Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
for dif erent metal ions [210]. Inorganic nanomedicine refers to the use of
inorganic or hybrid nanomaterials and nanosized objects to achieve inno-
vative medical breakthroughs for drug and gene discovery and delivery,
discovery of biomarkers, and molecular diagnostics. Potential uses for l u-
orescent quantum dots include cell labeling, biosensing,
in vivo
imaging,
bimodal magnetic-luminescent imaging, and diagnostics. Biocompatible
quantum dot conjugates have been successfully used for sentinel lymph
node mapping, tumor targeting, tumor angiogenesis imaging, and meta-
static cell tracking. Magnetic nanowires applications include biosensing
and construction of nucleic acids sensors. Magnetic cell therapy is used for
the repair of blood vessels. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are important
for magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery, cell labeling, and track-
ing. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are used for hyperther-
mic treatment of tumors. Multifunctional MNPs applications include drug
and gene delivery, medical imaging, and targeted drug delivery. h e MNPs
could have a vital role in developing techniques to simultaneously diag-
nose, monitor, and treat a wide range of common diseases and injuries
[211]. Inorganic nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes, quantum dots
and gold nanoshells, have potential for biomedical applications, due to
their unique optical and physical properties. In addition, inorganic porous
nanomaterials are fundamentally advantageous for developing multifunc-
tional nanomaterials, due to their distinctive inner and outer surfaces in
nanomedicine, especially for imaging/diagnosis and photothermal therapy
[212]. Inorganic hollow nanoparticles and nanotubes are of great interest in
nanomedicine because of the generic transporting ability of porous mate-
rial and a wide range of functionality that arises from their unique optical,
electrical, and physical properties, especially for drug/gene delivery [213].
Target-specii c drug/gene delivery and early diagnosis in cancer treat-
ment are one of the priority research areas. h e diagnosis and treatment
of cancer or tumor at the cellular level will now be greatly enhanced using
organic and inorganic nanoparticles that interface with biological systems
in the i elds of biology and medicine. Nanoparticles have the potential as
novel intravascular or cellular probes for both diagnostic (imaging) and
therapeutic (drug/gene delivery), which is expected to generate innova-
tions and play a critical role in medicine [214].
6.14 Conclusions
Nanomedicine is a large i eld which uses nanoparticles that act as biological
mimetics (functionalized carbon nanotubes), nanomachines (DNA parts
