Applications of Nanotechnology in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health

Applications of Nanotechnology in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health

The word “Nano” was derived from the Greek word Dwarf which means “a billionth” or a billionth of a meter. It can be defined as the science and engineering involved in the design, synthesis, characterization and application of materials and devices whose smallest functional organization ranging between 1-100 nm in at least one dimension. Nanoscale materials have unique physicochemical properties including ultra small size, large surface to mass ratio, high reactivity and unique interactions with biological systems Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize veterinary medicine, animal health and other areas of animal production. In the twenty first century, nanotechnology may offer a vast number of breakthroughs that will advance the practice of clinical veterinary medicine. The creation of new pharmacological compounds and novel treatment protocols are going to have a huge impact on the health and quality of life in animals. In this review, we discuss the application of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine and animal health, especially in the field of nanoparticle drug delivery and diagnosis.

I. DRUG DELIVERY

Over the last few decades, the applications of nanotechnology in medicine have been extensively explored in many medical areas, especially in drug delivery. Many advantages of nanoparticle-based drug delivery have been recognized. It improves the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, prolongs the halflife of drug by reducing immunogenicity, releases drugs at a sustained rate or in an environmentally responsive manner and thus lowers the frequency of administration, delivers drugs in a target manner to minimize systemic side effects, and delivers two or more drugs simultaneously for combination therapy to generate a synergistic effect and suppress drug resistance. As a result, a few pioneering nanoparticle-based therapeutic products have been introduced into the pharmaceutical market and numerous ensuing products are currently under clinical testing or are entering the pipeline. Nanotechnology, the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, has permeated various fields, and its applications in veterinary medicine are transforming the landscape of animal healthcare. The unique properties of nanomaterials, such as their size and surface characteristics, enable innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals. This article explores the diverse applications of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine, showcasing its potential to revolutionize animal health.

A few types of nanoparticles including polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles and dendrimers have been widely investigated as drug delivery platforms, of which several products have been introduced into pharmaceutical market.

Polymeric Nanoparticles

Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers have been used extensively for controlled drug release. Polymeric nanoparticles possess several unique characteristics for drug delivery. Firstly, polymeric nanoparticles are structurally stable and can be synthesized with a sharper size distribution. Secondly, particle properties such as size, zeta potential and drug release profiles can be precisely tuned by selecting different polymer lengths, surfactants, and organic solvents during the synthesis. Thirdly, the surface of polymeric nanoparticles typically contains functional groups that can be chemically modified with either drug moieties or targeting ligands. It has been found that lectin-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles bind specifically to carbohydrate receptors on cell walls of H. pylori and release antimicrobial agents into the bacteria.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) are made from solid lipid or lipid blends. It is similar to an oil–in-water emulsion where the liquid lipid (oil) of emulsion has been replaced by solid lipid in SLNs. SLNs are solid colloidal particlesranging from 50 to 1000 nm in which the active principles (drug or biologically active material) are dissolved, entrapped and/or to which the active principle is adsorbed or attached. Solid lipids are used in the SLNs formulations include fatty, partial glycerides and waxes. Surfactants are used as emulsifiers to stabilize lipid dispersion. The lipids and the surfactants used for the preparation of SLNs are biocompatible and chosen based on FDA approval status; hence, these drug delivery systems typically exhibit very low toxicity. SLNs are safe because the preparation method do not rely on the use of organic solvents. SLNs can be prepared using simple, scalable production methods. SLNs particularly those in the range of 120–200 nm are not taken up readily by the cells present in the RES (Reticulo Endothelial System) and thus bypass liver and spleen filtration. SLNs are favoured the controlled and targeted release of the incorporated drug. Enhanced drug stability and bioavailability, better control over release kinetics of encapsulated compound, the feasibility of incorporating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, feasible large scale production and sterilization and chemical protection of labile incorporated compound are some other important advantages of SLNs. The important disadvantages of SLNs are poor drug loading capacity, drug expulsion during storage, relatively high water content of the dispersions (70-99.9%) and low capacity to load water soluble drugs due to partitioning effects during the production process.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)

The modifications of SLNs, the so-called nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have been introduced and it is called second generation of lipid nanoparticles. NLCs were introduced to overcome the potential difficulties with SLNs. The goal to develop NLCs was to increase the drug loading and to prevent drug expulsion. The mixing solid lipids with small amounts of liquid lipids (oils) results in lessordered lipid matrix with many imperfections, which can accommodate a higher amount of drug. Because of their properties and advantages, NLCs may find extensive application in topical drug delivery, oral and parenteral administration of cosmetic and pharmaceutical actives.

Dendrimers

Dendrimers are defined as highly ordered and regularly branched globular macromolecules produced by stepwise iterative approaches. The structure of dendrimers consists of three distinct architectural regions: a focal moiety or a core, layers of branched repeat units emerging from the core, and functional end groups on the outer layer of repeat units. Dendrimers possess several unique properties that make them a good nanoparticle platform for drug delivery. The highlybranched nature of dendrimers provides enormous surface area to size ratio and allows great reactivity with microorganisms in vivo. In addition, both hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents can be loaded into dendrimers.

II.DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

Nanotechnology can be utilized as faster and more precise diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. For diagnostic applications, nanoparticles allow detection on the molecular scale: they help identify abnormalities such as fragments of viruses, precancerous cells, and disease markers that cannot be detected with traditional diagnostics. Nanoparticle-based imaging contrast agents have also been shown to improve the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging.

