Applications of Nanotechnology in Medical Science

When applied to materials and technologies, nanotechnology refers to the study and manipulation of these systems at the nanoscale scale (one billionth of a meter). Control over the fundamental molecular structure permits control over the macroscopic chemical and physical characteristics, therefore at these sizes, examination of individual molecules and interacting groups of molecules in connection to the bulk macroscopic qualities of the material or device is vital. Material and devices for use in medicine and physiology must be developed to interact with the body at subcellular (i.e. molecule) scales with a high degree of specificity. This has the potential to transfer into clinical applications that are cell- and tissue-specific, aiming for maximum therapeutic results with minimal adverse effects. This overview provides an introduction to the fundamental scientific and technological features of nanotechnology, as well as a discussion of its possible medicinal applications.