Nanotechnology : Medicine and health

5th International Congress of NanoBio & Clean Tech 2008

btran@ianano.org — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:48:41 +0100

Short description

About the 5th International Congress of NanoBIo & CleanTech 2008
The event will feature more than 80 distinguished speakers from 25 countries discussing the latest scientific advancement, state-of-the art product development and business opportunities in nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and clean tech. The four-day conference will also feature:
• Nano and clean tech training seminars
• Poster presentations
• Exhibits and demonstrations
• Panel discussions
• Keynote presentations by renown scientists, CEO of leading companies and legislators

Please check our website http://ianano.org for an updated list of speakers and exhibitors.

Long description

Event precise location and contact information

San Francisco Airport Marriott
1800 Old Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, California 94010
United States of America

Contact:
Brian Tran
(408) 280 - 6222
btran@ianano.org

Web site Url link

http://www.ianano.org/

Web site Url text

International Association of Nanotechnnology

Innovative Mode For Achieving Super-Fast Speeds In Andor Technology’s Scientific Cameras

AndorTechnology — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:15:13 +0100

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Innovative Mode For Achieving Super-Fast Speeds In Andor Technology’s Scientific Cameras

Article body

Belfast, Northern Ireland, 31 July 2008 – Today Andor Technology plc (Andor), a world leader in scientific imaging and spectroscopy solutions, announces the implementation of the ‘Cropped Sensor’ Mode as a standard, user-selectable feature with its iXon+, Newton and iKon range of high-performance EMCCD and CCD cameras. This highly flexible and specialized readout mode is capable of achieving extremely fast continuous frame rates (typically sub-millisecond exposures) of either images or spectra.

In this mode, the user defines through software a ‘sub-array’ from within the full sensor area, such that it encompasses the region of the image where light is actually falling and change is rapidly occurring, e.g. a trapped Bose Einstein condensate, a ‘calcium spark’ within a living cell, or a dispersed spectral signature. The sensor subsequently “imagines” that it is of this smaller defined array size, achieved through specially optimized readout patterns, and reads out at a proportionally faster frame rate. The smaller the defined array size, the faster the frame rate achievable.

Cropped Sensor Mode has the end result of achieving much faster sustainable speeds than those obtainable in a conventional ‘sub-array’ / ROI readout mode. Combined with EMCCDs, this mode also offers potential for replacement of PMT or APD detectors with a higher sensitivity alternative.

Dr Colin Coates, Market Development Manager within Andor Technology, said ‘The addition of the Cropped Sensor Mode to our existing camera families brings a useful functionality: the ability to dramatically boost speed by defining a sub region in situations where only part of the sensor is accepting light is central to some exciting areas of research, such as the field of super-resolution nanoscopy’.

For more information, please visit www.andor.com/cropped_sensors, or email press@andor.com.

Source information

Andor Technology

Source title

Source Url

http://www.andor.com/company/news/?docID=795

NanoMedicine Summit 2008

edailing — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:52:27 +0100

Short description

This conference will provide information on current nanomedicine research and commercial applications and explore the use of nanoparticles for patient treatment and care.

Long description

The 2008 NanoMedicine Summit will take place on September 25-26, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. At the summit, researchers, physicians, and business professionals will share information about cutting-edge nanomedicine research and commercialized applications. Complete event and registration information can be found online at www.nanomedicinesummit.org. The Nano-Network, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, and Case Western Reserve University are partnering to host this national summit to explore the use of nanoparticles for diagnostics, imaging and therapeutics to improve medical treatment and patient care.

Event precise location and contact information

Location: The Ritz Carlton,1515 West Third Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
Reservations: 800-241-3333 or 216-623-1300
Please contact Alexis Abramson at aabramson@nortech.org or 216-274-0246 for more information.

Web site Url link

http://www.nanomedicinesummit.org/

Web site Url text

NanoMedicine Summit 2008

Nanodrugs 2008: 1st International Conference on NanoDrugs and Clinical NanoTechnology

jwaslif — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:54:06 +0100

Short description

http://www.spectraintelligence.com/nanodrugs.htm

Arrowhead–Spectra’s 1st International Conference on Nanodrugs and Clinical Nanotechnology provides an unmissable forum to learn the challenges and advances of pioneers in nanodrug development and the nanotechnologies applied to medical therapies. Case studies of pipelines, progress and clinical efficacy, and challenges of bioengineering and manufacturing will be the main themes of the conference.

Long description

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments and medical practice. With hundreds of nanodrugs in development globally, the opportunities for clinical and market successes are apparent. Nanodrugs are at the forefront of bioengineering for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related conditions and represent the next generation of medical therapies that will impact worldwide markets, healthcare, and industry.

