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Nanotechnology in Medicine

Leonard Fass 

GE Medical Systems, 352 Buckingham Avenue, Slough SL1 4ER, United Kingdom

Abstract

Nanotechnology will play an important role in future applications in medicine.
New materials made from nanocomposites will be used to make high performance X Ray tubes with stronger and lighter anodes. Low friction nanolayers will be developed for higher speed bearings and field emitters will be used to make cathodes.
Magnetic nanolayers will be used to develop smaller, higher field strength open MRI systems or for separation and testing of bio-molecules.
Molecular and Cellular Imaging will utilize functionalised nanoparticles with specific magnetic and optical properties.
Future medical diagnosis systems using nanotechnology including In-vivo, in-vitro sensors, hand-held, wireless diagnostics and wearable, wireless monitors
constructed through the use of micro-nano electronic packaging and organic electronics & systems for miniaturized displays, sensors and transducers.
A systems approach to nanotechnology is key to the development of medical applications.
Biocompatible, biodegradable bio-sensors & actuators will be used to measure bodily functions.
Nano biosensors will have applications in the emergency room for real time,
in-situ reading of biochemical activity, cellular level optical imaging
and in sensor guided precision surgical tools.
In the doctors office it will be possible to obtain a total blood analysis in minutes, a rapid, accurate disease diagnosis and a patient specific disease treatment through the use of molecular recognition and high density nano-arrays.
At home the use of biosensors, wireless communications, self powered devices and high-resolution displays will allow simple patient administered diagnostic tests and automatic transmission of outpatient data from home to the doctor.
Nanotechnology will help overcome current limitations of power supply to cochleal and other implants.
Nanotechnology will play a key role in the development of tissue engineering.

 

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Presentation: invited oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2003, Perspectives of nanotechnology, by Leonard Fass
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2003

Submitted: 2003-05-11 08:59
Revised:   2009-06-08 12:55