by Ian Khan | Apr 22, 2024 | Uncategorized
Nanotechnology, the science of manipulating matter at the molecular and atomic levels, is revolutionizing drug delivery systems in healthcare. This cutting-edge technology offers the promise of more efficient and targeted drug delivery, enabling reduced dosages and minimizing side effects. By employing nanoparticles or nanostructures to deliver drugs directly to the site of disease, nanotechnology ensures that medications are more effectively utilized by the body, paving the way for advancements in treatment methodologies and patient care. Here's how nanotechnology is transforming drug delivery for better outcomes and reduced environmental impact.
Targeted Drug Delivery: Nanotechnology enables precise targeting of medication to specific cells or tissues affected by disease, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the drug. This targeted approach not only improves treatment outcomes but also significantly reduces the required dosage, minimizing waste and the risk of side effects associated with traditional drug delivery methods.
Reduced Dosages: By improving the bioavailability of medications—how well and how quickly a drug is absorbed and used by the body—nanotechnology allows for lower doses to be administered. This not only lessens the burden on patients but also reduces the production of excess medication, aligning with sustainable healthcare practices.
Minimizing Side Effects: Traditional drug delivery systems can result in medications affecting non-targeted areas of the body, leading to side effects. Nanotechnology's targeted approach minimizes this risk, improving patient quality of life and reducing the need for additional treatments to manage side effects.
Biodegradable Nanoparticles: Many nanoparticles used in drug delivery are designed to be biodegradable, breaking down into non-toxic substances that the body can easily eliminate. This feature further contributes to the sustainability of nanotechnology in healthcare, reducing potential environmental hazards associated with excreted medications.
Enhancing Treatment of Chronic Diseases: Nanotechnology is particularly beneficial in the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Nanostructured drug delivery systems can continuously release medication over time, offering more consistent therapeutic levels and improving patient adherence to treatment regimens.
Nanotechnology in drug delivery represents a significant leap forward in medical science, offering more effective, efficient, and patient-friendly treatment options. As research and development in this field continue to advance, the potential for nanotechnology to minimize dosage requirements while maximizing therapeutic outcomes holds promise for both individual health and environmental sustainability.
by Ian Khan | Oct 10, 2023 | Futurist Blog
Tony Xu – As the co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, Tony Xu has transformed the landscape of on-demand food delivery in the U.S. Xu's vision and leadership have guided DoorDash in its rapid expansion and service diversification.
Will Shu – The man behind Deliveroo, one of Europe's largest food delivery platforms. Will Shu's insight into the logistics and nuances of the food delivery business has made him an influential voice in the industry.
Max Wang – As Vice President of Meituan-Dianping, the leading food delivery platform in China, Wang's insights into the Asian market and large-scale operations are invaluable for anyone interested in global trends and challenges in food delivery.
Miki Kuusi – CEO and co-founder of Wolt, Kuusi's expertise lies in expanding in challenging markets, as Wolt quickly rose to dominate the Nordic region. His take on the blend of technology and food delivery is unique.
Matt Maloney – The co-founder and CEO of Grubhub, Maloney's contributions to online takeout food ordering have been significant. Under his leadership, Grubhub has navigated through mergers and expanded its reach extensively.
Ritesh Agarwal – The young entrepreneur behind Ola, which has its food delivery subsidiary, Ola Foods, in India. Agarwal's approach to integrating transport and food delivery insights offers a comprehensive perspective on urban mobility and delivery services.
Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty – Vice President of Uber Eats. Given Uber's dominance in the ride-hailing sector, Gore-Coty's management of its food delivery arm and understanding of logistical challenges is of paramount importance in the industry.
Bastian Lehmann – CEO of Postmates. Lehmann's journey of growing Postmates from a small startup to one of America's top food delivery services offers insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of on-demand services.
Barney Harford – Former COO of Uber and advisor for Uber Eats. With a background in both tech and travel (he was formerly CEO of Orbitz), Harford brings a diverse perspective to the table in the realm of logistics and delivery.
Evan Moore – Formerly at DoorDash and now a venture capitalist, Moore's insights extend beyond just the operational side of food delivery. His understanding of the market, trends, and what the future holds for on-demand services is deeply informed by his experiences.
by Ian Khan | Oct 10, 2023 | Futurist Blog
Robert Langer: Based at MIT, Langer is arguably the most prominent figure in the drug delivery world. His innovations encompass a wide range of materials and methods for delivering drugs, including nanoparticles, biodegradable polymers, and microchips.
Dr. Omid Farokhzad: A professor at Harvard Medical School, Farokhzad has made significant strides in nanoparticle drug delivery, particularly targeting cancer cells, improving the efficacy of treatment while minimizing side effects.
Dr. Tejal Desai: Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Desai focuses on micro- and nano-scale technologies to enable targeted and sustained drug delivery.
Prof. Samir Mitragotri: Currently at Harvard's Wyss Institute, Mitragotri has been instrumental in developing non-invasive drug delivery systems, including using ultrasound and ionic liquids for transdermal delivery.
Prof. Maria J. Alonso: At the University of Santiago de Compostela, Prof. Alonso's work encompasses nanomedicine and molecular and cell biology to design advanced drug delivery systems, notably using lipid-based nanoparticles.
Dr. Patrick Couvreur: Based at Paris-Sud University, Dr. Couvreur has pioneered lipid-core nanocapsules and has been deeply involved in nanomedicine applications in drug delivery, with a focus on targeting cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Prof. Justin Hanes: At Johns Hopkins, Hanes's work on mucus-penetrating particles has opened new avenues for delivering drugs to mucosal surfaces in the body, with potential applications in a wide range of diseases.
Dr. Ruth Duncan: Previously at Cardiff University, Dr. Duncan's work on polymer therapeutics has opened new horizons for the targeted delivery of bioactive agents, particularly for cancer treatment.
Prof. Kinam Park: At Purdue University, Prof. Park has been a pioneer in controlled drug release systems, with a particular focus on oral delivery and the challenges of delivering large molecules like proteins and peptides.
Dr. Mark Prausnitz: Based at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Prausnitz's work revolves around microneedle patches for drug and vaccine delivery, offering a painless and more efficient method compared to traditional injections.