WHY ATTEND:
* Learn the latest developments in nanodrug development and clinical nanotechnology;
* Better understand the trends of nanodrug development;
* Learn from experts on the challenges and the solutions to bioengineering and manufacturing;
* Determine the efficacy of clinical stage nanodrug products;
* Establish the next generation market leaders in cancer and other therapy areas;
* Network with leaders from nanotechnology, pharma-biotech and healthcare industries

Event precise location and contact information

London, United Kingdom
Contact: Tim Atkinson, Arrowhead-Spectra Conferences
44 (0) 208 671 7726

Web site Url link

http://www.spectraintelligence.com/nanodrugs.htm

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Perfect Waters, LLC

perfectwaters — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:54:08 +0100

Ticker Id

Web url

http://www.perfectwaters.net

Contact Email

perfectwaters@core.com

Short description

Street address

P.O. Box 162

Zip or postal code

60451

Telephone

877-890-7709

Fax

877-890-7709

Foundation date

Ceo, president

Susan Mount

Number of employees

Long description

Our proprietary formulas can be used in food, nutriceuticals, cosmetics, supplements, cleaning products, and other products to enhance the bio-availability of ingested products, reduce particle size down to angstrom/nano, reduce toxicity of chemicals, etc.

We also carry nano-silver, gels, lotions and home cleaning products with these proprietary formulas that will clean the environment for 3 weeks after being flushed down the drain.

Researched here in the U.S. and in Europe.

Please contact us with questions or needs.

Additional Commentaries and remarks

Patents

NanoBio Chemicals India Private Limited

drajitzambre — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:44:04 +0100

Ticker Id

Web url

www.nanobiochemicals.com

Contact Email

ajitzambre@gmail.com

Short description

Street address

#217/7, 1st Cross, Ganesh Marg, Hindwadi, Belgaum. Karnataka, INDIA

Zip or postal code

590011

Telephone

+91 831 246 6522

Fax

+91 831 246 6522

Foundation date

Ceo, president

Dr. Kattesh Katti

Number of employees

Long description

We deals with variety of water soluble biocompatible metallic nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanotriangles, nanohexagons, nanocrystals, etc.
The naomaterials and nanoconstructs are available for gold, silver, palladium, platinum and iron in aqueous base.
These nanomaterials have wide spectrum utility for nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers in academia and industry.
The major applications can be exploited in disease diagnosis, therapeutic effectiveness, Novel drug delivery formulations and also in areas other than biomedical field.
Biocompatibly coated gold and silver nanoparticles allow systematic variations in metal content, thus providing unprecedented means of developing mono or multi nanolayers with assorted metal content for variety of materials and biomedical research applications.
Aggregation of gold and silver nanoparticles in ionic media is a common phenomenon, thereby impeding researchers from carrying out important experiments in ionic fluids.
The technology allows retention of nanoparticulate properties of gold and silver even in the presence of high concentrations of ions. The new dispersible solution phase nanoconstructs allow customers to directly utilize gold and silver nanoparticles in solution phase for such research and product development applications that involve spraying, spin coating, emulsification, mixing, and implanting processes.
Gold nanoconstructs allows researchers to use “one-step” direct labeling of biocompatible gold nanoparticles with target specific proteins/peptides and various markers.
Silver nanomaterials has potential anitmicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, germicidal, etc. applications in health, hygeine, packaging and environmental restoration domains.
Palladium and platinum nanoparticles are unique resources for catalytic testing and manufacture of specialty fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates.

Additional Commentaries and remarks

Patents

Nanodialysis BV

icinnovation — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:40:48 +0000

Ticker Id

Web url

www.nanodialysis.nl

Contact Email

info@nanodialysis.nl

Short description

Street address

De Korenaar 83

Zip or postal code

5688RX

Telephone

+31612057638

Fax

Foundation date

Ceo, president

Frank Simonis

Number of employees

Long description

Improving quality of life of renal diseased patients with nanostructured materials.

Nanodialysis is bringing innovative products into the market of hemodialysis based on new nanostructured materials. These products allow direct blood filtration featuring:
-sorption filter pads to improve the blood clearance rate in current hemodialysis systems
-wearable artificial kidney offering direct and continuous blood filtration via a lightweight, wearable dialysis device featuring a unique clearance of small and middle molecule toxins

The improvement in quality of life is being attained thanks to:
-improved blood purification via absorption filtering
-improved health condition thanks to continuous treatment
-higher mobility and employability
-curing of early kidney diseased patients by temporarily treatment

Thanks to the improved continuous and improved clearance, the costs for medical care and drugs can be reduced with €10.000/patient/year.

Nanodialysis is a spin-out of TNO and ICInnovation, www.icinnovation.nl

Additional Commentaries and remarks

Patents

Clearing the US and EU Regulatory Path to Product Approval – “What Similarities and Differences Exist and How Can Companies Mana

aneeshasks — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:46:42 +0000

Short description

Clearing the US and EU Regulatory Path to Product Approval – “What Similarities and Differences Exist and How Can Companies Manage the Hurdles?”

Learn how to navigate through the complexities and policy changes that biotech and nanotech products face today. Expert advice and case studies will provide valuable lessons on how policy and regulation is influencing technology in the US and EU and what companies can do to save time and cost throughout the process. Do regulatory agencies have the legal authority to make judgments on nanomaterials? Are they ready for this responsibility?

Long description

Clearing the US and EU Regulatory Path to Product Approval – “What Similarities and Differences Exist and How Can Companies Manage the Hurdles?”

