Monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Ricin--biomedicine
Ricin is mostly known for its potential as a biological weapon, but it’s possible to deter its use and to use it for human well-being:
- as an immunotoxin, effective in treating various cancers
- for medical research because it is abundant and easy to manipulate
- to make a safe and effective vaccine to protect troops and the public against a bioterrorist attack
Ricin, a natural toxin, is a byproduct of castor oil production. Ricin is very easy to obtain, with an estimated 50,000 tons available in the world today. Castor beans grow wild everywhere, and you don’t really need a whole lot of expertise to purify it. In fact, you don’t even need to purify it. If you mash up castor beans you basically get a crude toxin powder that is very stable. Ricin can be used to contaminate food, water, or air and in high enough levels is fatal when ingested or breathed in. The fact that it is easy to get, easy to work with, and so toxic makes it very worrisome. It is quite different from something like anthrax, where you must have the scientific know-how to make it.
Immunotoxins are made by linking a tumor-seeking antibody to a portion of the ricin toxin. to the cancer cell, it is internalized and kills it, but because the antibody targets only cancer cells, it spares normal cells. When you think of the damaging side effects of current cancer therapies and other therapies for viral disease, such as HIV, immunotoxins offer a promising alternative. They are the “magic bullet” immunologist Paul Ehrlich envisioned in the 1900s, where a therapeutic agent could be delivered directly to abnormal cells without much effect on healthy cells.
We can find sources for immunotoxins in nature. In addition to the castor bean, there are other plants, such as pokeweed. Bacterial toxins are also known.
Defination of Bio medicine in medical terms
3. The study of diseases of the human body caused by biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial elements.
Biotechnology, Innovation and Health
The links between innovation, productivity, health and wealth are recognised by many countries and the need to encourage innovation is also apparent. Investing in and encouraging innovation is a priority for many jurisdictions as is the affordability, quality and sustainability of healthcare systems. There is an apparent tension between these goals that can be mitigated with timely policy development work. The Biotechnology Division is looking into how to encourage and foster innovation which addresses health needs and priorities, maximises access to the benefits, and manages the challenges and risks in a way that is beneficial both to innovators and health systems. The following are projects the Division is currently looking into.
Task Force on Biomedicine and Health Innovation
The Task Force on Biomedicine and Health Innovation has been developing a Synthesis Report of the main policy messages that emerge from recent OECD work related to innovation and health. This Synthesis Report will be discussed by the Working Party on Biotechnology in November 2008 and completion of the Synthesis Report expected at the new year.
Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies
Scientific advances in biotechnology are ushering in a new era of medicine: targeted therapies and personalized medicine are coming of age. Traditional medicine manages a disease through standard treatments, without taking account of existing variability between individuals or groups of population. Personalized medicine, in contrast, adapts treatments to the profile of each individual. This revolution in biomedicine is due, in large part, to the discovery of biomarkers.
Emerging Research Models for the delivery of Health Innovation
A new policy report on Emerging Research Models for the Delivery of Health Innovation will be available at the end of 2007. The Report explores the major elements (tools, practices, incentive structures) underpinning new models, or approaches to organising health innovation, in order to improve the efficiency with which laboratory discoveries are translated into new medical treatments.
High-Level Forum on Medicines for Infectious Diseases
The agenda for Action "The Noordwijk Medicines Agenda" was issued at the OECD High-Level Forum on Policy Coherence: Availability of Medicines for Neglected and Emerging Infectious Diseases, held on 20-21 June 2007 in Noordwijk-aan-zee in the Netherlands. Participants included OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, high level officials of developed and developing countries and senior representatives from industry, the scientific community, international and non-governmental organisations.
The forthcoming report Pharmacogenetics: Opportunities and Challenges for Health Innovation and Care, examines the challenges facing pharmacogenetics across the health innovation cycle and into the clinic and reviews the impact to date of pharmacogenetics on both pharmaceutical R&D and clinical care.
Uptake and Diffusion of Health-related Biotechnologies
A new report on the Uptake and Diffusion of Health Related Biotechnologies will be available in autumn 2007. The Report identifies the range of incentives and barriers that are affecting the uptake and into the health care sector of health biotechnologies which differ in their stage of development, from innovations that are relatively mature to those that are still very new on the market.
