Chinese researchers have shown how nanoparticles used in medicine, such as polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM), can cause lung cancer. If nanotechnology is an important part of major national projects and the industry that is flourishing is attached, this study shows that despite the significant progress made in science and medicine, security issues raised by these particles may not be obliterated.

The article published in the Journal of Molecular Cell Biology shows how this family of nano-particles can cause damage to lungs, triggers a cellular autophagy. Based on experiments conducted by the research team, scientists have observed how nanoparticles killed cells of the lungs, but did not provide evidence that these cells were dying naturally (apoptosis).

Jiang chengyu, a molecular biologist at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing stated that this study will develop strategies for prevention of lung cancer caused by the nanoparticles. “With the rapidly advancing technology, we must begin to find ways to protect workers and consumers from all toxic effects. The idea is to improve the safety of nanomedicine, compounds could be introduced into the nano particles to prevent damage caused to the lungs, or patients could be administered tablets to counteract the effects, “said Doctor Jiang.