Featured Speakers:

Kjell Srandberg, M.D., Ph.D.
Advisory Board Chairman NDA,
Regulatory Consultant Service AB,
Former Director General of the Swedish Medical Products Agency & member of CPMP

Ricardo Carvajal,
Esq. Of Counsel, Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.,
former – FDA Counsel

Moderator: Michael A. Swit, Esq.
Vice President, The Weinberg Group

Place: Morrison & Foerster, 12531 High Bluff Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92130

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2008

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5:30pm Reception and networking
6:30pm Program begins

Event precise location and contact information

Place: Morrison & Foerster, 12531 High Bluff Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92130

Web site Url link

www.nanobionexus.org

Web site Url text

Cold Sore Treatment With Nanotechnology Based Cream Effective Against Herpes Labialis

Admin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:23:04 +0000

Short description

U.S. company NanoBio Corporation has developed a topical lotion to treat cold sores

Article body

U.S. company NanoBio Corporation has developed a topical lotion to treat cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, and reports findings from its second phase study indicating the efficiency and safety of the product in 482 patients. The new lotion is an emulsion of nanoscale droplets that accumulate in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin and disrupt the outer lipid membrane of the herpes virus. The article says that NanoBio’s lotion was shown to heal cold sores significantly faster than the leading oral anti-herpetic treatments available on the market. NanoBio chairman James R. Baker, Jr. said, "Through this trial, we have confirmed that NB-001 achieves the efficacy of leading systemic treatments without presenting safety, drug interaction or toxicity risks.” Baker further said: “The product's novel mechanism leaves little risk of drug resistance, which is a concern with the systemic antiviral therapies used to treat herpes labialis. This attribute coupled with its safety profile may eventually allow [the lotion] to be sold without a prescription.” The article can be viewed online at the link below.

Source information

source...
AZoNano.com

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2008 Johns Hopkins NanoBio Symposium - Hosted by the Institute for NanoBioTechnology

Admin — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:48:37 +0000

Short description

The second annual Johns Hopkins NanoBio Symposium will be held May 1-2, 2008 at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Long description

The second annual Johns Hopkins NanoBio Symposium will be held May 1-2, 2008 at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

The Johns Hopkins NanoBio Symposium gathers experts involved in the study, training, research, development and commercialization of nanotechnology. Participants have the opportunity to hear about leading-edge technologies and recent scientific breakthroughs from experts using nanoscale solutions to solve problems in health care and medicine.

Nearly 400 people attended the 2007 NanoBio Symposium, and more than 100 posters were displayed. Due to the enthusiastic response, the 2008 event has been expanded to two days and includes a Thursday afternoon workshop with the theme “Nanotechnology for Cancer.”

On Friday morning, attendees will have the opportunity to hear talks by some of the world’s leading experts in nanobiotechnology. Friday afternoon’s poster session will feature a display of research projects representing departments from across the Johns Hopkins University, as well as from government and industrial entities.

Academic and clinical faculty, staff, students, representatives from government, business, industry, and the general public are invited to attend this enriching two-day event. Attendees also are invited to present posters, subject to INBT approval.

Invited speakers include:

* Donald E. Ingber, M.D., Ph.D. Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School Vascular Biology Program, Children's Hospital (profile)
* Andrew D. Maynard, Ph.D. Chief Science Advisor, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (profile)
* Paras N. Prasad, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair of Chemistry Director, Institute for Lasers, Photonics, and Biophotonics University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
* Jeffery A. Schloss, Ph.D. Co-chair, Trans-NIH NANO Task Force Program Director, Technology Development Coordination National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health (profile)
* Jennifer L. West, Ph.D. Isabel C. Cameron Professor of Bioengineering Rice University

Registration is required. JHU affiliated faculty, fellows, staff, and students may attend the symposium at NO COST. Non-JHU affiliated registrants pay a minimal fee. Registrants may also submit a poster, subject to approval by INBT.

Deadline for poster submissions is Thursday, April 17, 2008. Deadline for general registration without a poster submission is Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Thursday, May 1, 2008
Workshop: 2-5 p.m.
"Nanotechnology for Cancer"
Owens Auditorium
Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center

Friday, May 2, 2008
Symposium: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Turner Auditorium
Hopkins School of Medicine

Poster Session: 2-4:30 p.m.
Turner Auditorium Concourse

Registration and poster submission form here: http://inbt.jhu.edu/documents/nanobio-symposium-registration.pdf

Event precise location and contact information

Web site Url link

Web site Url text

What is Nanomedicine?

Carrie Smith — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:22:58 +0000

Short description

This one-day introductory course, delivered in partnership with Cranfield University, is aimed at clinicians, researchers, industry professionals and others who require a broad overview of the new field of nanomedicine and its amazing implications for 21st Century medicine.

Long description

Event precise location and contact information

The Linnean Society of London
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BF
United Kingdom

Web site Url link

http://www.nano.org.uk/events/ionevents.htm#courseLondon

Web site Url text

Institute of Nanotechnology

Report Measures the Impact of Nanotechnologies Currently Being Applied to Target Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease and CNS Disorder

Admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:35:11 +0000

Short description

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c82834) has announced the addition of Nanotechnology: Revolutionizing R&D to Develop Smarter Therapeutics and Diagnostics to their offering.

