Fundamentals of Nanoparticles

Fundamentals of Nanoparticles

Classifications, Synthesis Methods, Properties and Characterization
Micro and Nano Technologies
2018, Pages 1-28
Fundamentals of Nanoparticles

Chapter 1 - Nanostructures for imaging, medical diagnostics and therapy

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-51255-8.00001-XGet rights and content

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the field of nanomedicine, and the reasons behind the use of nanotechnology in medicine. A general description of the main types of nanoparticles developed for biomedical use is presented. For each type of nanoparticles, a general description with their advantages and limitations will be included, accompanied by a brief description of some important work carried out with each type. The use of nanoparticles as a diagnostic tool (in vivo imaging, as well as in vitro diagnostics) is discussed, analyzing some systems currently under evaluation and some of their limitations. After that, the use of nanoparticles for therapeutic or combined therapeutic and diagnostic (theranostic) use is analyzed. We evaluate pathological characteristics that can be exploited to design therapeutic nanoparticles. Several applications are discussed, such as infection or gene delivery, with special emphasis on the use of nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Regarding the biodistribution of the nanoparticles, passive and active targeting strategies are described, as well as the potential problems associated with each of them and current strategies developed to try to overcome those limitations. Then, the characteristics of nanoparticles needed to be employed for therapeutic application are indicated. Also, materials design tools aimed to improve therapeutic output, such as controlled drug delivery and stimuli-responsive materials are also described.

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