Using Nanotechnology for Cell Repair

24 April 2007

Researchers have succeeded in demonstrating the possible use of Nanotechnology to accelerate the repair and rejuvenation of cells within the human body. These results are an important first step towards realizing Nanotechnology’s ultimate dream of self-replicating Nano-sized machines that can aid in healing incurable illnesses in the human body.

The research was conducted on laboratory mice in a lab at Northwestern University. These mice were paralyzed with spinal cord injuries; however, after injecting them with Nanomaterials with curative properties, they were able to regain their ability to walk within six weeks.

The Nanomaterials were molecules that self-assembled into meaningful structures in the spinal tissue. These structures are called Nanofibers and they aided in repairing the damaged neurons. Scientists believe that Nanofibers are the key to accelerating the body’s healing process. These Nanofibers act as a trigger which enable the body to create new or damaged cells.

These results suggest that scientists might be one step closer to realizing Drexler’s great vision of self-assembling machines. These self-assembling machines can isolate certain cells in the body either for repair or regeneration, such as would be the case with stem cells. Ultimately, these functions can be extended to help cure Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease. Thus far, researchers have successfully demonstrated recovery from Parkinson’s and heart disease using laboratory mice injected with Nanofibers.

Related Posts: