While many people love colorful photos of landscapes, flowers or rainbows, some biomedical researchers treasure vivid images on a much smaller scale as tiny as one-thousandth the width of a human hair.
To study the micro world and help advance medical knowledge and treatments, these scientists use fluorescent nano-sized particles.
Quantum dots are one type of nanoparticle, more commonly known for their use in TV screens. Theyre super tiny crystals that can transport electrons. When UV light hits these semiconducting particles, they can emit light of various colors.
That fluorescence allows scientists to use them to study hidden or otherwise cryptic parts of cells, organs and other structures.
Im part of a group of nanotechnology and neuroscience researchers at the University of Washington investigatinghow quantum dots behave in the brain.
Common brain diseases are estimated to cost the U.S.nearly US$800 billionannually. These diseases including Alzheimers disease and neurodevelopmental disorders are hard to diagnose or treat.
Nanoscale tools, such as quantum dots, that can capture the nuance in complicated cell activities hold promise as brain-imaging tools or drug delivery carriers for the brain. But because there are many reasons to be concerned about their use in medicine, mainly related to health and safety, its important to figure out more about how they work in biological systems.
Researchers firstdiscovered quantum dots in the 1980s. These tiny particles are different from other crystals in that they can produce different colors depending on their size. They are so small that that they are sometimes called zero-dimensional or artificial atoms.
The most commonly known use of quantum dots nowadays may be TV screens. Samsung launched theirQLED TVs in 2015, and a few other companies followed not long after. But scientists have been eyeing quantum dots for almost a decade. Because of their unique optical properties they can produce thousands of bright, sharp fluorescent colors scientists started using them as optical sensors or imaging probes, particularly in medical research.
Scientists have long used various dyes to tag cells, organs and other tissues to view the inner workings of the body, whether that be for diagnosis or for fundamental research.
The most common dyes have some significant problems. For one, their color often cannot survive very long in cells or tissues.They may fade in a matter of seconds or minutes. For some types of research, such as tracking cell behaviors or delivering drugs in the body, these organic dyes simply do not last long enough.
Quantum dots would solve those problems. They are very bright and fade very slowly.Their color can still stand out after a month. Moreover, they are too small to physically affect the movement of cells or molecules.
Those properties make quantum dots popular in medical research. Nowadays quantum dots are mainly used for high resolution 3D imaging of cells or molecules, or real-time tracking probes inside or outside of animal bodies that can last for an extended period.
But their use is still restricted to animal research, because scientists areconcerned about their use in human beings. Quantum dots commonly contain cadmium, a heavy metal that is highly poisonous and carcinogenic. They mayleak the toxic metalor form an unstable aggregate, causing cell death andinflammation. Some organs may tolerate a small amount of this, but the brain cannot withstand such injury.
My colleagues and I believe an important first step toward wider use of quantum dots in medicine is understanding how they behave in biological environments. That could help scientists design quantum dots suitable for medical research and diagnostics: When theyre injected into the body, they need to stay small particles, be not very toxic and able to target specific types of cells.
We looked at thestability, toxicity and cellular interactions of quantum dots in the developing brains of rats. We wrapped the tiny quantum dots in different chemical coats. Scientists believe these coats, with their various chemical properties, control the way quantum dots interact with the biological environment that surrounds them. Then we evaluated how quantum dots performed in three commonly used brain-related models: cell cultures, rat brain slices and individual live rats.
We found that different chemical coats give quantum dots different behaviors. Quantum dots with a polymer coat of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were the most promising. They are more stable and less toxic in the rat brain, and at a certain dose dont kill cells. It turns out that PEG-coated quantum dots activate a biological pathway that ramps up the production of a molecule that detoxifies metal. Its a protective mechanism embedded in the cells that happens to ward off injury by quantum dots.
Quantum dots are also eaten bymicroglia, the brains inner immune cells. These cells regulate inflammation in the brain and are involved in multiple brain disorders. Quantum dots are then transported to the microglias lysosomes, the cells garbage cans, for degradation.
But we also discovered that the behaviors of quantum dots vary slightly between cell cultures, brain slices and living animals. The simplified models may demonstrate how a part of the brain responds, but they are not a substitute for the entire organ.
For example, cell cultures contain brain cells but lack the connected cellular networks that tissues have. Brain slices have more structure than cell cultures, but they also lack the full organs blood-brain barrier its Great Wall that prevents foreign objects from entering.
