Nanoinformatics: an emerging area of information technology at the intersection of bioinformatics, computational chemistry and nanobiotechnology

Abstract

After the progress made during the genomics era, bioinformatics was tasked with supporting the fl ow of information generated by nanobiotechnology efforts. This challenge requires adapting classical bioinformatic and computational chemistry tools to store, standardize, analyze, and visualize nanobiotechnological information. Thus, old and new bioinformatic and computational chemistry tools have been merged into a new sub-discipline: nanoinformatics. This review takes a second look at the development of this new and exciting area as seen from the perspective of the evolution of nanobiotechnology applied to the life sciences. The knowledge obtained at the nano-scale level implies answers to new questions and the development of new concepts in different fi elds. The rapid convergence of technologies around nanobiotechnologies has spun off collaborative networks and web platforms created for sharing and discussing the knowledge generated in nanobiotechnology. The implementation of new database schemes suitable for storage, processing and integrating physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticles will be a key element in achieving the promises in this convergent fi eld. In this work, we will review some applications of nanobiotechnology to life sciences in generating new requirements for diverse scientifi c fi elds, such as bioinformatics and computational chemistry.

Multifractal analysis of human canine teeth at nano scale: atomic force microscopy studies

“…The analysis of surface topography with the fractal method attracts a lot of interest in the field of biomaterials surface [18][19][20][21][22] since it is considered as a useful tool for analysing irregular and complex structures of various types of biomaterials [26][27][28].…”

“…Several recent nano-technological research lines emerge in dentistry that can provide new innovative ideas and concepts for solving pathological mechanisms and lead to novel therapeutic orientations [18][19][20]. In this context the 3-D shape models can be used to design, model, simulate, and visualize the teeth 3-D geometry and to help in computeraided diagnosis [21][22][23].…”

Nanoinformatics: Emerging Databases and Available Tools

“…Bioinformatics has emerged as a powerful discipline and almost 1000 databases are currently publicly available [25] along with a large number of bioinformatics tools [26]. The growth and development of bioinformatics can provide valuable lessons for applying the same practice to benefit nanoinformatics development [27]. …”

Characterization of physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and their immediate environments in high‐throughput screening of nanomaterial biological activity

“…Metallic NMs and self‐fluorescent NMs are easier to detect than others. A useful approach for detecting and quantifying nanoparticles within cells is the use of a hyperspectral imaging system . This optical microscope uses illumination in the near‐infrared spectral range to distinguish individual NMs based on the material's unique spectral signature for a wide range of NMs within cells.…”

“…The new field ‘nanoinformatics’ is defined as ‘the use of informatics techniques for analyzing and processing information about the structure and physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, their interactions with their biological environments, and their applications’ . In addition to informatics techniques, computational chemistry, molecular simulations, and collective network platforms are also under the umbrella of nanoinformatics . For additional information, see Box 2.…”