Harnessing Materials for X-ray Based Cancer Therapy and Imaging


Book Description

This book discusses the efficacy of nanomaterial-based X-rays enhancers against cancer therapy and imaging in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Also, synthesis, mechanism, and the related biological effects are given. Moreover, nanoparticle-based contrast agents to enhance the image quality are compiled. Finally, special nanoparticle-based contrast agents to enhance the contrast for targeted cancer therapy are covered and discussed.




Harnessing Synthetic Nanotechnology-Based Methodologies for Sustainable Green Applications


Book Description

Decision support systems are developed for integrated pest and disease management and nutrition management using open-source technologies as Java, Android and low-cost hardware devices like Arduino micro controller. This text discusses the techniques to convert agricultural knowledge in the context of ontology and assist grape growers by providing this knowledge through decision support system. The key features of the book are as follows: It presents the design and development of an ontology-based decision support system for integrated crop management. It discusses the techniques to convert agricultural knowledge in text to ontology. It focuses on an extensive study of various e-Negotiation protocols for automated negotiations. It provides an architecture for predicting the opponent’s behavior and various factors which affect the process of negotiation. The text is primarily written for graduate students, professionals and academic researchers working in the fields of computer science and engineering, agricultural science and information technology. Dr Gerrard E.J. Poinern holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Murdoch University, Western Australia and a Double Major in Physics and Chemistry. Currently he is is an Associate Professor in Physics and Nanotechnology in the School of Engineering and Information Technology at Murdoch University. He is the director of Murdoch Applied Innovation and Nanotechnology Research Group, Murdoch University. In 2003, he discovered and pioneered the use of an inorganic nanomembrane for potential skin tissue engineering applications. He is the recipient of a Gates Foundation Global Health Grand Challenge Exploration Award for his work in the development of biosynthetic materials and their subsequent application in the manufacture of biomedical devices. He is also the author of the 2014 experimental textbook "A Laboratory Course in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology". Associate Professor Suraj K Tripathy is Associate Dean of the School of Chemical Technology at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India. He currently leads the Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Lab (CBEL) at KIIT which focuses on achieving sustainability in materials processing and utilization. CBEL explores opportunities in valorization of waste materials (secondary resources) and investigate their applications in catalysis, water treatment, and biomedical systems. CBEL also works closely with industries to develop suitable waste management and resource recycling strategies to optimize the potential of circular economy model. Dr. Derek Fawcett is the Defence Science Centre research fellow at Murdoch University, Australia. His research involves the investigation and development of new advanced materials and their use in innovative engineering systems. He has published over seventy peer-reviewed research papers in international journals.




X-ray Nanochemistry


Book Description

This book describes the latest developments in the new research discipline of X-ray nanochemistry, which uses nanomaterials to enhance the effectiveness of X-ray irradiation. Nanomaterials now can be synthesized in such a way as to meet the demand for complex functions that enhance the X-ray effect. Innovative methods of delivering the X-rays, which can interact with those nanomaterials much more strongly than energetic electrons and gamma rays, also create new opportunities to enhance the X-ray effect. As a result, new concepts are conceived and new developments are made in the last decade, which are discussed and summarized in this book. This book will help define the discipline and encourage more students and scientists to work in this discipline. These efforts will eventually lead to formation of a full set of physical, chemical and materials principles for this new research field.




Engineering Materials for Stem Cell Regeneration


Book Description

This book reviews the interface of stem cell biology and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. It presents the applications of biomaterials to support stem cell growth and regeneration. The book discusses the stem cell interactions’ with nanofiber, gradient biomaterial, polymer- and ceramic biomaterials, integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches, adhesive properties of stem cells on materials, cell-laden hydrogels, micro-and nanospheres, de-cellularization techniques, and use of porous scaffolds. Further, this book provides a basic introduction to the fabrication techniques for creating various biomaterials that can be used for stem cell differentiation. It also elucidates the properties of stem cells, their characteristic features, tissue culture technology, properties of pluripotency, osteogenesis, and biomaterial interaction with de-cellularized organs, cell lineage in vivo and in vitro, gene expression, embryonic development, and cell differentiation. Further, the book reviews the latest applications of bio-instructive scaffold for supporting stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. The book also presents stem cell for dental, alveolar bone and cardiac regeneration. Lastly, it introduces engineered stem cells for delivering small molecule therapeutics and their potential biomedical applications.




