethical and legal challenges in areas relevant to disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aims to outline the existing literature, covering issues associated with emerging nanomedicine and related clinical research, and identify implications for the responsible advancement and integration of nanomedicine and nanomedical technology throughout medical networks in the future. Methods: A scoping review, designed to cover scientific, ethical, and legal literature associated with nanomedical technology, was conducted, generating and analyzing 27 peer-reviewed articles published between 2007-2020. Results: Results indicate that articles referencing ethical and legal issues related to nanomedical technology were concerned with six key areas: 1) harm exposure and potential risks to health, 2) consent to nano-research, 3) privacy, 4) access to nanomedical technology and potential nanomedical therapies, 5) classification of nanomedical products in relation to the research and development of nanomedical technology, and 6) the precautionary principle as it relates to the research and development of nanomedical technology. Conclusion: This review of the literature suggests that few practical solutions are comprehensive enough to allay the ethical and legal concerns surrounding research and development in fields related to nanomedical technology, especially as it continues to evolve and contribute to future innovations in medicine. It is also clearly apparent that a more coordinated approach is required to ensure global standards of practice governing the study and development of nanomedical technology, especially as discussions surrounding the regulation of nanomedical research throughout the literature are mainly confined to systems of governance in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Wasti
- Asian Institute of Bioethics and Health Law, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Ho Lee
- Institute for Legal Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Kim
- Korea National Institute for Bioethics Policy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Lee
- Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Center for Nanomedicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hannah Kim
- Asian Institute of Bioethics and Health Law, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Medicine, Division of Medical Humanities and Social Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Safarlou CW, Jongsma KR, Vermeulen R, Bredenoord AL. The ethical aspects of exposome research: a systematic review. EXPOSOME 2023; 3:osad004. [PMID: 37745046 PMCID: PMC7615114 DOI: 10.1093/exposome/osad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, exposome research has been put forward as the next frontier for the study of human health and disease. Exposome research entails the analysis of the totality of environmental exposures and their corresponding biological responses within the human body. Increasingly, this is operationalized by big-data approaches to map the effects of internal as well as external exposures using smart sensors and multiomics technologies. However, the ethical implications of exposome research are still only rarely discussed in the literature. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the academic literature regarding both the exposome and underlying research fields and approaches, to map the ethical aspects that are relevant to exposome research. We identify five ethical themes that are prominent in ethics discussions: the goals of exposome research, its standards, its tools, how it relates to study participants, and the consequences of its products. Furthermore, we provide a number of general principles for how future ethics research can best make use of our comprehensive overview of the ethical aspects of exposome research. Lastly, we highlight three aspects of exposome research that are most in need of ethical reflection: the actionability of its findings, the epidemiological or clinical norms applicable to exposome research, and the meaning and action-implications of bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caspar W. Safarlou
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for
Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
| | - Karin R. Jongsma
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for
Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for
Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University,
Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelien L. Bredenoord
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for
Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Philosophy, Erasmus University Rotterdam,
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Li M, Wan Y, Gao J. What drives the ethical acceptance of deep synthesis applications? A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Chokkareddy R, Kanchi S, Inamuddin, Altalhi TA. Smart Nanodevices for Point-of-Care Applications. CURR ANAL CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1573411017999210120180646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background::
While significant strides have been made to avoid mortality during the treatment of chronic
diseases, it is still one of the biggest health-care challenges that have a profound effect on humanity. The development of
specific, sensitive, accurate, quick, low-cost, and easy-to-use diagnostic tools is therefore still in urgent demand.
Nanodiagnostics is defined as the application of nanotechnology to medical diagnostics that can offer many unique
opportunities for more successful and efficient diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases.
Methods::
In this review we provide an overview of infectious disease using nanodiagnostics platforms based on
nanoparticles, nanodevices for point-of-care (POC) applications.
Results::
Current state-of-the-art and most promising nanodiagnostics POC technologies, including miniaturized
diagnostic tools, nanorobotics and drug delivery systems have been fully examined for the diagnosis of diseases. It also
addresses the drawbacks, problems and potential developments of nanodiagnostics in POC applications for chronic
diseases.
