• Nano-Code: 2020-1-BG01-KA226-HE-095017
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he-lp10

HE Undergraduates in nanotechnology (EQF 8):

HE-LP10Nanotechnology vs. COVID-19: social, ethical and legal aspects
SummaryThe advances of nanotechnology in offering precise, sensitive and fast diagnostic tools to detect the infection at an early stage of its development are described. Information is presented concerning the novel nanotechnology-based biosensors, diagnostic devices, antiviral drugs, and vaccines that have been developed or repurposed to combat the modern pandemic. The emergency of nanoethics as a new bioethical subdiscipline and the nanoethics aspects of mRNA vaccines as genetic engineering products are discussed. Some fields of application of nanomedicine in the surrounding of mRNA technology are commented in light of COVID-19. This training unit presents data about the global problem related to the lack of formal regulation of nanomedicines and the manufacture of nanomaterials for health-related applications. Emphasis is given on the need an international nanomaterials regulation consortium to be formed to issue recognized guidance to the research communities.
ULOs
Knowledge & Skills		Upon completion of HE-LP10 the trainee will be able to:
  • List the current laboratory methods for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2;
  • Understand the categories of nanotechnology (nano biosensors, point-of-care testing and nanopore target sequencing);
  • Identify the differences between nano biosensors;
  • Illustrate the main challenges and limitations of nanotechnology in COVID-19;
  • Discuss the application of nanotechnology for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Emphasize the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 effects on thinking in research and clinical medicine;
  • Know the current developments of versatile nano-scale carrier platforms;
  • Explain the principles of construction and operation of the nano-based delivery systems for antiviral drugs;
  • Make an overview of the nanoformulations developed for the delivery of antiviral drugs;
  • Present the use of viral capsids for drug delivery.
  • describe the most important tasks of ethical reflection with regard to the application of new technologies using the example of nanotechnology in the field of the development of molecular genetically based vaccines (functions of "nanoethics");
  • understand the basic concerns of technology-related bioethics in the sense of a technology assessment encompassing all social, health and political aspects (risks and chances);
  • distinguish and weight the different issues of bioethics in the field of nanobiotechnology, so that the special problems of "nanoethics" in the medical field become clear;
  • exemplify and discuss the different ethical problems that arise in connection with the development of mRNA vaccines;
  • develop the problem-solving skills to describe the most important tasks of legislation with regard to the application of new technologies using the example of nanotechnology in the field of molecular genetics-based vaccine development,
  • assess personal aspects by discussing the safety risks for health and the environment and the possible risks in the context precisely because of the lack of specific regulatory guidelines for many nanomedicines that are on the market and whose number is constantly increasing,
  • understand the basic concerns of technology-related bio-law in terms of technology assessment, because these are used mainly in cancer therapy, as they require toxic compounds, which hinders effective drug treatment,
  • recognise the lack of formal regulation of nanomedicines and the production of nanomaterials for health-related applications as a global problem, in order to better assess the future development of technology and society
CompositionLO 3.2. Nanotechnology in diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2
LO 4.2. New platforms to control viral infections: nano-scale carriers and drug delivery systems
LO 6.1. Integration of social and ethical studies into nanotechnology developments
LO 6.2. Law and nanoscience interface: legal doctrines relevant to nanotechnology
(Self)AssessmentHE-LP10 Test
Credit points6
ValidationCertificate
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web-site reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.