The Nano World and Gene

Therapy (Stem Cells)

STS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

PREPARED BY: GROUP 3
 Learning Outcomes:
1. Discuss the implication of nanotechnology in society.
2. Describe the concept of gene therapy and its various forms.
3. Assess the potential benefits and detriments of nanoworld
and stem cell to global health.
 The Nano World
The term “nano’’ refers to a unit meaning one billionth or
ten raised to negative nine (10-9).
“Nano” expresses a very tiny amount or size.

The global market leader for tips for Scanning Probe
Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy
sphere of influence of nanotechnology
Nanotechnology
Refers to the science, engineering, and technology
conducted at the nanoscale.
How Small is a Nanoscale?
A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. The
illustration shows how small nanoscale is compare to
other particles or materials.
HowSmallisaNanoscale?
How to view Nanomaterials
Scientists use special types of microscope to view minute nanomaterials. These
are the electron microscope, and the atomic force microscope and scanning
tunneling microscope which are just among the modern and remarkable
advances in microscopy.
1) Electron microscope- It utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up
specimen and develop a well-magnified image.
2. Atomic force microscope- It makes use of a mechanical
probe that gather information from the surface of a
materials.
3. Scanning tunneling microscope- It enables scientists to
view and manipulate nanoscale particles, atoms, and small
molecules.
Nanomanufacturing
It refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials,
structures, devices, and systems.
Two fundamental approaches to nanomanufacturing.
1. Bottom-up fabrication-It manufactures product by building then up from atomic and
molecular-scale components.
2. Top-down fabrication- It terms down large pieces needs of materials into nanoscale.
Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology has various applications in different sectors of the society and environmental.
3. Nanotechnology is not a single technology it may become prevalent.
2. It seeks to develop new materials with specific properties.
3. New efficiencies and paradigms may be introduced that may render certain natural
resources and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete.
4. It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of
nanotechnology.
Table 1. Benefits and Concerns of the Application of Nanotechnology in Different Areas
Example of Areas Affected by Possible Benefits Concerns
Nanotechnology
Environment • Improved detection and • High reactivity and toxicity
removal of contaminants • Pervasive distribution in the
• Development of being industrial environment
process and materials • No nano-specific EPA regulation
Health • Improved medicine • Ability to cross cell membranes
and translocate in the body
• No FDA approval needed for
cosmetics or supplements
Economy • Better products • Redistribution of wealth
• New jobs • Potential cost of cleanups and
healthcare
• Accessibility to all income levels.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is an experimental technique for the treatment or prevention of disease using
genes.
The Basis Process
 Replacement of mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene.
 Inactivation of a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.
 Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.
Two Types of Gene Therapy
1. Somatic gene therapy- involves the manipulation of genes in any reproductive cells of the
body except sperm and egg cells that will that will be helpful to the patient but not inherited
to the patient’s descendants.
2. Germ-line gene therapy- involves the genetic modification of reproductive cells such as
sperm and egg cells that will pass the changed to carry normal human DNA.
Stem Cell Gene Therapy
Stem cell are mother cells that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body.
Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to self-renew or multiply.

Sources of stem cells

3. Embryonic stem cells- are derived a three to five day old human embryo that is in blastocyst
phase of development and has about 150 cells. The embryos are usually extras that have
been created in IVF ( in vitro fertilization) clinics where several eggs are fertilized in a test
tube then implanted into a woman.
4. Somatic stem cells- are cells exist throughout the body after embryonic development. They
are also capable of self-renewal and, with appropriate signals, differentiate into various cell
types from the organ from which they are derived.
The Bioethics of Gene Therapy
The challenges and risks involved in gene therapy include
delivering the normal gene to an adequate number of the
correct types of cells, making sure the new gene is not
introduced into the patient’s germline, eliciting an immune
response to the viral vector, and disrupting the function of
others genes if the new gene integrates itself into them.
THANK YOU!