Abstract
Nanotechnology encompasses the production and applications of physical, chemical, and biological systems at scales ranging from individual atoms or molecules to around 100 nanometres, as well as the integration of the resulting nanostructures into larger systems. Nanomaterials differ from bulk materials for their relatively larger surface-area-to-mass ratio, consequently they become more chemically reactive and can show different optical, magnetic and electrical behaviours. In recent years, engineered nanomaterials have gained a particular attention in some fields such as environmental protection (soil, air and water remediation/treatment) and medicine (bio-sensing, imaging, and drug delivery). Nanoparticles can be used to monitor in real-time some pollutants (including heavy metal ions, organic compounds, microbiological pathogens, etc.) present even at extremely low concentrations in different environments. The use of nanomaterials for waste remediation/treatment results in a technology more cost-effective and rapid than current conventional approaches thanks to their enhanced surface area, transport properties, and sequestration characteristics. In addition, the integration of molecular biology and medicine with nanotechnology has resulted in new active nanostructures able to interact with biological systems. Nanocarriers based on carbon nanotubes, fumed silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and magnetite and maghemite (Fe3O4, and γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have a distinct advantage over other drug carriers as they can be opportunely designed to reach the desired targets. As a consequence, such nanostructures can represent an important platform for enhanced medical imaging and controlled drug delivery. Here, some applications of nanomaterials as water purifying agents and drug delivery systems are reported.
Keywords: Drug delivery system, nanoparticle, nanotechnology, niosome, silica, titania, vesicle.
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Nanotechnology for the Environment and Medicine
Volume: 16 Issue: 8
Author(s): Patrizia Formoso, Rita Muzzalupo, Lorena Tavano, Giovanni De Filpo and Fiore Pasquale Nicoletta
Affiliation:
Keywords: Drug delivery system, nanoparticle, nanotechnology, niosome, silica, titania, vesicle.
Abstract: Nanotechnology encompasses the production and applications of physical, chemical, and biological systems at scales ranging from individual atoms or molecules to around 100 nanometres, as well as the integration of the resulting nanostructures into larger systems. Nanomaterials differ from bulk materials for their relatively larger surface-area-to-mass ratio, consequently they become more chemically reactive and can show different optical, magnetic and electrical behaviours. In recent years, engineered nanomaterials have gained a particular attention in some fields such as environmental protection (soil, air and water remediation/treatment) and medicine (bio-sensing, imaging, and drug delivery). Nanoparticles can be used to monitor in real-time some pollutants (including heavy metal ions, organic compounds, microbiological pathogens, etc.) present even at extremely low concentrations in different environments. The use of nanomaterials for waste remediation/treatment results in a technology more cost-effective and rapid than current conventional approaches thanks to their enhanced surface area, transport properties, and sequestration characteristics. In addition, the integration of molecular biology and medicine with nanotechnology has resulted in new active nanostructures able to interact with biological systems. Nanocarriers based on carbon nanotubes, fumed silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and magnetite and maghemite (Fe3O4, and γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have a distinct advantage over other drug carriers as they can be opportunely designed to reach the desired targets. As a consequence, such nanostructures can represent an important platform for enhanced medical imaging and controlled drug delivery. Here, some applications of nanomaterials as water purifying agents and drug delivery systems are reported.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Formoso Patrizia, Muzzalupo Rita, Tavano Lorena, Filpo De Giovanni and Nicoletta Pasquale Fiore, Nanotechnology for the Environment and Medicine, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2016; 16 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557515666150709105129
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557515666150709105129 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Bioprospecting of Natural Products as Sources of New Multitarget Therapies
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, bioprospecting is the exploration of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to develop commercially valuable products for pharmaceutical and other applications. Bioprospecting involves searching for useful organic compounds in plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms. Natural products traditionally constituted the primary source of more than ...read more
Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry
The thematic issue "Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry" provides a robust platform for delving into state-of-the-art computational methodologies and technologies that significantly propel advancements in medicinal chemistry. This edition seeks to amalgamate top-tier reviews spotlighting the latest trends and breakthroughs in the fusion of computational approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) ...read more
Mitochondria as a Therapeutic Target in Metabolic Disorders
Mitochondria are the primary site of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in mammalian cells. Moreover, these organelles are an important source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in virtually any nucleated cell type. The modulation of a myriad of cellular signaling pathways depends on the mitochondrial physiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed ...read more
Natural Products and Dietary Supplements in Alleviation of Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Disorders
Metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer etc, cardiovascular disorders like angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure etc as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, Epilepsy, Depression, etc are the global burden. They covered the major segment of the diseases and disorders from which the human community ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Cannabinoids and Neuropathic Pain
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Significance of and Challenges in Regulating Endocrine Disruptors – How Regulators and Industry Can Conquer?
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Diabetes, Cognitive Function, and the Blood-Brain Barrier
Current Pharmaceutical Design Encephalopathy: A Vicious Cascade Following Forebrain Ischemia and Hypoxia
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Phytochemical, Anti-diabetic and Cardiovascular Properties of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae): A Review
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Challenging the Evidence Based Medicine Principles Among Clinical Obesity Treatments
Current Clinical Pharmacology MRI of Pancreas in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis and Healthy Volunteers: Can Pancreatic Signal Intensity and Contrast Enhancement Patterns be Valuable Predictors of Early Chronic Pancreatitis?
Current Medical Imaging Monitoring and Evaluation of Thyroid Function Tests, Serum Electrolytes and Creatinine Levels Before and After 131I Therapy
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of Isolated Bioactive Compounds of Leaves of <i>Annona reticulata</i> Linn.
The Natural Products Journal Oncolytic Viruses Driven by Tumor-Specific Promoters
Current Cancer Drug Targets Perspectives of Engineered Marine Derived Polymers for Biomedical Nanoparticles
Current Pharmaceutical Design Phosphotyrosine Phosphatases in Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment
Recent Patents on DNA & Gene Sequences Hypothyroidism Alters the Uterine Lipid Levels in Pregnant Rabbits and Affects the Fetal Size
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Molecular Pathology of Sarcomas
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials Perspectives on Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin Analogs in Medicinal Chemistry
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Morphological Characteristics, Geographical Distribution, Secondary Metabolites, and Biological Activities of Taxus
Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry Homologation: A Versatile Molecular Modification Strategy to Drug Discovery
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Players in ADP-ribosylation: Readers and Erasers
Current Protein & Peptide Science Genome-Scale Studies of Aging: Challenges and Opportunities
Current Genomics Effects of Pregnancy-induced Insulin Resistance on the Fetus and the Future Development of Metabolic Diseases in Adulthood
Current Vascular Pharmacology