How do nano-bio interactions influence the immune system's response?
Nano-bio interactions can modulate the immune system by altering immune cell activation, enhancing or suppressing cytokine release, and influencing antigen presentation. These interactions can either trigger an immune response or promote tolerance, depending on nanoparticle properties such as size, shape, charge, and surface chemistry.
How do nano-bio interactions impact drug delivery systems?
Nano-bio interactions significantly enhance drug delivery systems by improving drug solubility, enabling targeted delivery, and facilitating controlled release. These interactions allow nanoparticles to specifically bind to diseased cells, increasing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues. They also prolong circulation time of drugs in the body.
What are the potential risks of nano-bio interactions in medical applications?
Potential risks of nano-bio interactions in medical applications include toxicity, unpredictable immune responses, bioaccumulation, and interference with biological processes. Nanoparticles may penetrate cells and tissues, causing cytotoxicity or oxidative stress. Their small size might lead to unintended interactions with proteins or DNA, potentially affecting cellular function and health.
How do nano-bio interactions affect the development of diagnostic tools?
Nano-bio interactions enhance the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tools by facilitating targeted interactions with biological molecules. Nanomaterials can improve signal amplification and enable detection at lower concentrations, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of diseases. These interactions also support the development of personalized medicine and non-invasive diagnostic methods.
How do nano-bio interactions influence the toxicity of nanoparticles in the human body?
Nano-bio interactions influence the toxicity of nanoparticles by affecting their cellular uptake, distribution, and immune response. These interactions can alter cellular pathways, potentially leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, or cell damage. The physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles, such as size, shape, and surface charge, further modulate these interactions, impacting their toxicity profiles.