Statistical Definition of Biotechnology
It is strongly recommended that collection agencies provide survey respondents with both the single definition of biotechnology and the list-based definition. It is further recommended that statistical agencies provide an “Other category when using the list-based definition categories as question items. This will allow respondents to report biotechnology techniques that fit the single but not the list-based definition and will thus assist in updating the list-based definition.The single definition
The application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services.
The following list of biotechnology techniques functions as an interpretative guideline to the single definition. The list is indicative rather than exhaustive and is expected to change over time as data collection and biotechnology activities evolve.
The list‑based definition of biotechnology techniques:
DNA/RNA: Genomics, pharmacogenomics, gene probes, genetic engineering, DNA/RNA sequencing/synthesis/amplification, gene expression profiling, and use of antisense technology.
Proteins and other molecules: Sequencing/synthesis/engineering of proteins and peptides (including large molecule hormones); improved delivery methods for large molecule drugs; proteomics, protein isolation and purification, signaling, identification of cell receptors.
Cell and tissue culture and engineering: Cell/tissue culture, tissue engineering (including tissue scaffolds and biomedical engineering), cellular fusion, vaccine/immune stimulants, embryo manipulation.
Process biotechnology techniques: Fermentation using bioreactors, bioprocessing, bioleaching, biopulping, biobleaching, biodesulphurisation, bioremediation, biofiltration and phytoremediation.
Gene and RNA vectors: Gene therapy, viral vectors.
Bioinformatics: Construction of databases on genomes, protein sequences; modelling complex biological processes, including systems biology.
Nanobiotechnology: Applies the tools and processes of nano/microfabrication to build devices for studying biosystems and applications in drug delivery, diagnostics etc.
Genetics
Molecular Genetics at UNMC is focused upon cancer genetics; genetic control of embryonic development, including development of the skeletal, neurosensory, cardiovascular and urogenital systems; genetics of complex diseases, including diabetes, dyslexia, obesity and neurodegeneration; and characterization of gene-environment interactions. The ultimate goal of genetics research at UNMC is to integrate data from functional and population-based studies with information from the numerous genome projects to understand genetic predisposition, susceptibility, environmental influences and pathogenesis of human disorders and disease.
Infrastructure to support genetics research at UNMC includes: the Mouse Genome Engineering Facility for generation of knockout and transgenic animals; state-of-the art animal facilities; a Molecular Phenotyping Core for morphologic and histologic analyses and image processing; a DNA Microarray Core with full capabilities for whole genome expression profiling and bioinformatics support; and a DNA Sequencing and Genotyping Facility for high-throughput approaches and linkage analyses.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of genetics research at UNMC, unique opportunities exist for interactions between the academic departments, the Eppley Institute and the Munroe-Meyer Institute. Numerous genetics-related seminars are sponsored each year by the departments and institutes, providing students and postdoctoral fellows with knowledge of basic research, clinical practice and clinical applications.
Cardiovascular Biology
The research projects conducted by UNMC faculty within the area of Cardiovascular Biology encompass a wide range of investigations related to the fundamental understanding of how the heart and blood vessels function in health and in disease. Contemporary scientists examine these issues at all levels of biological activity, from the molecular and cellular, to the coordinated integration of separate organ systems that maintain homeostasis of the entire organism.
Research training in Cardiovascular Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is designed to optimize the ability of incoming students to address the many research problems that exist over this broad range. The interdisciplinary environment of the training program, which is fostered by the size and composition of the graduate faculty, facilitates the acquisition of modern experimental techniques and the development of the intellectual tools required for their implementation in the study of current problems in cardiovascular medicine.
These programs can be categorized into four general themes that represent contemporary strategies for the understanding of cardiovascular function. There are no clear lines of demarcation between these categories. Indeed, interactions across thematic lines are routine and encouraged. Nevertheless, this organization is useful for the purpose of describing the breadth of research opportunities available.