Our results offer a warning: Nanomedicine research in the brain makes no sense without carefully considering the organs complexity.
That said, we think our findings can help researchers design quantum dots that are more suitable for use in living brains. For example, our research shows that PEG-coated quantum dots remain stable and relatively nontoxic in living brain tissue while having great imaging performance. We imagine they could be used to track real-time movements of viruses or cells in the brain.
In the future, along with MRI or CT scans, quantum dots may become vital imaging tools. They might also be used as traceable carriers that deliver drugs to specific cells. Ultimately, though, for quantum dots to realize their biomedical potential beyond research, scientists must address health and safety concerns.
Although theres a long way to go, my colleagues and I hope the future for quantum dots may be as bright and colorful as the artificial atoms themselves.
Continue reading here:
Quantum dots that light up TVs could be used for brain research - Stuff Magazines
- Carla wants to know [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Carla wants to know [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- I believe in Renewable Energy, and here's why [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2011]
- I believe in Renewable Energy, and here's why [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2011]
- U.S. and Canadian Scientists Form a Global Alliance for Nano-Bio-Electronics in Order to Rapidly Find Solutions for ... [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2012]
- Regenerative Medicine Biotech Company, Eqalix, Names Scientific Advisory Board [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2012]
- Welcome to the body parts shop... would you like to place an order? [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2014]
- Stem cells hold keys to body's plan [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2014]
- InVivo Therapeutics [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Nanobiotechnology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2015]
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine (CDDN) [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2015]
- Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine ... [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2016]
- Nanobiotechnology - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2016]
- Exploiting acidic tumor microenvironment for the development of novel cancer nano-theranostics - Medical Xpress [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Nano-sized drug carriers could be the future for patients with lung disease - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Nano Medicine [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Healthcare Nanotechnology (Nanomedicine) Market Expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2015 2021: Persistence ... - MilTech [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Nanomedicine Research Journal [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2017]
- Top Nanomedicine Conferences|DrugDelivery meetings ... [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2018]
- The Promise of Nanomedicine - Laboratory Equipment [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2018]
- Nanomedicine Conferences | Nanotechnology Events ... [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2018]
- Nanomedicine - Overview [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2018]
- IEEE-NANOMED 2016 The 10th IEEE International Conference ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2018]
- Journal of Nanomedicine and Biotherapeutic Discovery- Open ... [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2019]
- Nano-biotechnology Market by Manufacturer Analysis 2016-2024 - BitGmx [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Growing hair on bald heads with electric tech may soon be easy - Livemint [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Global Nanorobots Market Prospective Growth, Opportunities, Top Key Players and Forecast to 2024 - Pioneer Reporter [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Nanotechnology in Medical Applications Market: Strategic Analysis to Understand the Competitive Outlook of the Industry, 2025 - Market Forecast [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Functional Polymer Market Insights, Trends, Analysis, Types, Applications, key players, Market shares and Forecast 2019 to 2027 - The Market Plan [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Healthcare Nanotechnology (Nanomedicine) Market to Witness Growth Acceleration During 2015 2021 - Trading Herald [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Curcumin hope in TB fight - Telegraph India [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- TB vaccines with nano-curcumin work wonders - Deccan Herald [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Healthcare Nanotechnology (Nanomedicine) Market Likely To Experience High Revenue Generation In The Forthcoming Years - Commerce Gazette [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Healthcare Nanotechnology Nanomedicine Market to Witness a Pronounce Growth During 2019-2029 - Zebvo [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Self-Assembly Of Retinoid Nanoparticles For Melanoma Therapy | IJN - Dove Medical Press [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2019]
- Improving 131I Radioiodine Therapy By Hybrid Polymer-Grafted Gold Nano | IJN - Dove Medical Press [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2019]
- Nanorobotic Market 2019 Technological Perspective, Latest Trends and key manufacturers:: Bruker, Jeol, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ginkgo Bioworks -... [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2019]
- 4 Innovative Solutions Fostering Advanced Cancer Treatment - Medical Tech Outlook [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2019]
