Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
similar to the products of conventional chemical synthesis, some new
architecture has been identii ed that is not found in chemical synthesis.
Today, research into biological synthesis has shit ed from an understand-
ing at the phenomenological level to a quest for scientii c principles to seek
a better understanding of the reaction pathways in both the cell-mediated
and biomolecule-mediated formation of metal nanoparticles. h e gen-
eral detoxii cation process of metals by living organisms represents the
most likely biological pathway for the reduction and deposition of metal
nanoparticles
in vivo
. In that respect, proteins are the most active bio-
molecules involved in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, because they
can operate either directly on the metal (as multifunctional reducing and
capping agents) or through a mediated process, such as enzyme catalysis.
Moreover, the knowledge acquired from the biological synthesis of metal
nanoparticles has led to recent progress in biosynthesis which, in principle,
would be more economical and ef ective.
Although nanotechnology is a relatively young i eld, it is developing
rapidly, due to the strong foundation of material sciences and engineering.
Biologists are using this innovative technology to overcome boundaries
common to cell biology and clinical medicine. As more biologists learn
about the capability of nanotechnology and develop cross-disciplinary col-
laborations with physicists, engineers, and material scientists, these break-
throughs will undoubtedly increase in magnitude and quantity.
Acknowledgement
h e i nancial support provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), Government of India, is greatly acknowledged.
Abbreviations Used
Ag
-
Silver
Au
-
Gold
BSA
-
Bovine Serum Albumin
Cu
-
Copper
DLS
-
Dynamic Light Scattering
DNA
-
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
EDS
-
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry
EDX
-
Energy Dispersive X-ray
