Wednesday, 8th October 2008 (684 views)

Nanotechnology has the potential to improve treatments in dentistry, it has been claimed.

In the future, nanomachines could be used in dental operations in order to destroy bacteria or prevent tooth cavities, according to the Nano VIP website.

It cites work carried out by scientists at the Nanosystems Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, who developed a nanomachine capable of releasing drugs into cells in response to light.

Gold, which has traditionally been used in dentistry for fillings, may be useful in this field as it is extensively featured in nanotechnology research.

Nanoparticles of gold have unique physical properties that are different to that of bulk gold.

For instance, gold particles of a diameter of 20 nanometers appear to be red, a phenomenon that is utilised in many medical diagnostic products, reports Industry Week.

They are also non-toxic, catalytically active and can attach to biomolecules relatively easily, it added.

 

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