Nanomaterials: An overview with respect to biological applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology embraces the research and technological advancement in a novel category of materials at the macromolecular, molecular and atomic level that is rapidly attaining considerable recognition worldwide. It involves the study of devices and structures ranging from 1-to 100-nanometers in length scale known as nanomaterials that take up specific novel properties. Due to their unique small size, enhanced solubility, surface tailor ability, multi-functionality, shape dependent inherent physicochemical properties, many new biological advances in various fields are opened including medicine, biology, engineering and electronics. The ability of nanomaterial to interact with elaborate biological functions in innovative ways permits cross-disciplinary researchers the chance to plan and develop multifunctional nanoparticles that can target, diagnose, and treat diseases such as cancer. Nanomaterials have vital role in diagnostics, detection to therapeutic and treatment level. Hybrid nanomaterials exhibit higher efficiency as they are the combination of organic and inorganic nanomaterials and their both therapeutics and diagnostics functions can be directed in a single dose. They are specialized form having specific properties and give incredible biomedical, therapeutics and treatment applications. However, there might be health implications associated with it. This review article aims to present an overview of nanomaterials and discuss their biological applications in different areas.