Nanotechnology and its Dilemmas

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Likewise, this technology as transform the way scientists are treating patients in that nanoparticles allows medical professionals to perform gene delivery to individuals cells as well as to cancer cells. Gene delivery is basically the introduction of foreign DNA into cells. This technique is usually used in gene therapy in which scientists seek to correct a problem in the body by administering ‘drugs’ on the cellular level. In terms of gene delivery, scientist use nanoparticles to encapsulate the gene of interest that they would like to inject into the damaged or abnormal cells (Prabha, 531). When the gene, with the desired DNA strand, as been encapsulated, the nanoparticles are then injected either into the cells directly or through a specific body part in proximity to the target cells. By using this form of therapy, scientists seek to minimize the patient’s exposure to possible harmful effects as well as to high dosages. This is important in cancer treatment because it allows doctors to target the tumor and apply dosages to that specific target without exposing healthy tissues.
Another innovation that has helped in the revolution in the medical field is the application of biosensors. Biosensors are basically nanoscaled sensors engineered to respond to changes in the body. This technology has been applied to several biological mechanisms, a few of which will be highlighted. Of on the most recent application of the biosensor is the development of nanosensors that detect changes in the glucose levels for individuals with diabetes (Martis, et al, 71). This is revolutionary because it allows the individuals to know when their glucose levels are too high or too low or it alerts them even before that occurs so that they can take measu...

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...ne Therapy 19: 530-537. Web. 10 June 2014.
Selin, Cynthia. "Negotiating Plausibility: Intervening in the Future of Nanotechnology." Science and Engineering Ethics 17: 723-737. Print.
Schummer, Joachim. "Cultural Diversity In Nanotechnology Ethics." Interdisciplinary Science Reviews 31: 217-230. Print.
Syková, Eva, and Sarka Kubinova. "Nanotechnologies in regenerative medicine." Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies 19: 144-156. Print.
Wright, JonPaul. "Nanomedicine: Small Particles, Big Concerns." University of Colorado Boulder. University of Colorado, Boulder Honors Journal, n.d. Web. 10 June 2014. .
Zhang, B.. "Recent progress in nanoethics and its possible effects on engineering education." International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education 40: 1-10. Print.

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