Article body

Nanotechnologies have already attracted over $3bn of global government funding as part of efforts to enhance a range of disciplines including pharmaceuticals, drug delivery and healthcare monitoring. Advances in nanomaterials, nanostructures and nanosystems are expected to drive the value of the global nanotechnology market to over a trillion dollars by 2015, but many companies are remaining cautious, preferring to monitor developments in academia prior to making substantial investments.

Despite such trepidation, the pharma industry is beginning to adopt nanotools throughout the R&D process to facilitate the high throughput screening of drug repositories, the identification of new drug targets and biomarkers for preclinical and clinical studies and the development of diagnostics and imaging agents. 'Nanotechnology' is a new report published by Business Insights that provides a comprehensive review of nanotechnology and it's role in the development of next-generation nanomedicines. The nanotools and detection systems currently driving nanotechnology are profiled and the applications of nanotechnologies within the R&D process are assessed.

This report measures the impact of nanotechnologies currently being applied to target cancer, cardiovascular disease and CNS disorders and also explores the implementation strategies of leading pharmaceutical, healthcare and nanotechnology start-ups. Use this new report to assess the future of nanotechnology within pharma R&D, identify the innovations driving growth within the market and examine the implementation strategies of leading companies.

Key Findings

-Nano-enabled delivery systems are the fastest growing form of nanotechnology amongst major pharma companies, helping to improve the targeted delivery of old, existing and shelved products. However many companies remain cautious, choosing to monitor the progress of nanotechnology prior to making significant investments.
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- Optical imaging tags will help to identify diseases earlier and may avoid the need for expensive, high tech laser-based equipment. Diagnostic imaging of this kind is being increasingly applied to animals in preclinical dosing studies.

- Regulatory authorities are supporting nanotechnologies that can improve the development of pharmaceuticals and diagnostic agents. Many regulatory policies are currently being reassessed to ensure innovation and safety when utilising nanotechnologies.

- Many governments are keen to apply nanotechnology across pharmaceuticals, drug delivery and healthcare monitoring in an effort to reduce R&D costs and enhance levels of productivity.

-Nanomaterials are being utilised to develop more sensitive and specific POC diagnostic and biocompatible implants. Nanowires and cantilever assay systems will expand the market by helping to shift diagnostic tests from central laboratories to point of diagnostics.

Key Questions Answered

-What is the role of nanotechnology in preclinical and clinical drug development?

- Which new nanotools and nanomaterials are driving growth?

- How is biomarker harvesting being affected by nanotechnology?

- Which major companies are developing nano enabled delivery systems?

- How are new optical tagging agents aiding animal dosing studies in the clinical development of safety assessment candidates?

- Which nanotechnologies are driving innovation in POC diagnostics?

- How are companies incorporating nanotechnology into their R&D programmes?

Key Issues Examined

-Nanotech acquisitions. The potential acquisition of nanotech companies and in-licensing technologies is becoming a popular trend amongst pharma companies who are keen to counter the effects of industrial consolidation and low productivity.

- Go/no-go decision-making. The application of nanotechnology in biomarker discovery has enhanced the identification and validation of novel biomarkers for use in the pre-clinical and clinical development process, helping companies to engage in go/no-go decision-making significantly earlier.

- Fast-evolving technology platform. Novel nanomaterials are being evaluated as nanostructures whilst others have potential as biocompatible and biodegradable medical coatings and

implants. The evolution of nano-enabled delivery systems may provide targeted delivery solutions for approved and upcoming agents and also help to reposition shelved products.

- Disease diagnosis/treatment. New nanotools that enhance contrast agents and improve optical imaging are expected to contribute in the earlier stages of disease diagnosis, and the construction of electrical/thermal nanosensors and nanodevices will help to diagnose, monitor and treat a disease.

Companies Mentioned:

- AstraZeneca

- Bristol-Myers Squibb

- GlaxoSmithKline

- Novartis

- Roche

- Pfizer

- Elan Corporation

- Genentech

- GE Healthcare

- Siemens Medical Solutions

- Abraxis BioSciences

- pSividia Limited

- StarPharma Holdings Ltd

Source information

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c82834

Source: Business Insights
Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager Fax: +353 1 4100 980 press@researchandmarkets.com