Quantum dot particles

Quantum dot particles are tiny crystals which are a ten-millionth of an inch in size. These are nano-scale crystalline structures made from a variety of different compounds, such as cadmium selenide. Quantum dots absorb white light and then re-emit it a couple of nanoseconds later at a specific wavelength. These structures offer new capabilities for multicolour optical coding in gene expression studies, high throughput screening, and in vivo imaging. Today quantum dots are considered an important advancement in understanding of how genes work. These particles will be instrumental in allowing researchers to monitor reactions of cells to certain drugs or viruses.

III.THERANOSTICS NANOPARTICLS

Integration of therapeutic compounds into nanoparticles with diagnostic agents refers to the theranostic nanoparticles (imaging and therapy). The carbon nanomaterials are used advantageous are diagnosis and treatment of a disease can be performed in a single setting using combinational strategies of targeting, imaging, and/or therapy.

Carbon Nanomaterials

Carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanoparticles or carbon dots (Cdots) and nano-diamonds (NDs) are increasingly being used in biomedical applications owing to these materials’ unique, size-dependent functions and physicochemical properties.

Fullerenes

Are composed entirely of carbon in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Spherical fullerenes are also referred to as buckyballs. Fullerenes belong to the class of inorganic nanoparticles and show high bioavailability due to their small size (~1 nm). Owing to their small size, fullerenes can penetrate various tissues and organelles. Fullerenes may act as drug- and gene-delivery carriers. Furthermore, because fullerenes are strong anti-oxidants, they have been used as neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory.

Graphene

exhibits unique 2-D structure and exceptional physical and chemical properties that lead to many potential applications. Graphene with all carbon atoms exposed on theirsurfaces, exhibit ultra-high surface area available for efficient drug loading and bioconjugation. Graphene has widespread biomedical applications, ranging from drug/gene delivery, biological sensing and imaging, to biocompatible scaffold for cell culture Currently, more than, 20 nanoparticle therapeutics are in clinical use, validating the ability of nanoparticles to improve the therapeutic index of drugs. In addition to the already approved nanoparticles, numerous other nanoparticle platforms are currently under various stages of preclinical and clinical development. With continued research and development efforts, nanotechnology is expected to have a tremendous impact on medicine for decades to come.

Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery

1. Precision Medicine:

• Nanoparticles facilitate targeted drug delivery, allowing for precision medicine in veterinary care. This approach minimizes side effects and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of drugs.

2. Extended Release Formulations:

• Nanotechnology enables the development of extended-release formulations, providing a sustained release of drugs over an extended period. This is particularly beneficial in chronic diseases, ensuring a continuous therapeutic effect.

3. Enhanced Bioavailability:

• Nano-sized drug carriers improve the bioavailability of medications, enhancing their absorption and distribution in the animal’s body. This is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Nanosensors for Diagnostics

1. Early Disease Detection:

• Nanosensors offer highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic tools for the early detection of diseases in animals. These devices can detect biomarkers associated with various health conditions, enabling timely intervention.

2. Point-of-Care Testing:

• Portable nanosensor devices allow for point-of-care testing, providing on-the-spot diagnostic information to veterinarians. This accelerates decision-making and facilitates immediate treatment.

3. Imaging Enhancements:

• Nanoparticles enhance imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, providing detailed insights into the anatomical and physiological aspects of animals.

Nanoparticles in Vaccines

1. Improved Vaccine Delivery:

• Nanoparticles serve as effective carriers for vaccines, improving their stability and enhancing antigen presentation. This results in more robust immune responses in animals.

2. Mucosal Vaccination:

• Nanotechnology enables the development of mucosal vaccines, providing an alternative route of administration. This approach enhances the animal’s immune response, particularly in mucosal surfaces.

3. Single-Dose Vaccination:

• Nanoparticle-based vaccine formulations can enable single-dose vaccinations, simplifying vaccination schedules for animals and improving compliance among livestock owners.

Nanotechnology for Wound Healing

1. Regenerative Therapies:

• Nanomaterials contribute to regenerative therapies for wound healing in animals. Nanoparticles can be incorporated into dressings and ointments to enhance tissue regeneration and reduce scarring.

2. Antimicrobial Nanocoatings:

• Nanocoatings with antimicrobial properties are applied to veterinary medical devices, implants, and wound dressings, preventing infections and promoting aseptic wound healing.

3. Smart Bandages:

• Nanotechnology enables the development of smart bandages that can monitor the wound healing process in real-time. These bandages provide valuable feedback to veterinarians, allowing for proactive management of wounds.

Challenges and Future Directions

1. Safety and Toxicity Concerns:

• Despite their potential, the safety and toxicity of nanomaterials in veterinary medicine require thorough investigation. Research is ongoing to understand the long-term effects of nanoparticle exposure in animals.

2. Regulatory Frameworks:

• The development and application of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine necessitate the establishment of clear regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and efficacy of nanoproducts for animals.

3. Public Awareness:

• Raising awareness among veterinarians, livestock owners, and the general public about the benefits and potential risks of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine is crucial for its responsible adoption.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology is rapidly advancing the frontiers of veterinary medicine, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in animal health. From targeted drug delivery to advanced diagnostics and regenerative therapies, the applications of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine hold immense promise for improving the well-being of animals. As research continues and regulatory frameworks evolve, the integration of nanotechnology into veterinary practices is set to redefine standards of care and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for animals around the world.

Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 Image-Courtesy-Google

 Reference-On Request.

APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY