Nanoparticles and Its Biological Relevance

Nanoparticles and its biological relevance
A naturally occurring nanoparticle is an assembly of molecules or atoms, synthesized in a biological system, with at
least one dimension in the 1–100 nm range. These particles include intracellular structures such as magnetosomes
and extracellular assemblies such as lipoproteins and viruses.
Nanoparticles are invisible to the human eye, since these small particles are within a range of 1 to 100 nanometres.
Nanoparticles are known are the building blocks of many materials, and their physical and chemical properties are
affected depending on how they are arranged. When larger particles are broken down by synthetic or natural ways,
they form nanoparticles. For example, natural nanoparticles are formed from volcanic eruptions, ocean breakers and
river currents. On another hand, synthetic nanoparticles are reproduced in a lab using different types of methods
and techniques.
Assembly
The ability of biological molecules to undergo highly controlled and hierarchical assembly makes them ideal for
applications in nanotechnology. The self-assembly hierarchy of biological materials begins with monomer molecules
(e.g., nucleotides and nucleosides, amino acids, lipids), which form polymers (e.g., DNA, RNA, proteins,
polysaccharides), then assemblies (e.g., membranes, organelles), and finally cells, organs, organisms.
Nanoparticles are solid particles that are 1–100 nanometers in size and have many biological and biomedical
applications:
Drug delivery: Nanoparticles can deliver drugs and genes to specific sites in the body, reducing the toxic effects of
drugs and improving their bioavailability.
Biosensors: Nanoparticles can detect pathogens, metabolites, and biomarkers early in the development of life-
threatening diseases.
Bioimaging: Fluorescent and magnetic nanoparticles are used as probes for bioimaging.
Intracellular structures: Magnetosomes are biological nanoparticles that are intracellular structures.
Extracellular assemblies: Lipoproteins and viruses are biological nanoparticles that are extracellular assemblies.
Mineral storage depots: Biological nanoparticles can store minerals.
Intercellular communication: Biological nanoparticles can facilitate intercellular communication.
Nanoparticles can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, polymers,
and dendrimers. They have unique properties that depend on their size and shape. For example, nanoparticles can
be made to be spherical, cylindrical, or plate-like.
Nanoparticles can be naturally occurring or synthetic. Natural nanoparticles are formed from volcanic eruptions,
ocean waves, and river currents. Synthetic nanoparticles are created in a lab.
Biomaterial types and importance
Biomaterials are materials that are specifically designed to interact with biological
systems, and have become increasingly important in the field of medicine and
healthcare. These materials can be natural or synthetic, and have a wide range of
applications, from orthopedic implants to drug delivery systems. In this article, we
will explore the different types of biomaterials, their applications, and future
developments in this exciting field.
Biomaterials is defined as the synthetic material that is used to replace or restore function to a body tissue and is continuously
or intermittently in contact with body fluids.
Characteristics of Biomaterials
 Biocompatible
 Nontoxic
 Noncarcinogen
 Good physical mechanical properties
 Low cost vi) It must be readily available
 Moulded into different shape
 Resistant to degradation
 Acceptable strength
 Resistant to wear
Application of Biomaterials
1. Orthopaedic – prosthetics used to replace joint affected by arthritis. Eg. Fixation devices.
2. Cardiovascular application – artificial heart valve, stunt, etc.
3. Ophthalmology – intraocular lens and contact lens
4. Dental braces, filling, dental cap.
5. Wound healing – sutures and graft.
6. Drug delivery system – controlled and targeted delivery of drugs (doctor delivers drug to patient in remote areas).

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Biomaterial types and importance

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