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DNA in Nanotechnology

Yana Prima — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:46:48 +0000

Short description

Article body

There is an avalanche-like increase of reports, where molecules of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) appear as an object of nanotechnology research and/or as material for nano-sized devices. In many cases scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is the most powerful and informative research tool. Examinations as well as precise manipulations can be performed this way. What is important when SPM is applied to molecular level experiments? Three facets are illustrated further.
• Appropriate probes
• Substrates and deposition protocols
• AFM long-term stability
Probe sharpness determines resolution.
Tiny features of the relief can not be detected if the probe tip radius is too large. When imaged with conventional probe, the width of the DNA molecule is 10-20 nm usually, while real strand diameter is about 2 nm. Here are shown short poly(dG)–poly(dC) DNA fragments deposited on modified HOPG (see below). Small unwound single-strand fragments can be seen (bold arrow on the scan) and even helical pitch of the DNA molecule can be resolved (thin arrows) with a sharp enough tip (like DLC probe tip). See comprehensive discussion on sub-molecular imaging in “High-resolution atomic force microscopy of duplex and triplex DNA molecules” Klinov D. et al. Nanotechnology (2007), V18, N22, p.225102.
Whisker-type sharp AFM probes - 1 micron-long Whisker tip grown on silicon probe apex
provides extremely high aspect ratio, tip radius is about 10 nm.
http://www.ntmdt-tips.com/catalog/wt.html
Super-sharp DLC AFM probes - Tip from diamond-like carbon (DLC) grown on the probe apex
is shorter and much sharper (tip radius ~1 nm).
http://www.ntmdt-tips.com/catalog/dlc/products.html
DNA deposition: substrates and procedures.
• Binding to mica surface via inorganic cations
DNA molecules (plasmid) were deposited onto mica surface from solution containing
Mg2+. Pre-treatment of mica by pure water increases density of surface negative
charge (because of cations loss). Binding of DNA in this case is fast and strong,
circular plasmid becomes compacted (A). Freshly cleaved surface has lower density of
the negative charge, thus DNA binding is slower and lateral diffusion occurs during
deposition (B).
• Binding to mica surface via organic molecules
• Binding to HOPG
Related info:
HOPG for SPM applications http://www.ntmdt-tips.com/catalog/hopg.html Highly oriented pirolytic graphite has atomically smooth surface and can be cleaved many times like
mica. In contrast HOPG surface is hydrophobic.
DNA molecules on mica http://www.ntmdt-tips.com/catalog/test_s/products/DNA01.html Test sample to be used in calibration of SPM device. Can be imaged both under liquid and in air.
AFM stability is essential for precise and long-term manipulations.
• Manipulations on small fields: low temperature drifts
Temperature drifts are serious obstruction for long-term experiments on small fields.
Typical drifts values are 10-15 nm per hour in best commercial AFM devices. Due to
this effect objects with sizes of tens of nanometers can be lost during long
observations. On the left images it is shown how carbon nanotube (that is similar to
DNA in terms of its dimensions) can be moved by AFM probe. Right pare of scans
show this object in long-term experiment. Displacement for 7 hours is small enough
and the same particles remains in field of view. Sample courtesy of Dr. H.B.Chan,
Department of Physics, University of Florida, USA.
• Manipulations on small fields: closed loop correction
Closed loop (CL) sensors are essential for correct probe repositioning
and manipulations. Because CL sensors put some electronic noise they usually are not available below 100 nm. NTEGRA Therma allows CL correction even below 10 nm. Here is atomic lattice of mica imaged with CL sensors.
NTEGRA Therma http://www.ntmdt.com/Products/PNL/product101.html The only commercial AFM system that provides drifts <3 nm/h. CL correction available below 10 nm.
NTEGRA Spectra http://www.ntmdt.com/Products/PNL/product99.html SPM-combined Raman spectroscopy system for single molecule experiments(in-plane resolution for spectroscopy is ~50 nm). Tip enhancement of Raman allows detecting signal from single molecule.

Source information

D. S. Andreuk
NT-MDT, Moscow, Russia
andreuk@ntmdt.ru

Source title

NT-MDT: DNA in Nanotechnology

Source Url

http://www.ntmdt.com/Application-Notes/Science_Technology_Applications/Life_Sciences/DNA_in_Nanotechnology/text314.html

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY SCIENTISTS INVENT NANOTECHNOLOGY DEVICE FOR DISEASE BIOMARKER DISCOVERY

JohnT — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:51:12 +0000

Short description

Innovative nanotechnology tool that may lead to a dramatic improvement in treatment results for patients diagnosed with cancer or other diseases.

Article body

MANASSAS, Va.—-Scientists at George Mason University’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine have invented an innovative nanotechnology tool that may lead to a dramatic improvement in treatment results for patients diagnosed with cancer or other diseases.

The novel diagnostic tool is uniquely suited for the discovery of new protein biomarkers in the blood that provide sensitive and specific disease detection at the earliest stage when treatment is most effective.

The technology was introduced earlier this year at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting. A complete description appears in the current issue of Nano Letters, an international publication of the American Chemical Society, and online at http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/asap.cgi/nalefd/asap/pdf/nl072174l.pdf.

CAPMM scientists have developed “smart hydrogel nanoparticles” that mix with a patient’s blood sample to instantly soak up protein biomarkers and protect them from degradation when they are extracted for analysis. According to the scientists, this process is a breakthrough in biomarker discovery and analysis because it immediately preserves, protects and stabilizes the molecules — something no other technology has been shown to do.

“This tiny particle is like a nanosized vacuum cleaner that sucks the molecules out of the blood and freezes them in place for further analysis,” explains Lance Liotta, center co-director.

Scientists in the center currently are applying the new process to cancer, infectious diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease, but they say the nanoparticle has other applications, as well.

“The nanoparticle has the unique attribute of a two- to three-dimensional separation system in one particle and could be used for other applications, such as environmental remediation and rapid blood dialysis for transplant patients,” says Alessandra Luchini, lead author on the Nano Letters paper.

According to Emanuel Petricoin III, CAPMM co-director, the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute are making a substantial financial investment in biomarker discovery and methods for sample collection and handling. A major obstacle in the research efforts is the rapid degradation of biomarkers once the blood is removed from the patient.

