Perkovic

Application of Nanoparticles
Mohamed Mohamed
SCH4U
Terry Hsia

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Nanoparticles are becoming a growing field in the scientific community, this is due to
their numerous applications, but the majority of people dont know what they are (Nanoparticle,
n.d.). The simple definition of a nanoparticle is a particle that is smaller than 100nm. The
particles must be larger than 1nm or else they would be categorized as a cluster of atoms (What
is a Nanoparticle, n.d.). Nanoparticles have three major physical characteristics associated with
them. Firstly, they are extremely mobile when uninhibited, secondly they have a large surface
area and thirdly they can display quantum effects. Nanoparticles can also be classified as soft or
hard, this all depends on what material they are made of. These characteristics are what allow
nanoparticles to be so versatile and applicable to many different scientific fields (Jarvie, 2016).
Nanoparticles have a variety of different practical applications; one of the most common
is the modern rubber tire. Tires are typically comprised of an elastomer and inorganic filler, such
as silica nanoparticles. The combination of nanoparticles and the rubber help improve the
mechanical characteristics of the tires (Jarvie, 2016). Another everyday application of
nanoparticles includes, crack-resistant paints, scratch resistant glasses, stain-repellent fabrics &
translucent sunscreen. Typical sunscreen usually includes white particles of titanium oxide, this
results in the white pigmentation when the sunscreen is applied, but due to the use nanoparticles
of titanium oxide there is no more white pigmentation (Nanotechnologies, 2006).
The biggest and most important application of nanotechnology is in the medical field,
especially when it comes to drug delivery systems. In recent years research has been conducted
on the use of polymeric micelle nanoparticles to deliver drugs to tumours that is showing very
positive results. The company, BIND Biosciences has recently published the results of their
Phase 1 Clinical Trial and is proceeding with a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of a targeted chemotherapy
drug, which relies on nanoparticles (Boysen, n.d.). This application could have incredible
implication in the medical world, allowing for more specific drug delivery, a reduction in the
toxic effects of some drugs whilst still retaining the same medical treatment, nanoparticles allow
faster and safer way to deploy new medications and with higher bio-compatibility (Wim H De
Jong, 2008).

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Nanoparticles are not perfect, and they do have their disadvantages. Nanoparticles can
have damaging effects on our environment, especially to air pollution and climate change. Some
nanoparticles can also carry chemical pollutant like phosphorus from sewage. When inhaled
studies have shown that nanoparticles can cause inflammation and cellular death in lung tissue.
These studies are nowhere near complete, but this has given scientist reason for more extensive
researcher (Jarvie, 2016).
Nanoparticles have many a lot of real-world applications from tire rubber to drug
delivery, but nanoparticle research is still in its early stages, this means there are a lot of
unknowns uses and side-effects especially when is comes to the medical field. After more
research and testing, nanoparticles and nanotechnology could help to minimize the negative side
effects of drug treatments such as chemotherapy. In conclusion nanoparticles open a huge door
that could change the face of the medical industry. For now the positive attributes out weight the
negative, but much more testing and research needs to taken before nanoparticles become more
widely used.

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Works Cited:

Boysen, E. (n.d.). Nanotechnology in Medicine-Nanomedicine. Retrieved July 6, 2016, from
Understanding Nano: http://www.understandingnano.com/medicine.html
Jarvie, H. (2016, April 21). Nanoparticle. Retrieved July 6, 2016, from Encyclopaedia
Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/nanoparticle
Nanoparticle. (n.d.). Retrieved July 6, 2016, from Science Daily:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/nanoparticle.htm
Nanotechnologies. (2006). Retrieved July 6, 2016, from Public Health:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/nanotechnologies/l3/5-nanoparticles-consumer-products.htm
What is a Nanoparticle. (n.d.). Retrieved July 6, 2016, from Horiba Scientific:
http://www.horiba.com/scientific/products/particle-characterization/applications/what-isa-nanoparticle/
Wim H De Jong, P. J. (2008, June 3). Drug delivery and nanoparticles: Applications and
hazards . Retrieved July 6, 2016, from NCBI:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2527668/