Question 1: Explain how monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to target specific molecules in nanotechnology applications.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to recognise and bind to specific molecules by modifying their variable regions to match target antigens, enabling precise targeting in nanotechnology.

Question 2: Describe one way in which nanotechnology enhances the use of monoclonal antibodies in medicine.

Answer: Nanotechnology allows for the development of targeted drug delivery systems using monoclonal antibodies, increasing precision and reducing side effects.

Question 1: Define monoclonal antibodies and explain their basic mechanism of action.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies produced by cloned immune cells that bind specifically to one antigen, helping in targeting pathogens or cells for destruction or delivery of drugs.

Question 2: In nanotechnology, how does the size of nanoparticles influence the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody targeting?

Answer: The small size of nanoparticles allows them to penetrate tissues more easily and access target cells effectively, enhancing the specificity and efficiency of monoclonal antibody targeting.

Question 1: A nanoparticle conjugated with monoclonal antibodies has a diameter of 50 nm. Calculate its surface area in square nanometres (nm²). Use the formula for the surface area of a sphere: 4πr². (π ≈ 3.14, radius = diameter / 2)

Answer: Surface area = 4 × 3.14 × (25)² = 4 × 3.14 × 625 = 7850 nm²

Question 1: Describe the key variables you would control and measure in this experiment and list two safety precautions to consider.

Answer: Variables include the concentration of nanoparticles, incubation time, and temperature. Measured outcomes could be binding efficiency or cell viability. Safety precautions include wearing protective gloves and working in a biosafety cabinet to prevent contamination and exposure.

Question 1: Based on the data, evaluate the impact of conjugating monoclonal antibodies to nanoparticles on their ability to target specific cells.

Answer: The conjugation with monoclonal antibodies significantly improves targeting efficiency, indicating that antibodies enhance the specificity and binding capability of the nanoparticles.

Question 1: Explain how monoclonal antibodies conjugated to nanoparticles can be used in cancer therapy, highlighting the advantages of this approach over traditional methods. (6 marks)

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies conjugated to nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells by recognising tumour-specific antigens. This targeted delivery allows for higher drug concentrations at the tumour site while minimising damage to healthy tissue. Advantages include increased treatment efficacy, reduced side effects, and the ability to deliver multiple therapeutic agents simultaneously.

Question 1: Describe one industry outside medicine where monoclonal antibody-conjugated nanomaterials are being applied and discuss the benefits of this application.

Answer: In environmental monitoring, monoclonal antibody-conjugated nanomaterials are used to detect pollutants like heavy metals or toxins, providing rapid, sensitive, and specific detection that improves environmental safety and response times.