“We believe we have developed one of the first practical tools to directly address several of the practical needs of the biomarker community at once,” Petricoin says.

George Mason University, located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s technology corridor near Washington, D.C., is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. With strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering, information technology, biotechnology and health care, Mason prepares its students to succeed in the work force and meet the needs of the region and the world. Mason professors conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, climate change, information technology and the biosciences, and Mason’s Center for the Arts brings world-renowned artists, musicians and actors to its stage. Its School of Law is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 35 law schools in the United States.

Source information

Patty Snellings
psnellin@gmu.edu
703-993-8783

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Thailand - state-of-the-art nanotechnology infrared detoxification, or the Dome Sauna and Medical Hydrology Mineral Bath.

JohnT — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:17:38 +0000

Short description

I'm flat on my back in a hospital ward with my knees pressed up against my forehead.

Article body

Lee Atkinson uncovers some of the finest massage treatments Thailand has to offer.

I'm flat on my back in a hospital ward with my knees pressed up against my forehead. Overhead, underneath the glare of a strip of hospital-grade neon lights, a row of ceiling fans lazily stirs the air. Beside me, eight other patients are also flat on their backs with their legs and arms being pushed and pulled into improbable positions, and their backs and shoulders prodded with elbows, hands, knees and even feet.

Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, not far from the Thai-Cambodian border, specialises in orthopaedic surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, ear-nose-throat medicine, dermatology, dentistry and diagnostic radiology.

But that's not why we're here. We've made the two-hour road trip from Bangkok because it's also one of Thailand's most important centres for traditional herbal medicine and Thai massage.

This is where the locals go when they need a fix - with local prices to match. My three friends and I are the only Westerners in sight and the rather large, white, hairy legs of the male in our group is causing much giggling and mirth among the staff.

Built in 1909 as a reception area for King Rama V, the two-storey hospital is, on the outside, a baroque colonial confection of yellow and lime green, with lots of decorative white plaster work and surrounded by luxurious gardens including, somewhat inexplicably, a rather grand avenue of sculpted concrete roosters.

But inside, it's all business and you can forget five-star, hotel-like facilities, fancy body wraps and delicate perfumed massages. The doctors and therapists are here to make you feel better, not pampered, and the hour-long massage is nothing if not robust.

Sometimes it feels good, sometimes I have to do all I can not to yelp out in pain, but by the time it's over, my body feels like it's been recast and repoured into my skin and all my travel-induced aches and pains have disappeared, although I can't help but wonder if I will be a mess of bruises in the morning.

We'd spent the previous night at the nearby Rainbow Arokaya Holistic Health Paradise, a beautifully appointed riverside health farm that caters almost exclusively to cashed-up Thais wanting a few days of detox and luxury.

Yet again, we were the only Westerners in sight as we tossed up whether we should try the Volcanic Mineral Stone Sand Spa, which involved being buried up to the neck in hot sand and promised state-of-the-art nanotechnology infrared detoxification, or the Dome Sauna and Medical Hydrology Mineral Bath.

In the end, though, all that nanotechnology seemed a little daunting and, deciding that walking around steamy Bangkok all day had been akin to stewing in a sauna, I opted instead for a couple of hours by the pool, a stroll through the exquisite orchid-strewn gardens and a sunset river cruise, trusting that a night spent in my special "far-infrared" and minus-ion detoxifying bedroom would work its magic.

I did feel great the next morning, but I suspect that had more to do with the alcohol-free spa cuisine dinner and 11 hours of solid sleep than any infrared nanotechnology. (For the record, my travelling companions thought the Dome Sauna was pretty terrific.)

Back in Bangkok, we decided to splurge on one last massage at the S Medical Spa. Offering everything from colonic irrigation to Botox, acupuncture to carboxy treatment (injecting carbon dioxide to remove cellulite), the SMedical Spa makes going to the doctor a five-star experience. Looking and feeling more like an exclusive resort, this opulent day spa and health clinic has all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a luxury hotel (think super luxe lounges, dressing rooms, plunge pools, steam baths, jacuzzis, private treatment rooms and the latest in very expensive equipment) but with doctors on staff and a price tag to match.

Not interested in laser therapy or a face-whitening treatment (although somewhat tempted by promises of the hour-long Forever Young treatment), we all chose the Cool Guy aromatherapy massage, with the assurance that it works for cool girls as well.

Ninety minutes later we emerged from our luxurious treatment rooms smelling like a bouquet of exotic Thai jungle flowers and so relaxed we could hardly speak as we tucked into a light and healthy lunch of prawn and dumpling soup, pomelo salad, noodles, fruit salad doused with sweet balsamic and a green apple and carrot juice in the spa restaurant.

At about $115 for 90 minutes, it was a bargain in Australian terms. In Sydney you could easily expect to pay double for the same standard in such opulent surrounds.

For my money, though, you can't beat the expert hands (and feet and elbows) at Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital. At about $8 for the best massage I've ever had, it's a bargain in anyone's language.