- Nanotechnology for disease diagnosis and treatment earns Florida Poly professor international award - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- Nanorobotics Market analysis and outlook for 2019-202 available in the latest report - WhaTech - WhaTech [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- Global Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Market Report 2019 - World Market Projected to Surpass $25 Billion by 2026, Rising at a CAGR of 20.6% -... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- World Pancreatic Cancer Day: increasing awareness and inspiring action - UNSW Newsroom [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- NanoRobotics Market Overview on Future Threats by 2026 - Crypto News Byte [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2019]
- Nanoparticle therapy shows promise for treatment of rare cancer - The Brown Daily Herald [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2019]
- What is the Role of Nanomedicine in Treating Melanoma? - Medical Tech Outlook [Last Updated On: January 2nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 2nd, 2020]
- Our top 20 features of 2019 - COVER [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2020]
- Examine Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Market expected to reach US$ 720 mn by 2026 - WhaTech Technology and Markets News [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2020]
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Market Combining Therapies - Communal News [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2020]
- A Chelate-Free Nano-Platform for Incorporation of Diagnostic and Thera | IJN - Dove Medical Press [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2020]
- VVUS Stock Jumps 70% on FDA Nod for New Formulation of Pancreaze - MicroSmallCap [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2020]
- Is the Lieber Arrest Linked to Military Brain Research and China? - Bryen's Blog [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2020]
- The Future Of Nano Medicine [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2020]
- Nano Medicine: Meaning, Advantages and Disadvantages [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2020]
- Immix Doses First Patient in USA in its Phase 1b/2a Trial in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors - BioSpace [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2020]
- Kanazawa University Research: Combined Drug Treatment for Lung Cancer and Secondary Tumors - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2020]
- Edited Transcript of NANO earnings conference call or presentation 6-Feb-20 9:30pm GMT - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2020]
- All your questions about how to wear a face mask -- answered - Action News Now [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2020]
- The future of medicine - Switzer Financial News [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2020]
- Recent Progress and Future Directions: The Nano-Drug Delivery System f | IJN - Dove Medical Press [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2020]
- Inolife is going to revolutionize how we take our medicine - BNNBloomberg.ca [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2020]
- Evergreen Medical Acupuncture is now offering its own supplement and herbal products, Dr. Ficks Functional Farmacy! - TippNews DAILY [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2020]
- Impact of Covid-19 on Nano Chemotherapy Market is Expected to Grow at an active CAGR by Forecast to 2026 | Top Players Dell Wyse, IBM, Microsoft -... [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2020]
- Kanazawa University Research: Cell Removal as the Result of a Mechanical Instability - PR Newswire UK [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2020]
- Coronavirus threat to global Healthcare Nanotechnology (Nanomedicine) Market 2020 Industry Share, Size, Consumption, Growth, Top Manufacturers, Type... [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2020]
- Nanocellulose Market to Reach USD 1.08 Billion by 2027 | CAGR:20.4% | Reports And Data - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- Cellics Therapeutics Announces the Publication of Cellular Nanosponges Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity in Nano Letters - BioSpace [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- Opportunities in the World Nanotechnology Market to 2025 - Application of Nanotechnology in Wastewater Treatment and Enhanced Renewable Energy Driving... [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2020]
- Interview: The NDB team on its revolutionary nano-diamond batteries - New Atlas [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2020]
- What is Nanoscience? | Outlook and How to Invest | INN - Investing News Network [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2020]
- Global Nano Therapy Market- Industry Analysis and Forecast (2020-2027) - Stock Market Vista [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2020]
- Nanox Signs With Ambra Health to Enable Image Access and Transfer with US Hospitals and Medical imaging Providers - BioSpace [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2020]
- Global Nanobots Market 2020 | Research Report Covers | (COVID-19 Analysis) | Industry Research, Drivers, Top Trends | Global Analysis And Forecast to... [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2020]
- Thomas Jefferson Awards Highlight Research and Service to the University - UVA Today [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- The Future of Cancer Treatment Using Nanotechnology - AZoNano [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- Nanomedicine is transforming healthcare innovation - Korea IT Times [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- Nanomedicine in Central Nervous System Injury and Repair Market Report- Trends Key Programs Analysis and Competitive Landscape Analysis The Manomet... [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Matrix Meats Adds to Team as Interest in Cultivated Meat Grows - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Biodistribution of sphingolipid nanoemulsions with 68Ga | IJN - Dove Medical Press [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2021]
- 2009 show based on conspiracy theories is shared as proof of WHO working on COVID-19 vaccines to create permanent sterility - Factly [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2022] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2022]
- How to Improve Infectious Diseases with Nanotechnology - CIO Applications [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2022] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2022]