Risks of Drug Delivery

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Nanotechnology in medicine and specifically drug delivery is now used widely. Many substances of nanotechnology at this time are under investigation for drug delivery purpose and more precisely, for cancer therapy. In fact, carrier systems themselves may inflict risks to the patient. The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery introduced hazards that are beyond the conventional hazard which is created as a result of chemicals in classical delivery mediums. The toxicology of particulate varies from the toxicology of elements. Chemicals that are created through the toxicology of particulate matter may or may not be soluble in biological matrices. Hence, this particle will cause potential exposure to various internal organs either from a high exposure into the lungs or low exposure to other organ systems.

Nevertheless, the potential toxicity of the inhaled particles may also be affected by the adsorbed species. There is a possibility for nanoparticles to cross over the various biological barriers within the body because of their size. They are able to travel freely throughout the body and reach the organs with the blood. 

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Besides, nanoparticles possess the ability in penetrating deeply into the lungs and bloodstream and even the cell membranes, and subsequently the blood-brain barrier. Due to this attribute, skin contact among the body could easily occur. They might disrupt normal cell chemistry or become toxic once they get inside the cell. 

All in all, drug delivery system would appear if only the potential risk of nanotechnology poses to human health being resolved.

Written by: Team 3 (Eiu Teng & Liew Ke Zin)

References:
Boerner, L., contributor, O., Eck, A., & Chant, T. (2013). Nanoparticles Show Big Promise in Fight Against Cancer. NOVA Next. Available at: <http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fwgbh%2Fnova%2Fnext%2Fbody%2Fnanoparticles-in-cancer-treatment%2F&h=YAQE5Q_rU> [Accessed 14 April 2015]

Sherman, W., & Seeman, N. (2004). A Precisely Controlled DNA Biped Walking Device. Nano Letters, 4(7), 1203-1207. doi:10.1021/nl049527q. [Accessed 14 April 2015]

Wim H De Jong, P. (2008). Drug delivery and nanoparticles: Applications and hazards. International Journal Of Nanomedicine, 3(2), 133. Available at: <http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fpmc%2Farticles%2FPMC2527668%2F&h=sAQGKyHSS> [Accessed 14 April 2015]

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Business Risks of Nanoparticles in Medication

Nanotechnology in drug delivery systems seem to be very attractive to the commercial markets, however there are few challenges to be highlighted in the aspects of health environment and public concern in order to introduce nanomedicine to the market.

 Furthermore, as in health environmental concerns, the health activism groups, non-government associations and conservationists are rebelling aggressively and bought criticisms regarding nanomedicine in health have slows down the progress of researching in nanomedicine and an obvious and extensive of criticism can also be seen in the medicinal industry.

Moreover, in public point of views, introducing this type of new advanced nanotechnology in drug delivery system would be costly.  In development stages, the capability for companies to raise fund in public market will be difficult since there is a high uncertainty on such technology investment which there is a high observable failing rate in the science and technology field. Thence, it is hard for researchers to begin their nanomedicine research which researchers would have problem in raising fund to do the research because nanomedicine research return costs a lot of time and investors tend to lower their value propositions on nanomedicine.

Written By: Team 3 (Go Yuan Fon)

References:

OECD International Futures Programme 2015. Opportunities and risks of Nanotechnologies. [Online] Available at: http://www.oecd.org/science/nanosafety/37770473.pdf [Accessed 2 June 2015].

Moradi, M., 2004. Nano-enabled Drug Delivery Systems Market. The Impact of Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery: Global Developments, Market Analysis, and Future Prospects. [Online] Available at: http://www.nanotech-now.com/Mike-Moradi/NanoMarkets-Drug-Delivery-122004.pdf. [Accessed 2 June 2015].

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Nanotechnology in Food Industry

Image Source: http://www.theguardian.com/what-is-nano/nanotechnology-the-worlds-smallest-meal

Nanotechnology has a huge impact on the food industry in all areas, of which it goes beyond the nanofoods, nano-delivery and includes the aspect of farming practices, food processing, packaging and food safety. However, we will be only focusing on the aspect of nanofood and food packaging.