The writer was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

TRIP NOTES

* Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital: two kilometres from Prachin Buri, about a two-hour drive east of Bangkok. One-hour Thai massage, THB 230 (about $8). See http://www.abhaibhubejhr.org/en/. Rainbow Arokaya Holistic Health Resort: 168 Moo 1 T.Hua-sai, Bangkhla District Chachoengsao (60kilometres east of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport). See http://www.rainbowarokaya.com. Packages start at THB 430 and include accommodation, meals and spa program. S Medical Spa: 2/2 Bhakdi Building, Wireless Road, Bangkok. See http://www.smedspa.com. Ninety-minute Cool Guy Massage, THB 3000.
Source: The Sun-Herald

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http://www.smh.com.au/news/spa--resorts/rubbing-shoulders-with-the-local...

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Iran developing anti-cancer nanodrugs

JohnT — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:52:43 +0000

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Iranian scientists at the country's Nanotechnology Center are working on the development of anti-cancer nanodrugs, official says.

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Iranian scientists at the country's Nanotechnology Center are working on the development of anti-cancer nanodrugs, official says.

A group of Iranian researchers are working to develop anti-cancer drugs by applying nano-science, deputy health minister, Rasoul Dinarvand, told reporters in Tehran.

"The efforts launched by Iranian researchers seem promising and experts are testing the drugs on animals at the moment," he said.

In case of achieving positive tests on human samples, the drugs are expected to prove effective with very low side-effects, he noted, adding that the new drugs are designed in such a way as to directly affect the target tumor cells.

The research, sponsored by Iran's Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, is being conducted at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, the official noted.

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http://www.presstv.ir/Detail.aspx?id=37638&sectionid=3510210

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Nanotechnology holds out hope for cancer patients

JohnT — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:27:16 +0000

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New Delhi (PTI): Nanotechnology holds out hope for faster, more efficient treatment of cancer,

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New Delhi (PTI): Nanotechnology holds out hope for faster, more efficient treatment of cancer, with scientists saying that it can help them in early detection of the disease and better drug delivery.

"Nanotechnology is one approach that complements a whole array of efforts to combat cancer in India and elsewhere in the world," Ravi V Bellamkonda of Georgia Institute of Technology said.

Nanotechnology is a branch of applied science that deals with matters on atomic and molecular scale.

"This technology gives us more control over the properties of nano-scale structures so that they can be designed for more effective diagnosis and monitoring of the disease," he said.

It also facilitates efficient drug delivery system, Bellamkonda added.

"Nano-science can tremendously upgrade healthcare service, especially cancer treatment with its multi-functional approach," Professor J Narayan of North Carolina State University said.

"Same particles can be used in imaging probes, to carry drugs and also to monitor the efficacy of treatment inside one's body," Bellamkonda said.

Detection of cancer at an early stage is important to improve the treatment efficiency. Currently, detection of the disease mainly depends on physical examination or imaging of cells and tissues by doctors.

"This highly sensitive technology can help us in screening the cells and tissues accurately. Early detection always causes better outcome from treatment," Dr Lionel Vayssieres said.

According to scientists, early detection, in turn, makes the whole process much cheaper as well.

"If we can prevent prolonged less effective treatment, it certainly cuts down total expense," Bellamkonda explained.

"If there are effective and target-specific delivery systems for the existing drugs, their efficiency goes up significantly. Nanotechnology helps us right at this point," he said.

"In our laboratory, we tend to make particles with the size of around 100 nanometres, which carry and release their payload in the form of anti-cancer drugs only on cancer affected cells in the body," Bellamkonda said.

If the particles are larger than 200 nanometres, they will be cleared away by blood streams very quickly and won't have time to attack cancer, scientists said.

Anti-cancer drugs are put inside a nano-scale shell that is made of fat. "In one sense, nanotechnology impacts drug manufacturing as well," Bellamkonda said.

"Now the path of the medicines in the body will be dictated by their delivery vehicles and not their own chemistry. It will only add to the efficiency of cancer therapy," he said.

Scientists are of the view that introduction of a target-specific drug delivery system will also cause less side-effects.

"Cancer therapy often causes different side-effects in patients today. For example, sometimes they become susceptible to other diseases after treatments," Professor Narayan said.

"As nanotechnology-driven therapy will be focused on bad cells, side-effects will be minimised," he added.

"Some drugs show toxicity after entering into human body which can be prevented by pointed drug delivery system," Dr Vayssieres said.

Source information

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200801061021.htm

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http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200801061021.htm

'Golden Bullet' Shows Promise For Killing Common Parasite

JohnT — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:35:06 +0000

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Researchers in Australia report development of a new type of gold nanoparticle that destroys the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis

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Researchers in Australia report development of a new type of gold nanoparticle that destroys the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a potentially serious disease acquired by handling the feces of infected cats or eating undercooked meat. Their so-called "golden bullet" could provide a safer, more effective alternative for treating the disease than conventional drug therapy, they say.

Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes the disease, infects more than 60 million people in the United States alone. Although most infected people have no symptoms, it can cause serious health problems in pregnant women and individuals such as AIDS patients or organ transplant recipients who have weakened immune systems.

In the new study, Michael Cortie and colleagues attached antibodies to the parasite onto gold nanorods that are activated by laser-light. A group of Toxoplasma-infected animal cells were isolated in cell culture dishes and subsequently exposed to these "golden bullets."

