Nanotechnology is an emerging field that manipulates matter on the molecular or nanoscale level, with applications including lengthening the lifespan of biological tissues and treating diseases linked to aging.
Kurzweil predicts the development of nanobots that reverse aging. He believes these tiny robots will travel through our bloodstream destroying pathogens and correcting DNA errors, thus turning back time.
Anti-aging agents
Researchers have recently discovered molecules which can reverse aging by turning back the clock of cells, providing hope of more effective treatments for age-related diseases. The process mimics that used by viruses such as Ebola to spread quickly beyond immune system detection and eradicate it quickly; similarly herpes and syphilis remain dormant by evading detection by this same system.
Rewinding requires the deletion of chromosomes in cells. To accomplish this, molecular manufacturing technology is often used. This new way to produce complex structures atomically precise is used by nanoparts in desktop nanofactories to manipulate simple feedstock molecules that act as raw materials for complex manufacturing. Originated by molecular nanotechnology – which relies on precise fabrication and assembly at molecular scale – molecular manufacturing was first demonstrated by IBM scientists using a scanning tunneling microscope in 1989 by spelling out “IBM.”
Nanotechnology could also be used to develop combination gene therapies that target multiple disease processes simultaneously, for instance anti-aging and obesity treatments. After three to five years, these treatments could become widely accessible at affordable prices for billions of people around the globe.
Retinol palmitate (RP), an anti-aging agent from the vitamin A family of compounds, can significantly slow skin aging by stimulating protein production, controlling epidermal turnover of lipids and increasing blood circulation. Furthermore, this compound possesses antioxidant properties to combat any potential oxidative damage to cells.
Hesperidin, a flavonoid compound, can also provide significant benefit. Hesperidin can reduce oxidative stress and hinder cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, it increases collagen and glycosaminoglycan production and inhibits activation of NF-kB (an important pathway involved with cell signaling).
Anti-cancer agents
Nanorobots can safely administer medicines in targeted areas with minimal side effects, while performing at both cellular and molecular levels to reverse gross cell insults and repair damaged tissues. Furthermore, nanorobots have also been demonstrated to strengthen immunity systems, reprogram cell DNA, improve respiratory capacity and eliminate inflammation – as well as decrease atherosclerosis risk factors.
Researchers have developed a nanobot that is capable of killing cancer cells without harming healthy ones in its immediate surroundings. The technology uses three components – one targeted against cancer cells; two recruiting white blood cells to attack it; and three knocking out part of its defences. This exciting breakthrough shows the power of nanotechnology for treating cancer and may open up possibilities for anticancer therapies across many fields.
The team conducted its initial experiments by injecting antibiotic-loaded bots with silicon dioxide coverings into cancerous tumours in mice. Each bot then set to work reducing bacteria by 100 to 1000-fold along its entire length – an outcome described as “absolutely extraordinary” by surgeon Douglas Dahl at Massachusetts General Hospital who specialises in wound treatment. “The results were truly unbelievable!” states Douglas Dahl.
Sanchez and her team are currently testing different shapes of robots loaded with anticancer drugs to see their ability to attack tumors. One drug specifically targets RNA-binding protein p53 which often becomes mutated during tumor development and helps the cancer cells resist chemotherapy treatments.
Researchers are developing a drug delivery system capable of dispensing medication at precisely the right time and dose. Their system is inspired by Nobel prize-winning ‘click chemistry’ – in which molecules join like Lego bricks – and could eventually be used to target cancerous tumours while sparing healthy cells from receiving any unwanted treatments.
Nanotechnology continues to make remarkable advancements. Recently, scientists at Arizona State University and the National Center of Nanoscience and Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully utilized cancer-fighting nanorobots injected directly into mice’s bloodstreams as an antitumour strategy by cutting off their source of nourishment – this effectively terminated tumor growth.
Cosmeceutical agents
Cosmeceuticals products bridge the gap between cosmetics that cleanse and beautify, and pharmaceuticals that treat. Due to consumer demand for medically beneficial and safe products, cosmeceuticals have quickly become one of the fastest-growing segments of personal care. However, as they remain an emerging industry with not all products having undergone exhaustive testing yet; physicians should therefore become educated about cosmeceutical agents so their patients can make wiser choices regarding their individual skin care needs.
Cosmetologists have accelerated the creation of cosmeceuticals by repurposing drug compounds, through a process called drug repositioning. This allows cosmeceuticals to be created specifically for various conditions, such as hair regrowth or anti-dandruff agents. Furthermore, nanotechnology-enhanced formulations have also been utilized in making these products more readily accessible by penetrating deeper layers of the skin.
Discovering new biological processes has also played an essential role in the creation of cosmeceutical agents, with research into molecular mechanism of acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junction resulting in molecules to block nAChRs being developed into creams to treat wrinkles and fine lines on skin.
Even though cosmetic pharmaceuticals aren’t recognized by regulatory bodies like the FDA, their rise has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of personal care. Unfortunately, due to this lack of oversight there have been concerns raised regarding claims for medicinal benefits without evidence and possible side effects of products without clinical testing – something physicians must be mindful of and only recommend products which have been scientifically assessed as cosmetically beneficial.
An important component of any successful cosmeceutical is its delivery system. For optimal results, nanotechnology-based delivery systems such as niosomes, liposomes and transferosomes may be utilized which allow controlled release of API. Furthermore, these delivery systems can increase stability of the product, decrease degradation rates and promote skin penetration and absorption.
Numerous cosmeceutical products have already been released on the market, such as shampoos, lotions and facial creams formulated with various natural ingredients such as antioxidants, botanical extracts, polyphenolic compounds and peptides. Furthermore, some are even enhanced with retinoids and growth factors proven to prevent and slow skin aging processes.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that work by neutralizing free radicals – unstable molecules that damage cells and tissues – found in certain foods like fruits and vegetables as well as supplements, or produced naturally as part of our bodies’ reactions to stressors like environmental pollutants. Antioxidants can prevent disease as well as boost immunity; they may even help your immune system function more effectively! However, sometimes antioxidants don’t have enough power against free radical production for effective defense – this happens when too many free radicals form due to too few available antioxidants capable of stopping them before damaging cells are damaged.
Resveratrol, curcumin, berberine, emodin and oridonin have shown significant anti-ageing benefits when delivered via nanocarriers. Nanoparticles enhance their stability, bioavailability and solubility allowing these substances to more effectively combat age related conditions and signs.
Human bodies contain an antioxidant defense system composed of enzyme-based scavengers such as superoxide dismutase and catalase that help neutralize oxidative stresses and maintain homeostasis, protecting against diseases like heart disease and cancer. Over time these enzymes may become less effective; to combat this as one ages further they may need supplementation or topical applications containing Emodin, Kojic acid Retinol Nicotinic acid or Coenzyme Q10 may be beneficial.
Many anti-aging supplements are available to slow the aging process and improve overall health, such as Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol and Isoflavones. Ginsenoside Rg1 may help promote bone and lung health as an antioxidant; Lycopene helps protect against prostate cancer while other ways can slow aging faster such as cryogenic sleep therapy, Therapeutic Hypothermia or Caloric Restriction.
Though many anti-ageing substances have been discovered, the search for an effective cure remains ongoing. Scientists have created innovative anti-ageing treatments including stem cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies which could eventually enable biological immortality; yet this movement remains relatively young.
