In my previous blogs (https://ranijarkas.wordpress.com/), I shared some of my thoughts and insights obtained from my work and experience in the nanotechnology industry. I am sure you must hear about “nanotechnology” a lot, but no matter how much we hear about it, nanotech remains something of a mystery. We can’t see it, and we certainly can’t feel it. And the truth is nanotechnology has found a place in consumer products, medical treatment, the food industry and so much more. Let’s focus on the discussion on its application in medicine today. I will continue to write more about nanotech in the near future.
The use of nanotechnology, “the technology of the 21st century,” in the field of medicine could revolutionize the way we detect and treat disease in the future. Some techniques are only imagined, some are at various stages of testing, while some are actually being used today.
One application of nanotechnology in medicine currently being developed involves employing nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light or other substances to specific types of cells, such as cancer cells. Particles are engineered so that they are attracted to diseased cells, which allows direct treatment of those cells. This technique reduces damage to healthy cells in the body and allows for earlier detection of disease. The National Cancer Institute has created the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer in the hope that investments in nanomedicine could lead to breakthroughs in terms of detecting, diagnosing, and treating various forms of cancer.
The nanotechnology expert Dr. Ralph Merkle once said, “If we can reduce the cost and improve the quality of medical technology through advances in nanotechnology, we can more widely address the medical conditions that are prevalent and reduce the level of human suffering.”
One thing is sure that nanotechnology medical developments over the coming years will have a wider variety of uses and could potentially save many lives. Just like what Bernard Marcus said, “Nanotechnology in medicine is going to have a major impact on the survival of the human race.”
Rani Jarkas, the Chairman of Cedrus Investments.
Rani Jarkas is a highly experienced financial services executive, with over 20 years of international banking experience. Currently, Mr. Jarkas is the Chairman of Cedrus Investments, a global boutique investment firm. Cedrus’ domain expertise is in life sciences, natural resources, energy, cleantech and nanotechnology. – Rani Jarkas
Rani Jarkas - Chairman of Investment Firm in Hong Kong 