Conclusions::
While progress is gaining momentum in this field and many researchers have dedicated their time in
developing new smart nanodevices for POC applications for various chronic diseases, the ultimate aim of achieving longterm,
reliable and continuous patient monitoring has not yet been achieved. Moreover, the applicability of the
manufactured nanodevices to rural patients for on-site diagnosis, cost, and usability are the crucial aspects that require
more research, improvements, and potential testing stations. Therefore, more research is needed to develop the
demonstrated smart nanodevices and upgrade their applicability to hospitals away from the laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajasekhar Chokkareddy
- Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, ,South Africa
- Department of Chemistry,
Aditya Engineering College, Surampalem 533437, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Suvardhan Kanchi
- Department of Chemistry, Sambhram Institute of Technology, M.S. Palya, Jalahalli East, Bengaluru 560097,,India
- Department of Chemistry, Sambhram
Institute of Technology, M.S. Palya, Jalahalli East, Bengaluru 560097, India
| | - Inamuddin
- Advanced Functional Materials Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh- 202 002, ,India
| | - Tariq A Altalhi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Talf
University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arábia
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Djebrouni M, Phelan S, Aldersey H, Wolbring G. Utility of science, technology and innovation governance for occupational discourses from the perspective of occupational therapy students. Work 2019; 64:249-270. [PMID: 31524193 DOI: 10.3233/wor-192990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Science, technology and innovation (STI) governance concerns itself with the societal impact of STI. Occupation, whether used with the meaning of paid, unpaid work or any activity that is considered meaningful to the individual on an everyday basis, is one area of societal impact of STI. Fields such as occupational therapy, occupational science and occupational health and safety concern themselves with the relationship between occupation and the health and well-being of human beings albeit all with different foci. OBJECTIVE To ascertain the knowledge of students from two Occupational Therapy programs on STI governance, specific STI products and their views on the impact of STI governance and STI products on occupational therapy and its clients. METHODS Online survey employing Yes/No' questions with comment boxes and open-ended textbox questions. Descriptive quantitative and thematic qualitative data was generated. RESULTS Students were unfamiliar with STI governance discourses but felt that they should be aware of them. Students stated that how one governs STI impacts occupational therapy on all levels and that the occupational therapy community has expertise that would enrich STI governance discourses around occupation. CONCLUSION Education actions seem to be warranted on the level of students and practitioners by the occupational therapy and STI governance communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Djebrouni
- Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shanon Phelan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Heather Aldersey
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregor Wolbring
- Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Fisher E. Interview with Prof. Erik Fisher, Arizona State University. Dawn of Responsible Innovation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 22:373-374. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Fisher
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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Dorado P, González I, Naranjo MEG, de Andrés F, Peñas-Lledó EM, Calzadilla LR, LLerena A. Lessons from Cuba for Global Precision Medicine: CYP2D6 Genotype Is Not a Robust Predictor of CYP2D6 Ultrarapid Metabolism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:17-26. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2016.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Dorado
- CICAB, Clinical Research Centre, Extremadura University Hospital and Medical School, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Idilio González
- Centro de Salud Mental, Área de Salud Zafra-Llerena, Servicio Extremeño de Salud, Llerena, Spain
| | - María Eugenia G. Naranjo
- CICAB, Clinical Research Centre, Extremadura University Hospital and Medical School, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Fernando de Andrés
- CICAB, Clinical Research Centre, Extremadura University Hospital and Medical School, Badajoz, Spain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Eva María Peñas-Lledó
- CICAB, Clinical Research Centre, Extremadura University Hospital and Medical School, Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - Adrián LLerena
- CICAB, Clinical Research Centre, Extremadura University Hospital and Medical School, Badajoz, Spain
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Correa S, Dreaden EC, Gu L, Hammond PT. Engineering nanolayered particles for modular drug delivery. J Control Release 2016; 240:364-386. [PMID: 26809005 PMCID: PMC6450096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Layer-by-layer (LbL) based self-assembly of nanoparticles is an emerging and powerful method to develop multifunctional and tissue responsive nanomedicines for a broad range of diseases. This unique assembly technique is able to confer a high degree of modularity, versatility, and compositional heterogeneity to nanoparticles via the sequential deposition of alternately charged polyelectrolytes onto a colloidal template. LbL assembly can provide added functionality by directly incorporating a range of functional materials within the multilayers including nucleic acids, synthetic polymers, polypeptides, polysaccharides, and functional proteins. These materials can be used to generate hierarchically complex, heterogeneous thin films on an extensive range of both traditional and novel nanoscale colloidal templates, providing the opportunity to engineer highly precise systems capable of performing the numerous tasks required for systemic drug delivery. In this review, we will discuss the recent advancements towards the development of LbL nanoparticles for drug delivery and diagnostic applications, with a special emphasis on the incorporation of biostability, active targeting, desirable drug release kinetics, and combination therapies into LbL nanomaterials. In addition to these topics, we will touch upon the next steps for the translation of these systems towards the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Correa
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Erik C Dreaden
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Li Gu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
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10
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Lipworth W, Axler R. Towards a bioethics of innovation. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2016; 42:445-449. [PMID: 27015740 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2015-103048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, it has become almost axiomatic that biomedical research and clinical practice should be 'innovative'-that is, that they should be always evolving and directed towards the production, translation and implementation of new technologies and practices. While this drive towards innovation in biomedicine might be beneficial, it also raises serious moral, legal, economic and sociopolitical questions that require further scrutiny. In this article, we argue that biomedical innovation needs to be accompanied by a dedicated 'bioethics of innovation' that attends systematically to the goals, process and outcomes of biomedical innovation as objects of critical inquiry. Using the example of personalised or precision medicine, we then suggest a preliminary framework for a bioethics of innovation, based on the research policy initiative of 'Responsible Innovation'. We invite and encourage critiques of this framework and hope that this will provoke a challenging and enriching new bioethical discourse.