The cells were then exposed to laser-light, which heated up the "bullets" and destroyed the parasites. The treatment killed about 83 percent of the parasites containing the gold particles, the researchers say. They hope to develop a similar technique for killing the parasite in patients.

The article "A Golden Bullet" Selective Targeting of Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites Using Antibody-Functionalized Gold Nanorods" was published in the December issue of ACS' Nano Letters.

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/

Adapted from materials provided by American Chemical Society.

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071230093430.htm

UConn Developing Implantable Chip For Soldiers

JohnT — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:21:34 +0000

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Tiny device under skin would help monitor soldiers' health signs

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By 2014 the Army may issue more than combat gear to deploying soldiers. University of Connecticut researchers are developing an implantable chip that would be injected under soldiers' skin to help monitor vital health information while they are out in the field.

“It sounds like science fiction but it's not,” said Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos, professor of chemistry and associate director of the Institute of Materials Science at UConn. “We're taking components from traditional biology and nanotechnology and trying to marry them.”

Six UConn faculty members have been working to create a nanosensor, just millimeters in length and width, that will be used to monitor soldiers' glucose and lactose to make sure the soldiers are not exhausted and are receiving proper nutrition.

While the research has been ongoing for the last decade, the Army has become involved over the past five years in helping develop the technology. The $471 billion defense spending bill that President Bush signed on Nov. 13 included $1.6 million for UConn's program.

“The Army has a tremendous interest in the well-being of their soldiers and they want to make sure they are in tip-top shape,” Papadimitrakopoulos said. “The Army has made a big effort in monitoring their soldiers remotely.”

The silicone nanosensor will be small enough to pass through the tip of a standard hypodermic needle, which will be used to implant the device in the wrist. The soldier will wear a watch-like transmitter that will receive readings of the soldier's glucose and lactose levels.

“Glucose is like fuel for soldiers,” Papadimitrakopoulos said. “Lactose is what makes us tired.”

Embedding the sensor is more complex than simply getting a shot in the wrist, because of the body's immune system reaction.

“The (body's) reaction is inflammation, what you typically see if you get scab or splinter. Inflammation is the body's reaction to get rid of foreign matters,” said Dianne Burgess, professor of pharmaceutics at UConn and member of the research team.

After the nanosensor is implanted, the immune system sends “scavenger cells,” she said, to try to eat it. When that fails the immune system cocoons the sensor in fibrous tissue. Unlike pacemakers and defibrillators, nanosensors cannot function while so entombed.

To trick the body into not attacking the sensor, researchers have created a gel coating that contains time-release anti-inflammatory medication. Burgess said they have created a sensor that would stay implanted in a person for at least three months.

A prototype of the sensor has been assembled and the university will use this new grant to work on synchronizing the implantable nanosensor with the wrist transmitter.

UConn researchers believe a fully functional device is five years away from human testing. But they are not the only researchers working in the field.

“The competition is unbelievable,” Papadimitrakopoulos said. “But we believe we are very advanced.”

Clemson University in South Carolina is also in the race to develop an implantable sensor to monitor soldiers' vital signs. In July the Department of Defense gave the school $1.6 million to develop similar technology.

Even though both universities are attempting to create nanosensors with the same function, Papadimitrakopoulos isn't worried about Clemson. He said his rival's device, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is much larger than the UConn prototype.

Researchers hope that the blossoming technology could also be used in people with diabetes.

“This is more than an Army project, this is an implantable device that tells us something about the physiology of humans,” he said.

UConn scientists are looking at ways to use the technology to help change the way diabetics monitor their blood sugar and live their lives.

“Right now (diabetics) prick their fingers five times a day and we don't have a picture of what happens in between,” Burgess said. This sensor would be “completely revolutionary.”

She said the nanosensor could be used by diabetics to help understand how their bodies respond to eating and exercise and in turn produce an individualized medication and care plan.

Burgess said microelectronics will continue to change the future of medicine in how information is gathered and how people are treated.

Nanosensors are “not only part of treating medicine, but they have an enormous future in preventative medicine,” Burgess said.

Source information

Audrey M. Marks
www.theday.com

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A mobile nano-device to record heart beats

JohnT — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:27:44 +0000

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Scientists and students at IIT Mumbai have claimed to have developed a unique mobile nano device which can record the heart beat of a person constantly for 12 hours.

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Scientists and students at IIT Mumbai have claimed to have developed a unique mobile nano device which can record the heart beat of a person constantly for 12 hours.

"We have developed a silicon locket at IIT. It will record ECG for 12 hours in one change of battery. The standard mobile interface will help the user send the SMS to the doctor about the latest ECG. This is going to help the patients immensely," Prof V Ramgopal Rao of IIT Mumbai said.

It is a hand held device, which will be with a patient all time and once fully charged the battery can record 12 hours of ECG, he said adding with constant ECG recording the doctors can find out where the actual problem is and can diagnose and give the prescription more precisely.

This mobile device will hit the market very soon, Rao, who was in the city to deliver a keynote address at a national conference on Applications of Nanotechnology, said.

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www.hinduonnet.com

Nanotechnology : Medicine and health

5th International Congress of NanoBio & Clean Tech 2008

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Innovative Mode For Achieving Super-Fast Speeds In Andor Technology’s Scientific Cameras

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