Nanotechnology and Health - The next wave.
Advances in nanotechnology and biotechnology have led to the development of nanobiotechnology. Many applications of nanomaterials are finding their use in biology and medicine. However, recent scientific data that points to the potential effects of nanomaterials on cells and tissues have caused heighten awareness on the toxicity of such materials.
Advances in nanotechnology and biotechnology have led to the development of nanobiotechnology. Many applications of nanomaterials are finding their use in biology and medicine. For example, nanoparticle-based imaging techniques and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. The unique optical properties of nanoparticles have also led to the development of sensitive bio-diagnostics. However, recent scientific data that points to the potential effects of nanomaterials on cells and tissues have caused heighten awareness on the toxicity of such materials.
Does this mean that we should be opposed to nanotechnology? Absolutely not, but there is a growing need for addressing the toxicity and risk assessment of nanomaterials on human health and the environment, as well as the manufacturing processes used to synthesize nanomaterials. In the United States, the research agencies have begun to focus part of R&D fund on the environmental implications of nanomaterials.
Clearly, an early understanding of the risks associated with nanomaterials would advance this revolutionary research area of nanobiotechnology as well as begin to establish a set of guidelines that would enable regulating this technology.