Nanotechnology in Forensic Science

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Questions and Answers

What benign condition may occur due to the topical application of certain nanoparticles on the skin?

Argyria (correct)

Eczema

Dermatitis

Psoriasis

Which antioxidant is mentioned as a strategy to prevent nano-toxicity?

Curcumin

Quercetin (correct)

Resveratrol

Glutathione

Which technique is NOT listed as part of the analysis techniques in nano-forensics?

Raman Microscopy

Mass Spectrometry (correct)

Atomic Force Microscopy

Dynamic Light Scattering

What advantage does microfluidic devices provide in forensic DNA analysis?

Shorter examination time Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of Gold nanoparticles in forensic toxicology?

Detecting trace amounts of Clonazepam Signup and view all the answers

What type of nanoparticle is characterized by its unique vesicular structure that can encapsulate aqueous solutions?

Liposomes Signup and view all the answers

Which nanoparticle type is specifically known for using albumin to carry hydrophobic drugs?

Protein nanoparticles Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of multi-lamellar vesicles (MLV) compared to uni-lamellar vesicles (UV)?

Allow sequential drug release Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nanoparticle is synthesized from biocompatible and inert metals and can take various shapes for medical use?

Metal nanoparticles Signup and view all the answers

What application of nanoparticles is NOT mentioned in the context of medicine?

Environmental clean-up Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of dendrimers allows them to have high entrapment efficiency for therapeutic agents?

Highly branched structure Signup and view all the answers

In which context are nanoparticles applied for enhancing pharmaceutical characteristics?

Cell cultures Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do metal nanoparticles provide for medical imaging?

Optical and magnetic properties Signup and view all the answers

Which method allows nanoparticles to pass easily through cell and nuclear membranes?

Spherical shape Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of protein nanoparticles in drug delivery systems?

Protection against enzymatic degradation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using nanoparticles in medical diagnosis?

Noninvasive and fast diagnostic capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

How do gold nanoparticles assist in medical imaging?

They differentiate between inflammatory processes and cancerous conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which application of nanoparticles allows both diagnosis and treatment simultaneously?

Theranostics. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue arises from nanoparticles passing through the blood-brain barrier?

Heightened risk of particle-mediated toxicity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of nanoparticle accumulation in the liver?

Increased hepatotoxicity. Signup and view all the answers

What specific capability do quantum dots provide in medical diagnostics?

Rapid and sensitive identification of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Signup and view all the answers

In what way can nanoparticles assist in treating cancer?

By selectively attacking cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Signup and view all the answers

What impact can nanoparticles have on the kidneys?

They may cause oxidative stress and chronic kidney damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a method by which nanoparticles can enter the human body?

Via oral ingestion, inhalation, or intravascular injection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of nanoparticles that allows for targeted imaging?

They allow for imaging at a subcellular level. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate width of a human hair in nanometers?

80,000 - 100,000 nm Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials does nanotechnology primarily utilize?

Inorganic materials typically less than 100 nm Signup and view all the answers

How do nanoparticles (NPs) interact with living cells?

They enter living cells and interact with organelles. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary advantages of nano-biotechnology?

It can miniaturize solutions for greater efficacy. Signup and view all the answers

What property of nanoparticles contributes to their potential use in medicine?

Their tiny size and large surface area ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of a single gold atom in nanometers?

0.33 nm Signup and view all the answers

Which biomolecules are NOT typically used in biotechnology?

Synthetic fibers Signup and view all the answers

Why is DNA effective when used with nanoparticles?

Its strand-like form makes it difficult to insert into a cell nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes nanotechnology from biotechnology?

Nanotechnology involves materials typically smaller than 100 nm. Signup and view all the answers

What is one method through which nanoparticles can target specific molecules?

By altering their solubility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the size range that defines nanotechnology?

1-100 nanometers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of nanotechnology classified by how it proceeds?

Top-down Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes dry nanotechnology?

Used to manufacture structures in non-humid materials Signup and view all the answers

Which material is an example of nanotechnology due to its remarkable properties?

Graphene Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of intentionally manufactured nanomaterials?

Has unique properties due to its size Signup and view all the answers

What type of nanoparticles are products of combustion and vaporization processes?

Natural Nanoparticles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of bottom-up nanotechnology?

Assembling nanoparticles into complex structures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the fields involved in nanotechnology?

It requires interdisciplinary collaboration between several sciences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nanotechnology in Forensic Medicine

Nanotechnology is a new interdisciplinary field of modern science, bridging physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
It manipulates the molecular structure of materials to change their intrinsic properties on a near-atomic scale (1-100 nm).
This allows for the creation of new structures, materials, and revolutionary applications.