It is predicted that the nanofoods market has the potential to reach 20.4 billion US dollars by 2020 and there is approximately 200 transnational food companies spent billions of dollars on the investment of nanofood and nanopackaging. By 2040, the world will be full of nanoproduced food. As such, the nanotechnology seems to have endless potential in this industry. 

Nanofoods are getting closer to us and in fact many food that can be found in the grocery stores are containing nanomaterials. For instance, yogurt, milk, cream cheese, coffee creamer, pasta and chocolates are all considered as nanofoods. Also, nanotechnology has been widely used in food packaging, of which it helps to minimize the harmful bacteria and to extend the products’ shelf life. 

Written By: Team 3 (Pun Pui Yi)

References:

Farren, 2014. New Futuristic Nanofoods Sneaking into Grocery Stores Every Week. [online] Available at: <http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/new_futuristic_nanofoods_sneaking_into_grocery_stores_every_week/> [Accessed 29 May 2015]

Beilharz N, 2014. Nanotechnology may change how we grow food. [online] Available at: <http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-24/nanotech-artifical-photosynthesis/5546782> [Accessed 29 May 2015].

Donsky A, 2015. What are Nanoparticles and Why are They in Our Food? [online] Available at: <http://naturallysavvy.com/eat/what-are-nanoparticles-and-why-are-they-in-our-food> [Accessed 29 May 2015].

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Impacts of Nanotechnology in Food Industry

Nanotechnology has changed the way we consume food. It may sounds ridiculous that we all ate nanotechnology but in fact it is more common than what we think and it does exist in most of the food that we usually consumed for more than a decade. The nanomaterials can be either produced naturally in food itself or intentionally added with engineered material sources for a better and healthier planet.

The purpose of adding these man-made nanomaterials into the food is to improve its quality, appearance and to lower the nutritional deficiencies. These nanotechnologies aims to restructure the food components to get desired food properties. For instance, it produces food with less salt, sugar and calories without changing the taste and it often used in dietary drinks and food. 

Image Source: http://www.hortibiz.com/hortibiz/nieuws/nanotechnology-based-packaging-solutions/

For instance, it makes mayonnaise less fattening by replacing the fat molecules with water without changing its taste. No doubt, this is really a good news as we now can have delicious food without calculating the calories. Hence, it helps to control the obesity and diabetes rate by producing more healthy food. Another example would be yogurt, of which it contains nanoparticle (i.e. titanium dioxide) that acts as colour enhancer to make it as white as possible. It also helps to deliver more important nutrients like vitamins into the food and these nanoscale nutrients are believed to be absorbed by human body more easily due to its extremely tiny size.

From all these, we could clearly see that the intention of using nanotechnology in the food industry isn’t bad and in fact it is to build a better world. Who doesn’t want a healthier life? Everyone does. With the trend of healthy eating, I believe that there is a huge market for these healthy food despite of the fact that people are still uncertainty over the nanotechnology. So the organizations that work on this nanotechnology should spread and bring this knowledge or news in order to make this nanotechnology exist and available for everyone.

Written By: Team 3 (Pun Pui Yi)

References:

Abdellatif, E., 2011, ‘Nanotechnology in Elevation of the Worldwide Impact of Obesity and Obesity-Related Diseases: Potential Roles in Human Health and Disease’, J Diabetes Sci Technol, vol. 5, no.4, pp. 1005–1008. [online] Available at: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3192608/> [Accessed 30 May 2015].

Bumbudsanpharoke, N and Ko, S 2015. Nano-Food Packaging: An Overview of Market, Migration Research, and Safety Regulations. [Online] Available at: <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.12861/full> [Accessed 4 June 2015].

Chun, A.L., 2011. Is Nanofood Approaching the Table? [Online] Available at: <http://www.cnbss.eu/index.php/editorial/item/7-is-nanofood-approaching-the-table> [Accessed 30 May 2015].

