Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials and Applications

Abstract

Proliferation and release into the environment of nanomaterials arise important ecological and human health concerns, because of nanosurface properties affecting the biological systems by the use of the so called green chemistry. Its main feature is the atom economy capable to take full advantage of each raw material in the molecular process of acquiring and transforming new material at zero emissions, without producing pollution. Nanoparticles are a part of Nanomaterials where at least one characteristic dimension is less than 100 nanometers (nm). It is to remember that 1nm is a billionth of meter and at this scale, the nanomaterials show new and interesting properties not seen in their conventional bulk counterparts. For these reasons, the increased necessities for a better knowledge of materials science and engineering as a field concerning with the studies of the structure, properties and processing of all bulk solids. Nanomaterials, in fact, arise concerning the interfaces between nanoparticles and cells, where nano surface properties affect the biological behaviours such as endocytosis and toxicity, and nano size effect on transport kinetics in a biological system. Thus the necessity of new research studies involving chemists, biologists, medical doctors and material scientists in conventional and nanosized materials to develop new nano carrier systems of high versatility with multiple functionalities of cell targeting, drug storage, optical imaging, and effective means of treatment such as magnetic and photo thermal hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and drug release via innovative smart mechanisms. At this purpose, a new medical terminology theranosics has been used. It implies simultaneous therapy and diagnosis. This book, organized with 10 chapters, not only describes the most fundamental topics of Nanoscience but also deals with critical clinical issues of translational medicine.