Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Engineered nanostructures with the potential for immobilizing biomolecules (enzymes,
antibodies, drugs, nucleic acids) or capturing harmful bioproducts such as viruses or venoms
have been designed [90-92]. Hoshino
et al
. have stated that repulsive forces between negatively
charged particles and cell-membrane phosphate groups minimizes toxicity [93]. Absorption of
biomolecules may change the fate of the nanomaterial or affect the activation of a mecha-
nism. Nanoparticle protein binding occurs almost instantaneously once the particle enters the
biological medium and the physical properties of such a particle-protein complex often differ
from those of the formulated particle [94]. These new properties can contribute to different
biological responses and change nanoparticle biodistribution. Physical properties of nano-
sized materials, such as size, charge, and hydrophobicity, influence protein adsorption and
protein corona formation, which suppress the intended performance [95].
Conclusions
Among the useful and beneficial applications of nanoscience, nanomedicine has the greatest
potential for improving quality of life. In order to reduce adverse health effects, the safety of
nanobiomaterials should be verified by different screening tests. The complexity of both
structure and function in biological systems as well as diversity of biomolecular interactions
with nanostructures influences the predictability of the outcomes. Therefore, future research
is necessary by using high-throughput screening (HTS) methods to provide a foundation for
clinical trials. Noninvasive diagnostic methods that include imaging or laboratory techniques
must be developed to identify the fate of the nanobiomaterial in the body.
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