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Özdemir V, Kolker E, Hotez PJ, Mohin S, Prainsack B, Wynne B, Vayena E, Coşkun Y, Dereli T, Huzair F, Borda-Rodriguez A, Bragazzi NL, Faris J, Ramesar R, Wonkam A, Dandara C, Nair B, Llerena A, Kılıç K, Jain R, Reddy PJ, Gollapalli K, Srivastava S, Kickbusch I. Ready to put metadata on the post-2015 development agenda? Linking data publications to responsible innovation and science diplomacy. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2014; 18:1-9. [PMID: 24456464 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2013.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Metadata refer to descriptions about data or as some put it, "data about data." Metadata capture what happens on the backstage of science, on the trajectory from study conception, design, funding, implementation, and analysis to reporting. Definitions of metadata vary, but they can include the context information surrounding the practice of science, or data generated as one uses a technology, including transactional information about the user. As the pursuit of knowledge broadens in the 21(st) century from traditional "science of whats" (data) to include "science of hows" (metadata), we analyze the ways in which metadata serve as a catalyst for responsible and open innovation, and by extension, science diplomacy. In 2015, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will formally come to an end. Therefore, we propose that metadata, as an ingredient of responsible innovation, can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the post-2015 agenda. Such responsible innovation, as a collective learning process, has become a key component, for example, of the European Union's 80 billion Euro Horizon 2020 R&D Program from 2014-2020. Looking ahead, OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, is launching an initiative for a multi-omics metadata checklist that is flexible yet comprehensive, and will enable more complete utilization of single and multi-omics data sets through data harmonization and greater visibility and accessibility. The generation of metadata that shed light on how omics research is carried out, by whom and under what circumstances, will create an "intervention space" for integration of science with its socio-technical context. This will go a long way to addressing responsible innovation for a fairer and more transparent society. If we believe in science, then such reflexive qualities and commitments attained by availability of omics metadata are preconditions for a robust and socially attuned science, which can then remain broadly respected, independent, and responsibly innovative. "In Sierra Leone, we have not too much electricity. The lights will come on once in a week, and the rest of the month, dark[ness]. So I made my own battery to power light in people's houses." Kelvin Doe (Global Minimum, 2012) MIT Visiting Young Innovator Cambridge, USA, and Sierra Leone "An important function of the (Global) R&D Observatory will be to provide support and training to build capacity in the collection and analysis of R&D flows, and how to link them to the product pipeline." World Health Organization (2013) Draft Working Paper on a Global Health R&D Observatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vural Özdemir
- 1 Office of the President, Gaziantep University , Gaziantep, Turkey
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New perspectives of nanoneuroprotection, nanoneuropharmacology and nanoneurotoxicity: modulatory role of amino acid neurotransmitters, stress, trauma, and co-morbidity factors in nanomedicine. Amino Acids 2014; 45:1055-71. [PMID: 24022705 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1584-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancement in nanomedicine suggests that nanodrug delivery using nanoformulation of drugs or use of nanoparticles for neurodiagnostic and/or neurotherapeutic purposes results in superior effects than the conventional drugs or parent compounds. This indicates a bright future for nanomedicine in treating neurological diseases in clinics. However, the effects of nanoparticles per se in inducing neurotoxicology by altering amino acid neurotransmitters, if any, are still being largely ignored. The main aim of nanomedicine is to enhance the drug availability within the central nervous system (CNS) for greater therapeutic successes. However, once the drug together with nanoparticles enters into the CNS compartments, the fate of nanomaterial within the brain microenvironment is largely remained unknown. Thus, to achieve greater success in nanomedicine, our knowledge in understanding nanoneurotoxicology in detail is utmost important. In addition, how co-morbidity factors associated with neurological disease, e.g., stress, trauma, hypertension or diabetes, may influence the neurotherapeutic potentials of nanomedicine are also necessary to explore the details. Recent research in our laboratory demonstrated that engineered nanoparticles from metals or titanium nanowires used for nanodrug delivery in laboratory animals markedly influenced the CNS functions and alter amino acid neurotransmitters in healthy animals. These adverse reactions of nanoparticles within the CNS are further aggravated in animals with different co-morbidity factors viz., stress, diabetes, trauma or hypertension. This effect, however, depends on the composition and dose of the nanomaterials used. On the other hand, nanodrug delivery by TiO2 nanowires enhanced the neurotherapeutic potential of the parent compounds in CNS injuries in healthy animals and do not alter amino acids balance. However, in animals with any of the above co-morbidity factors, high dose of nanodrug delivery is needed to achieve some neuroprotection. Taken together, it appears that while exploring new nanodrug formulations for neurotherapeutic purposes, co-morbidly factors and composition of nanoparticlesrequire more attention. Furthermore, neurotoxicity caused by nanoparticles per se following nanodrug delivery may be examined in greater detail with special regards to changes in amino acid balance in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vural Özdemir
- Group on Complex Collaboration, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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