With nano-technology holding immense promise in the areas of healthcare in diagnosis, drug delivery and development, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has decided to focus on translational aspects of emerging nano-technology. The premier government-run research organization in the country will nurture research initiatives in the various branches of nano-technology.

"Nano-technology is expected to have a revolutionary impact on the Indian healthcare system both in terms of diagnostics and also therapeutic strategies. ICMR has special focus on translational aspects of emerging nano-technology. It will provide enough funds to the researchers in this area," a senior ICMR official said.

Scientists from various recognized research institutions, universities and medical colleges, which has the required infrastructure to conduct research, have been asked by the ICMR to submit research proposals. "There is no dearth of funds for research in this emerging area. Recognised institutions both in private and public sectors will be considered for research," the official said.

The areas of nano-medicine that will be focused on include, nano-material in nutraceauticals, nano-material based newer methodologies/technologies, models for toxicity/safety assessment of nano-material, nanotechnology in imaging, nanotechnology in clinical and laboratory diagnosis, nanotechnology in development of drug and other biomolecule delivery systems, nanotechnology for development of bio and cellular sensors, nanotechnology in tissue engineering and stem cell research, nano-toxicology, nano-material in pharmaceuticals and ethical issues in nanotechnology research and application.

Nanotechnology is the science of materials and devices whose structures and components exhibit novel and significantly altered physical, chemical and biological properties, phenomenon and processes due to their nano-scale size. The most important applications of nanotechnology in healthcare are diagnosis, drug delivery and development of nano-medicines including nano-surgical procedures. In the recent past, pharmaceutical technology has initiated to take the advantage of the advent of nanotechnology. Still more research and teaching of this discipline in pharmacy is highly needed, expert said.

Nano-medicines include monitoring, repair, construction and control of human biological systems at the molecular level, using engineered nano-devices and nanostructures. Smart nano-medicines can be tailored to provide a more predictable targeting of a drug to a confined organ leading to decreased toxicity, controlled release, smaller dosage regimen and protection of drug against the environment. This technology has been found useful in treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis and even in brain targeting. Future of nanotechnology has great potential and it is believed that it can change society more than the industrial revolution, experts say.