Cardiovascular Development: These studies focus on the fundamental mechanisms regulating cardiovascular development and related mechanisms responsible for congenital defects.
Cell Transport and Signaling: These studies examine the molecular mechanisms that regulate myocardial function at the single cell level.
Microvascular Function: The microcirculation is carefully regulated. These studies examine regulatory mechanisms and their dysfunction in disease.
Neuro-humoral Control: These studies are concerned with the neural and hormonal control of the cardiovascular system.
Molecular Biology
All aspects of modern biomedical research rely, to some extent, on experimental strategies that allow investigators to manipulate protein structure and function, determine how and which genes are turned on and off during a variety of physiologic, developmental, pathologic and oncogenic processes, and to understand the day-to-day workings of living cells. Doctoral research training in all these areas provides students skills in the manipulation and analysis of recombinant DNA and genes that are collectively termed "molecular biology." Such skills are critical for the conduct of state-of-the-art biomedical research in the twenty-first century.
Gene Expression and Regulation: Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression is the goal of laboratories studying the control of expression of specific genes. Identification of both cis-acting (DNA sequence) elements in the promoter regions of these genes and enhancer elements that may lie outside the promoter is done by molecular dissection of gene regulatory elements in vitro.
Analysis of Protein Structure/Function Relationships: A powerful approach to understanding the way in which individual amino acids and post-translational modifications of proteins may contribute to protein function evolved with the availability of complementary DNAs encoding specific proteins in conjunction with technology to modify, transfer and express the cDNAs in vitro.
Transgenic Animal Models: The use of transgenic mice bearing "knock-out" or "knock-in" of particular genes has been a revolutionary approach to understanding the role of genes in many biological processes and disease states. State-of-the-art facilities are available for DNA microinjection, growth of mouse embryonic stem cells, and the preparation, propagation and maintenance of transgenic mice. Novel uses for transgenic mouse models are being developed for vaccine preparation and analysis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Genomics and Bioinformatics: The completion of the human genome project is a landmark scientific advance that has led to the acquisition of huge amounts of DNA sequence data, made tractable only through computer analysis. With the right technology, it is now possible to ask fundamental questions about the genes that make up a human being that could not be approached experimentally in the past.
Immunology
Immunology research at the UNMC is multifaceted with interests ranging from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, oncology, hematology, and infectious diseases to neurologic dysfunction. Immunology has obvious significance in the biology of disease resistance, but also has important implications for developing modern therapies such as those involving organ transplants and stem cell transplantation. The field of immunology also plays a more central role in understanding psychological-biochemical responses of the body and the role of inflammatory responses in neurodegeneration.
Researchers and students with interests in immunology can keep in touch via several group meetings on immunology topics: the Immunology Interest Group, TransIn addition, there are three core facilities directly related to supporting immunology research: the Cell Analysis Facility, the Monoclonal Antibody Facility and the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience represents one of the most fascinating and complex research areas. In terms of basic sciences, Neuroscience is one of the last remaining major frontiers in science. Clinically, neurodegenerative diseases represent a major frontier in that these diseases are among the most devastating and intractable of diseases.
Neurodevelopment and neurosignaling: A central question in Neuroscience relates to how the genome and experience interact to generate a structure as complex as the brain. Another major question is how the molecular and cellular structure of the brain underlies brain function and brain dysfunction. For example, in a variety of brain and psychiatric disorders (e.g., epilepsy, ischemia, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia), specific neurotransmitter signaling systems appear to be dysfunctional.
Neurovirology and neurodegeneration: Researchers at the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Diseases focus on the role of the immune system in neurological diseases and in neural complications of AIDS infection. Inflammation is a major mechanism in which the brain responds to a variety of injuries. Whether it be AIDS or Alzheimer's disease (AD), the neurons are not always directly destroyed. Disease can occur indirectly through glia (supportive cells of the brain) by setting off a chain of biochemical events that produce toxins and inflammation that can compromise neuronal cell signaling and ultimately destroy neurons.
