Nanobiotechnology- Applications in biological systems
Prof. Arjumand Warsy
Department of Biochemistry
College of Science, King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nanobiotechnology is defined as a field that applies the nanoscale (i.e uses nanoparticles: 1-100nm) principles and techniques to understand and transform biosystems (living or non-living) and uses biological principles and materials to create new devices and systems integrated from the nanoscale. Recent research on biosystems at the nanoscale has created one of the most dynamic science and technology domains at the confluence of physical sciences, molecular engineering, biology, biotechnology and medicine. The applications of nanobiotechnology in the field of biological sciences hold great prospects and wide applications.
This presentation will highlight the applications of nanobiotechnology in biological systems. These applications include:
i) Disease diagnosis and disease monitoring using in-vivo fluorescent nanomarkers that allow precise intracellular tracking by “bar coding” their unique light spectrum.
ii) In vitro disease diagnosis using “Lab-on-a chip” technology. These nano-chips allow analytical analysis and function as portable diagnostic labs for pharmaceutical industry and in disease prevention and control.
iii) Presymptomatic cancer diagnosis using dendritic polymers.
iii) Gene analysis and sequencing using nanopores.
iv) Gene therapy using nanoparticles for DNA delivery into cells.
v) Body part replacement and regenerative medicine using biocompatible implants to replace damaged or worn body parts and tissue engineering at the nanoscale to create bioartificial organs.
vi) Manipulation of molecules within cells, using bioselective surfaces, control of biofouling and cell culture
vii) Improving human performance (e.g. enhancing sensorial capacity, connecting brain and mind, integrating neural systems with nanoelectronics and nanostructured materials).
viii) Nanoagriculture. Nanotechnology is used in plant production (e.g. using nanofertilizers (nanopowders) and nano materials used in packaging), improving food quality and agricultural systems (e.g. enhancing agricultural output, new food products, food conservation); plant growth, disease control, creation of biobased alternatives to traditional pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant tonics, soil remediation, etc.
ix) Nanostructure formation and growth in living biosystems (e.g. the formation of gold nanoparticles by alfalfa plants)
There are several other applications of nanobiotechnology, and since the formation of cells and complex systems, such as the brain and human body, involve nanoscale assembly of organic and inorganic matter, nanobiotechnology is playing a key role in understanding these processes and in the advancement of biological sciences and biotechnology. However, it there are a few safety concerns and bioethical principles are under discussion to ensure safe applications with no or very little side effects.