Examples of Nanotechnology

Graphene: A modified carbon material, harder than steel, lighter than aluminum, and nearly transparent.
Other nanoparticles are used in electronics, energy, and biomedicine.

Types of Nanotechnology

Classification by Methodology:
- Top-down: Structures are miniaturized down to the nanometer scale (1-100 nm), a common approach in electronics.
- Bottom-up: Starts with a nano-metric structure (molecule), and through assembly processes builds larger mechanisms.
Classification by Medium:
- Dry: Used in manufacturing structures in materials like coal, silicon, and semiconductors, which don't react with humidity.
- Wet: Based on biological systems present in aqueous environments; includes genetic material and cell components.

Nanomaterials

Intentionally manufactured materials with at least one dimension in the 1-100 nanometer range.
These materials exhibit unique properties due to their size.
1 nanometer is a very small unit of measurement, much smaller than a meter.

Natural Nanoparticles

Naturally occurring particles are smaller than 100 nm in diameter.
Often products of combustion, vaporization, or processes like welding and smelting.

Nanoscale Phenomena

Provides examples to illustrate the scale of nanotechnology.
A sheet of paper is approximately 100,000 nanometers thick.
A strand of human DNA has a diameter of 2.5 nanometers.
A human hair is about 80,000-100,000 nanometers wide.
A single gold atom is roughly a third of a nanometer in diameter.

Visual Scale of Nanotechnology

Provides a visual representation of the relative sizes of different objects, from nanoparticles to everyday items.

Size Comparison of Nanoparticles

Shows nanoparticles relative to biological and other materials.
Nanoparticles are significantly smaller than visible objects or common materials.

Nanomaterials and Cells

Animal cells range from 10 to 20,000 nanometers.
Nanoparticles can enter living cells and interact with cellular components.
The tiny size and large surface area of nanoparticles affect their chemical and physical properties differently.

Nanotechnology vs. Biotechnology

Biotechnology: Uses biomolecules and organisms to develop pharmaceuticals, treatments, and agricultural innovations. Examples include antibodies, DNA, RNA, proteins, and viruses.
Nanotechnology: Utilizes man-made and inorganic materials typically smaller than 100 nm in size. This includes various metal-based materials.

Nano-Biotechnology

Nano-biotechnology combines nanomaterials with biological systems.
This can miniaturize solutions for greater reach and efficacy.
Biomolecules are added to nanoparticles to target specific molecules in tissues or other areas.

Nanoparticles in Body Systems

Nanoparticles can be incorporated into biological systems by altering their physical properties or how they are perceived by the body.
Examples include altering solubility, biological compatibility, and recognition of the biological system.
DNA, when attached to a spherical nanoparticle, can more easily enter cellular components.
Antibodies or proteins can attach to nanoparticles for rapid bioassays.

Classification of Nanoparticles

Different types of nanoparticles can be categorized by their material composition (organic or inorganic), size, and shape.
Examples covered include: Liposomes, protein nanoparticles, dendrimers, metal nanoparticles, and polymers, silica, iron-oxide, gold nanoparticles, nanotube.

Nanoparticle Applications in Medicine

Diagnostics: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and computed tomography (CT) for detecting disease.
Infections: Delivering antimicrobial agents and vaccines.
Therapeutic: Nanotherapeutics for cancer, diabetes, etc., and repairing/replacing tissue structures

Advantages of Nanoparticles in Diagnostics

Noninvasive diagnostics, speedier and less expensive.
Targeted imaging, decrease need for biopsies.
Early and real-time detection.
Less toxic agents (though this needs careful consideration).

Advantages of Nanoparticles in Treatment

Simultaneous diagnostic and treatment (theranostics).
More targeted therapies, for cancer treatment for example.
Genetic correction technologies, including repair of DNA damage.
Mimicking natural molecules (like HDL for atherosclerosis).

Nanoparticles as Tools for Forensic Analysis

Explosives Detection: Nano-sensors and devices detect explosives quickly and efficiently.
Toxicological Analysis: Nanoparticles can analyze toxins present in biological samples.
DNA Analysis: Nano-devices aid in extracting high-quality DNA for analysis.
Fingerprints: Nanotechnology enhances visualization of fingerprint traces.

Nanoparticle Toxicity

Distribution: Nanoparticles are distributed throughout the body after ingestion, inhalation, injection, or skin contact, possibly accumulating in different organs.
Organ Toxicity: Nanoparticles can accumulate in the liver causing toxicity, and in kidneys causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney damage.

Strategies to Prevent Nanoparticle Toxicity

Using antioxidants like Vitamin C and Quercetin to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Modifying nanoparticle surfaces to reduce their toxicity.