Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology.
Nanomedicine ranges from the medical applications of nanomaterials and
biological devices, to nanoelectronic biosensors, and even possible
future applications of molecular nanotechnology such as biological
machines. Current problems for nanomedicine involve understanding the
issues related to toxicity and environmental impact of nanoscale
materials (materials whose structure is on the scale of nanometers,
i.e. billionths of a meter).Functionalities can be added to
nanomaterials by interfacing them with biological molecules or
structures. The size of nanomaterials is similar to that of most
biological molecules and structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be
useful for both in vivo and in vitro biomedical research and
applications. Thus far, the integration of nanomaterials with biology
has led to the development of diagnostic devices, contrast agents,
analytical tools, physical therapy applications, and drug delivery
vehicles.Nanomedicine seeks to deliver a valuable set of research
tools and clinically useful devices in the near future. The National
Nanotechnology Initiative expects new commercial applications in the
pharmaceutical industry that may include advanced drug delivery
systems, new therapies, and in vivo imaging. Nanomedicine research is
receiving funding from the US National Institutes of Health Common
Fund program, supporting four nanomedicine development centers.
Nanomedicine ranges from the medical applications of nanomaterials and
biological devices, to nanoelectronic biosensors, and even possible
future applications of molecular nanotechnology such as biological
machines. Current problems for nanomedicine involve understanding the
issues related to toxicity and environmental impact of nanoscale
materials (materials whose structure is on the scale of nanometers,
i.e. billionths of a meter).Functionalities can be added to
nanomaterials by interfacing them with biological molecules or
structures. The size of nanomaterials is similar to that of most
biological molecules and structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be
useful for both in vivo and in vitro biomedical research and
applications. Thus far, the integration of nanomaterials with biology
has led to the development of diagnostic devices, contrast agents,
analytical tools, physical therapy applications, and drug delivery
vehicles.Nanomedicine seeks to deliver a valuable set of research
tools and clinically useful devices in the near future. The National
Nanotechnology Initiative expects new commercial applications in the
pharmaceutical industry that may include advanced drug delivery
systems, new therapies, and in vivo imaging. Nanomedicine research is
receiving funding from the US National Institutes of Health Common
Fund program, supporting four nanomedicine development centers.
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