Small size - large impact - Nanowerk

Science
Paul J.A. Borm is Professor
at the Centre of Expertise in
Life Sciences (CEL) Heerlen
and Department of Particle
Toxicology/Institut für
Unweltmedizinsische
Forschung (IUF),
Department of Particle
Research at the University
of Dusseldorf, Germany
Opposite:
Tree branch with leaves
10 +0
1 meter
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Nanotechnology and human
health: a risk-benefit analysis
Paul J.A. Borm
Introduction
Recent years have witnessed unprecedented growth of research in the area of nanoscience
and nanotechnology. There is increasing optimism that, as applied to medicine,
nanotechnology will bring significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of
disease. Anticipated applications include drug delivery, diagnostics, nutraceuticals
and production of biocompatible materials. Engineered nanoparticles (< 100 nm) are
an important tool to realize a number of these applications. Nanoparticles (NP) are
attractive for such purposes because of their key and unique features: their surface to
mass ratio, which is much larger than that of other particles, their quantum properties
and their ability to absorb and carry other compounds. Nanoparticles have a large
(functional) surface which is able to bind, absorb and carry other compounds such
as drugs, probes and proteins. However, many challenges must be overcome if the
application of nanotechnology is to realise the anticipated improved understanding
of the patho-physiological basis of disease, bring more sophisticated diagnostic
opportunities and yield improved therapies.
One of the most challenging problems confronting nanotechnology is the research data
about ultrafine particles generated by combustion processes (eg diesel exhaust particles,
DEP). Research has demonstrated that exposure to these particles is associated with
pulmonary inflammation (Donaldson et al, 2002), immune adjuvant effects (Granum
and Lovik, 2002) and systemic effects, including blood coagulation and cardiovascular
effects (review: Oberdorster, 2001; Borm & Kreyling, 2004). Since cut-off size for their
definition (100 nm) is the same, both terms are now used synonymously. The meeting
of nanoscience, with its engineered nanoparticles, and that of toxicology, with its
understanding of ultrafines, has led to an impressive series of workshops over the past
year. However, since little exchange of methods and concepts has taken place, the aim
of this paper is to detail both opportunities and risks associated to applications of
nanoparticles and materials in medical applications.
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