Mu, R., 2010. The Future of Nanotechnology in the Food Industry. [Online] Available at: <http://www.foodmag.com.au/news/the-future-of-nanotechnology-in-the-food-industry> [Accessed 30 May 2015].

Ortiz, C., 2014. Wait, There's Nanotechnology in My Food?  [Online] Available at: <http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a12790/wait-theres-nanotechnology-in-my-food-16510737/> [Accessed 30 May 2015].

Sekhon, B.S., 2014. Nanotechnology in agri-food production: an overview. [Online] Available at: <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4038422/> [Accessed 4 June 2015].

Soutter, W., 2012. Nanotechnology in Food Packaging. [Online] Available at: <http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3035> [Accessed 30 May 2015].

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Is it Safety for Humans?

The usage of nanotechnologies in food production and packaging involved potential risks to the humans as well as the environment. Whilst the large contact surface area of nanoparticles, it might enter into some parts of our body that are created to block large particles from entering. Too much of bioavailability vitamins and minerals through nano-carriers may not beneficial for human’s health but another way round. It will cause nano-additives in food due to accumulation and aggregation of nanomaterials. The nanomaterials will bind with other food components which then react with stomach acid, enzymes, and other biotransformation in the body. However, the research of biotransformations is limited, the analysis might not be accurate.

The major concern of nano-food, is the nano-sizing of nanoparticles exposes consumers to some ‘hard’ nanomaterials. Some food and drinks may contain indigestible, insoluble or even potentially biopersistent nanoparticles (e.g. metals and metal oxides) which are difficult to breakdown. Sometimes, humans might face toxic effects in our body due the applications of nano-pesticides that are used in agriculture.

Moving on to the risks of nanotechnology in food packaging. Previous studies found that only nanoparticles that are smaller than nm range have the possibilities of nanoparticles migrating from the packaging of food into the food. Therefore, the likelihood of nanoparticles migrating from the packaging to the food is merely zero. However, researchers mentioned that there might be more unforeseen challenges that further study is needed. For example like the effects of microbial flora when it contacts with our mouth and gut.

Challenges of Nanofood

Image source: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/12/consumers-accept-nanotech-genetic-modification-in-food-for-nutrition-safety/#.VWlSoc-qqko

Recently, a survey on the willingness of consumers to purchase foods that contain nanotech and qualifiers (i.e. price, enhanced nutrition, improved taste and improved safety) and genetically modified (GM) food among consumers of United Sates. The results showed that consumers are very curious in this technology and they are willing to pay more if the technologies are helping them to improve the safety and health benefits, otherwise, they would go for organic ingredients. Thus, we can judge that the level of health consciousness is increasing.

            Moving on, currently there is no regulations of control on the production of nanoparticles existed in the policy yet there are many nutrition products that contain nanomaterials like iron in nutritional drinks, minerals, zinc oxide and many more are already in the market. However, consumers never find out what they really do and whether they are at the healthy level.

Currently, there are limited understandings and knowledge about the risks of using nanotechnologies in food production and packaging. Previously, even though we can see nanotechnologies used in our food, consumers are not familiar with the functions. However, according to Sanderson, it is expected to see nanotechnologies food labelling on nanotechnologies food products by 2014.

In conclusion, I suggest that scientists have to investigate deeper and present a clearer view on both advantages and disadvantages of consuming nanomaterials.

Written by: Team 3 (Wong Houy Shyan)

References:

Chaudhry, Q., Castle, L., 2011. Food applications of nanotechnologies: An overview of opportunities and challenges for developing countries, Trends in Food Science & Technology, vol. 22, iss. 11, pp. 595-603. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.lancs.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S0924224411000021 [Accessed 27 May 2015].

Cushena, M., Kerryb, J., Morrisc, M., Cruz-Romerob, M., Cummins, E., 2012. Nanotechnologies in the Food Industry – Recent Developments, Risks And Regulation, Trends I Food Science & Technology, vol. 24, iss. 1, pp. 30-46. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.lancs.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S0924224411002378 [Accessed 27 May 2015].

