Nature’s Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is also an integral part of the living world. The living cell is microscopic in size (animal and plant cells are in the range of 0.01 – 0.10 mm, and bacteria are smaller), but many biological processes involve nanoparticles. A remarkable example is that of magnetotactic bacteria that contain iron oxide-based nanomaterials within them and ingeniously make use of magnetic forces to orientate/position themselves within the soil. Certain bacteria called Pseudomonas use reductive or oxidising pathways (termed ‘redox’) to generate nanoparticles of selenium, silver or sulphur in order to expel these unwanted elements from the cell. These biological elimination processes in bacteria and also yeasts can be exploited, for example, in the dairy industry or for decontamination of soil or waste water of heavy metals. Plant cells also provide us with wonderful examples of nanotechnology in action – trees can release nanoparticles made of hydrocarbons (terpenes), and in the right environment, these lead to a visible blue forest haze. This phenomenon gave rise to the name ‘Great Smoky Mountains’ on the Tennessee–North Carolina border – the native Cherokee people traditionally called them ‘Shaconage’, which translates to ‘place of the blue smoke’.

Using nature as a template

Many manufactured products in use today have their origin in nature’s nanotechnology. For instance, nanofibres from the foot hairs of geckos and the nanoscale structures in mussels that allow them to cling so effectively to surfaces have been exploited to produce novel, high-strength glues. The wings of cicada beetles have nanostructures that allow almost all light to pass through them, and these have been harvested for use in modern materials with improved reflective properties. Lotus leaves have special nanostructures on their surfaces – these can repel water and carry dirt away – this technology has been harnessed in self-cleaning glass for windows. In the field of medicine, chitosan – a linear polysaccharide made from the chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans – has been studied as a material from which to form nanoparticle-based medicines. In fact, there continues to be huge anticipation about the use of nanotechnology in medicine. A range of nanomedicines using lipids, metals or polymers to improve the delivery or efficacy of drugs has already received regulatory approval, including anti-fungal and anti-cancer drugs, and pain relief medications. As this industry develops further, regulatory guidance is emerging to ensure that we rightly monitor any impact of these nanomedicines on the natural environment.

At Blueberry, our focus is to apply the exciting principles of nanotechnology to the field of dermatology. Our innovative formulations aim to treat the underlying problem, whilst nurturing the skin’s barrier function back to good health. Our research team works to improve the delivery and retention of potent topical therapies (applied directly to the nail or skin) for common skin conditions by formulating them into nanoparticles. 

This image shows nanoparticles containing active drug – these have been analysed with an instrument that uses a laser to illuminate the nanoparticles, so they can be seen under the microscope. Blueberry’s enhanced formulations and improved delivery to the site of disease support better efficacy, safety and patient compliance, representing significant improvements over existing treatments with the important potential to reduce dose.