Emerging Trends in Pharmacy -

Nanotechnology
Where Science and Science-fiction converge...

What is Nanotechnology??
Nanotechnology (sometimes shortened to "nanotech") is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally, nanotechnology deals with developing materials, devices, or other structures possessing at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers.
Nanotechnology is used to describe the situation that exists when the very small size imparts unique properties on the particles.

NanoMedicine
The science and technology of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease and traumatic injury, of relieving pain, and of preserving and improving human health, using molecular tools and molecular knowledge of the human body.

NANOMEDICINE is the MEDICAL APPLICATION of NANOTECH.

In Pharmacy...
It embraces five main sub-disciplines:

Analytical tools - Diagnostic Sensors and Visualization;

Nanoimaging;

Nanomaterials and Nanodevices

Novel Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Systems

Clinical, Regulatory and Toxicological Issues

Whats so good with thiss??

Target specificity; Extreme small size;

Efficient drug release;

Molecular level understanding.

Nanoparticles
Metal Nanoparticles: 1. Gold Particle 2. Quantum Dots

Polymeric Nanoparticles
1. Dendrimer 2. Nanopores 3. Nanotubes

Liposomes

Gold Nanoparticle

Quantum Dot

Is this already in use now...!?

Quantum dots are being used to understand how

proteins, DNA and other biological molecules catch rides on the various transportation systems inside cells.
Nano-materials are clearly capable of spotting

diseases in blood or tissue specimens. These bind to proteins unique to cancer cells and literally bring tumors to light.
Tiny carbon nanotubes are used to measure glucose

concentrations, as in diabetics. As these glow when charged with electrons and exposed to infrared light

Nano-Toxicology
Nanotoxicology is a sub-specialty of particle toxicology. It addresses the toxicology of nanoparticles, which appear to have toxicity effects that are not seen with larger particles.

For Instance,

Diesel nanoparticles have been found to damage the cardiovascular system in mouse models.

Carbon nanotubes may lead to Pleural abnormalities such as Mesothelioma. silver nanoparticles used in socks only to reduce foot odor are being released in the wash and then destroy beneficial bacteria which are important for breaking down organic matter.

Conclusions
Nanomedicine is a subfield of nanotechnology that the human race will get the most benefit from.
It is being constanly researched and new discoveries are being presented every day...

It opens the windows to many wonders like Gene Therapy, Tissue repair mechanism Enhancement, etc...

Numerous questions raised concerning the ethical use of nanomedicine. Informed consent, risk assessment and human enhancement are a few...

A means to overcome the Toxic effects of these nanoparticles in biological systems is yet to be understood...

Nanomedicine is still in its infancy, but I am sure that it will be huge in very near future.

References,

Wikipedia
clearlyexplained.com Artificial Cells by Thomas W S C Current Status of Nanomedicine and

Medical Nanorobotics by Robert A. Freitas, Jr.

Chandra Teja U. K.V.S.R.S.C.O.P.S