Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Objective: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is among the utmost destructive viruses humankind has ever faced in almost four decades. It carries with it profound socioeconomic and public health implications. Unfortunately, there is, currently, no effective cure for HIV infections. This review discusses the various types of condoms, microbicides, and the potential use of nanoparticle-coated condoms as a means of diminishing the risk of HIV transmission and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual intercourse. Methods: We identified 153 articles from 1989 to 2015 indexed in various journal platforms, reports, and magazines. Using the PRISMA guidelines as proxy in performing the research review process, only 53 articles were selected. Ideally, articles that failed to describe the nature and types of condoms, condom failures, nanoparticle-coated condoms, microbicides, and HIV prevention were excluded. Results and Discussion: In general, it has been shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) currently available can only limit transmission and acquisition of HIV strains. Apart from ART treatment, the use of condoms has been identified globally as a cost-effective intervention for reducing the spread of HIV and other STIs. However, while condoms are supposed to be effective, reliable, and easy to use, research has shown that they are attributable to 20% failures including breakages. Nevertheless, other studies have shown that coating condoms with nanoparticles is an important and effective method for reducing condom breakage and HIV/STI transmission during sexual intercourse. Conclusions: A review of literature cited in this paper has shown that nanotechnology-based condom systems have the potential to prevent the spread of HIV and STIs. Furthermore, the antimicrobial nature of some nanoparticles could provide a safe and efficient way to disrupt and/or inactivate different STIs ­ including viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases

Nanotechnology in Medicine and Healthcare: Possibilities; Progress and Problems

"Nanotechnology or nanoscience covers the investigation; design; manipulation; precision placement; measurement; modelling or fabrication of matter; structures; devices and systems that exist at the nanoscale - essentially at the atomic and molecular size levels. Nanotechnology has the potential to change the way we address some of the world's most critical development problems. In 2005; the United Nations (UN) Millennium Project's Taskforce on Science; Technology and Innovation concluded that nanotechnology can contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); specifically; the goals to reduce child mortality; improve maternal mortality and combat HIV/AIDS; malaria and other diseases. Health; specifically improved primary healthcare; is one of six focus areas highlighted in South Africa's National Nanotechnology Strategy (NNS); where nanotechnology can offer the most significant benefits for the country. Nanotechnology can revolutionise the practice of medicine and the delivery and accessibility of health care. However; despite the significant benefits of nanotechnology; there are problems that could prevent it from being widely accepted. The qualities that make nanotechnology so appealing are also those that give rise for concern. In particular; there are uncertainties about its potential impact on human health; the environment and societies in general; along with the concern that nanotechnology; much like genetic engineering or modification; is ""messing"" with the building blocks of nature and is therefore ""unnatural"" even unethical. This article considers these concerns and concludes that there is nothing intrinsically good or bad about nanotechnology; but that its acceptability will depend largely on how it used and introduced into society. "