Medical Imaging Technology


Book Description

Biomedical imaging is a relatively young discipline that started with Conrad Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery of the x-ray in 1895. X-ray imaging was rapidly adopted in hospitals around the world. However, it was the advent of computerized data and image processing that made revolutionary new imaging modalities possible. Today, cross-sections and three-dimensional reconstructions of the organs inside the human body is possible with unprecedented speed, detail and quality. This book provides an introduction into the principles of image formation of key medical imaging modalities: X-ray projection imaging, x-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, and radionuclide imaging. Recent developments in optical imaging are also covered. For each imaging modality, the introduction into the physical principles and sources of contrast is provided, followed by the methods of image formation, engineering aspects of the imaging devices, and a discussion of strengths and limitations of the modality. With this book, the reader gains a broad foundation of understanding and knowledge how today’s medical imaging devices operate. In addition, the chapters in this book can serve as an entry point for the in-depth study of individual modalities by providing the essential basics of each modality in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner. As such, this book is equally attractive as a textbook for undergraduate or graduate biomedical imaging classes and as a reference and self-study guide for more specialized in-depth studies.




Nanopharmaceuticals: Principles and Applications Vol. 3


Book Description

This book is the third volume on this subject and focuses on the recent advances of nanopharmaceuticals in cancer, dental, dermal and drug delivery applications and presents their safety, toxicity and therapeutic efficacy. The book also includes the transport phenomenon of nanomaterials and important pathways for drug delivery applications. It goes on to explain the toxicity of nanoparticles to different physiological systems and methods used to assess this for different organ systems using examples of in vivo systems.




Harnessing Light


Book Description

Optical science and engineering affect almost every aspect of our lives. Millions of miles of optical fiber carry voice and data signals around the world. Lasers are used in surgery of the retina, kidneys, and heart. New high-efficiency light sources promise dramatic reductions in electricity consumption. Night-vision equipment and satellite surveillance are changing how wars are fought. Industry uses optical methods in everything from the production of computer chips to the construction of tunnels. Harnessing Light surveys this multitude of applications, as well as the status of the optics industry and of research and education in optics, and identifies actions that could enhance the field's contributions to society and facilitate its continued technical development.




Radiation Source Use and Replacement


Book Description

In the United States there are several thousand devices containing high-activity radiation sources licensed for use in areas ranging from medical uses such as cancer therapy to safety uses such as testing of structures and industrial equipment. Those radiation sources are licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state agencies. Concerns have been raised about the safety and security of the radiation sources, particularly amid fears that they could be used to create dirty bombs, or radiological dispersal device (RDD). In response to a request from Congress, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission asked the National Research Council to conduct a study to review the uses of high-risk radiation sources and the feasibility of replacing them with lower risk alternatives. The study concludes that the U.S. government should consider factors such as potential economic consequences of misuse of the radiation sources into its assessments of risk. Although the committee found that replacements of most sources are possible, it is not economically feasible in some cases. The committee recommends that the U.S. government take steps to in the near term to replace radioactive cesium chloride radiation sources, a potential "dirty bomb" ingredient used in some medical and research equipment, with lower-risk alternatives. The committee further recommends that longer term efforts be undertaken to replace other sources. The book presents a number of options for making those replacements.




Advanced Healthcare Materials


Book Description

Offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary view of cutting-edge research on advanced materials for healthcare technology and applications Advanced healthcare materials are attracting strong interest in fundamental as well as applied medical science and technology. This book summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field of advanced materials for functional therapeutics, point-of-care diagnostics, translational materials, and up-and-coming bioengineering devices. Advanced Healthcare Materials highlights the key features that enable the design of stimuli-responsive smart nanoparticles, novel biomaterials, and nano/micro devices for either diagnosis or therapy, or both, called theranostics. It also presents the latest advancements in healthcare materials and medical technology. The senior researchers from global knowledge centers have written topics including: State-of-the-art of biomaterials for human health Micro- and nanoparticles and their application in biosensors The role of immunoassays Stimuli-responsive smart nanoparticles Diagnosis and treatment of cancer Advanced materials for biomedical application and drug delivery Nanoparticles for diagnosis and/or treatment of Alzheimers disease Hierarchical modelling of elastic behavior of human dental tissue Biodegradable porous hydrogels Hydrogels in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound care Modified natural zeolites Supramolecular hydrogels based on cyclodextrin poly(pseudo)rotaxane Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based biomaterials Biomimetic molecularly imprinted polymers




Advances in Photodynamic Therapy


Book Description

With today's focus on targeted and minimally invasive therapies, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now being studied and used to combat many disease states and to investigate critical biological questions. This groundbreaking resource brings you the latest advances in photodynamic therapy and offers you a solid understanding of the design, delivery and dosimetry of the three basic ingredients of PDT - photosensitizers, light and oxygen. The book covers novel areas of mechanistic and innovative translational approaches. Moreover, it gives you an overview of the important medical applications of PDT, including approved treatments, clinical trials, and investigated therapies for cancer and non-malignant diseases.