Cell Signaling
Cell and Developmental Biology
One of the greatest challenges facing biomedical research is to fully understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the process of development. The application of the powerful tools of genetics, combined with the techniques of modern cellular and molecular biology, has led to an explosion of interest in the study of development. Although modern technology has provided the tools necessary to solve many unanswered questions, progress in the field critically depends on a solid intellectual foundation that generates new questions and provides the broadly-based background necessary for interpreting the answers to these questions in both historical and modern contexts.
A major emphasis of the Cell and Developmental Biology area at UNMC is on the genes that control developmental events and interactions between developmentally important genes and their environment. Both transgenic and knockout mouse technologies are routinely used. Several physiological systems are under investigation. These include the hematopoietic and immune systems, the skeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system.
cancer biology
Despite impressive progress during the past 30 years, cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging problems of biomedical research. For this reason, cancer research is a key component of the Biomedical Research Training Program. Cancer researchers at UNMC are engaged in work that addresses the root causes of cancer, as well as the means of enhancing the detection and treatment of cancer. This research employs a wide range of animal and cellular model systems, includes both basic and translational research, and focuses heavily on the molecular basis of cancer.
Causes of Cancer: This area of research includes evaluation of the genetic, environmental and nutritional factors that contribute to cancer incidence as well as cancer prevention. Some research approaches utilized in this area of inquiry include:
- Functional Genomics
- DNA damage and repair
- Nutrition and cancer
- Environmental risk factors
- Cancer genetics
- Animal models of cancer
Molecular and Cellular Ramifications of Cancer: This research is focused on the differences in molecules and cells that help define cancer at the microscopic level. The following avenues are taken in research at the molecular level:
- Gene expression
- Signal transduction
- Structural biochemistry
- Functional Genomics
Diagnostics and Therapeutics: State-of-the-art technology couples with cutting-edge cancer research at UNMC to identify new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. Several research innovations are used, including:
- Functional Genomics
- Tumor vaccine development
- Radioimmunoconjugate therapy
- Gene-targeted therapy
- B-cell and T-cell mediated therapies
labs-on-a chip
In general, this should lead to increased throughput and, thus, to reduced cost of (bio)chemical analysis. In addition, such integrated labs-on-a-chip have many potential applications in biomedicine and bioengineering. In the context of biomedicine, for example, they could provide fast and detailed analysis of blood samples in the physician's office without the need to wait several days before the sample has been returned from specialized laboratories. Other applications include customized chips for space travel in order to monitor microbes inside spacecraft or to detect life on other planets.
Biomedical research
Biomedical research , general simply known as medical research, is the basic research, applied research, or translational research conducted to aid the body of knowledge in the field of medicine. Medical research can be divided into two general categories:
the evaluation of new treatments for both safety and efficacy in what are termed clinical trials, and all other research that contributes to the development of new treatments.
The latter is termed preclinical research if its goal is specifically to elaborate knowledge for the development of new therapeutic strategies. A new paradigm to biomedical research is being termed translational research, which focuses on iterative feedback loops between the basic and clinical research domains to accelerate knowledge translation from the bedside to the bench, and back again.
The increased longevity of humans over the past century can be significantly attributed to advances resulting from medical research. Among the major benefits have been vaccines for measles and polio, insulin treatment for diabetes, classes of antibiotics for treating a host of maladies, medication for high blood pressure, improved treatments for AIDS, statins and other treatments for atherosclerosis, new surgical techniques such as microsurgery, and increasingly successful treatments for cancer. New, beneficial tests and treatments are expected as a result of the human genome project. Many challenges remain, however, including the appearance of antibiotic resistance and the obesity epidemic.
Most of the research in the field is pursued by biomedical scientists in cooperation with molecular biologists.
Biomedicine---Introduction
Biomedicine, also known as theoretical medicine, is a term that comprises the knowledge and research which is more or less in common to the fields of human medicine, veterinary medicine, odontology and fundamental biosciences such as biochemistry, chemistry, biology, histology, genetics, embryology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomedical engineering, zoology, botanics and microbiology.
Biomedicine is usually not concerned with the practice of medicine as much as it is with the theory, knowledge and research of it; its results render possible new drugs and a deeper, molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease, and thus lays the foundation of all medical application, diagnosis and treatment.
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