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What Industry can Do for Nanofood?

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One of the major reason of limited growth in developing nanofood is due to high cost involvement.  Let us discuss on the opportunities that entrepreneurs could develop on. As we all know, nanotechnology in packaging could maintain the freshness of the food for a longer period. A food researcher of Lathy Groves, Kathy Groves suggested that nanocoatings could improve the efficiency of energy needed to clean the food-processing machinery. Less energy needed, less pollution to the environment. Besides, such coatings allowed the blades to stay sharp for a longer period. According to Kathy Groves, such technology is not yet to be seen in the market, it will be a huge step to replace all processing equipment that we are currently using.

Other than that, nanofood can reduce the level of obesities or other health benefits. There are nanoencapsulation of nutrition in food products sold in the internet. It is said to improve the sweetness of the food, thus reducing calories of food which at one point we could consume nutrition yet no need to worry about gaining weight. Up until now, it is not yet launch in physical market, Professor Morris therefore sees potential in it. However, to what extent we could believe this technology? Developers have to pass the test of the safety of nanofood.

Despite the existence of nanofood in the market. There are still a lot more improvements to do in this industry. Moore emphasized that companies are waiting each other to take the first breakthrough. A research analysis showed that consumers lack of knowledge about nanotechnologies in their food. Furthermore, they are more price conscious. The application of nanotechnologies in food will jerk up the price causing the demand to slow down. A researcher recommended that the food industry have to spread the knowledge of nanotechnology in food in order to build confidence in the public. All stakeholders should come up with a long term plan to outreach the public with activities.

Written By: Team 3 (Wong Houy Shyan)

References:

Berger, M., 2012. What’s Happening With Nanofoods? [Online]  Available at: <http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=24155.php>. [Accessed 6 June 2015].

Bite, 2010. Nanofoods Unwrapped. [pdf] <http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/multimedia/pdfs/publication/bitesummer10.pdf> [Accessed 6 June 2015]

Future Nanotechnology, n.d., What id Nanotechnology Used For? [Online] Available at: <http://www.futurenanotechnology.net/what-is-nanotechnology-used-for.html> [Accessed 6 June 2015].

Nanotechmag, 2015, USDA Awards $3.8 Million in Grants for Nanotechnology in Food Research. [image online] Available at: http://www.nanotechmag.com/usda-awards-3-8-million-grants-nanotechnology-food-research/ [Accessed 6 June 2015].

Tran, V. T., Yiannaka, A., Giannakas, K., 2014. An Economic Analysis of Nanofood Labelling. [Online] Available at: <http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/170220/2/Tran_AAEA2014_Paper%205145.pdf> [Accessed 6 June 2015].

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Nanotechnology can be fashionable now!

Nanotechnology is an evolving of interdisciplinary technology that has been growing in recent decade in different area, includes nanotechnology in textiles industry. The potential of nanotechnology in textiles has been recognized and it used widely because of its unique properties.

The nanotechnology in textiles focuses on refining the properties of textile materials currently. The intensification of nanotechnology in textiles contributes to the fabric’s surfaces treated with abrasion performance, ultraviolet electromagnetic, water repellent and infrared protection finishes that can be adapted by merging the nanoparticles with the chemical and organic compounds. The clothing industry will revolutionize by the new method in processing fabric of nanotechnology.

Written By: Team 3 (Liew Ke Zin)

References:

Morshed, A., Ikbal, M. and Hasan, S. (2010). Impact of Nanotechnology in the Arena of Textile Apparel Finishing. [online] Textiletoday.com.bd. Available at: http://www.textiletoday.com.bd/oldsite/magazine/68 [Accessed 4 Jun. 2015].

Eufinger, K. and Schrijver, I. (2015). Incorporation of Nanotechnology in Textile Applications. [online] Azonano.com. Available at: http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2402 [Accessed 4 Jun. 2015].

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