Nanomaterials for Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
1King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
3Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
Nanomaterials for Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Description
This decade has seen revolutionary developments in the field of nanotechnology. Newer and diverse applications of nanoparticles are increasing every day. Scientists are continuously exploring the use of nanomaterials in different research areas, especially in medicine. Different kinds of nanomaterials based on their composition, shape, size, and charge have shown promising results for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases in experimental models. Certain nanomaterials possess both therapeutic and diagnostic potentials and are classified as theranostic nanomaterials.
The pharmacotherapy of many diseases such as cancer requires targeted drug delivery to minimize side effects and enhance the therapeutic potential of drugs. Specially designed nanomaterials functionalized with particular ligands for cell surface receptors and laden with therapeutic agents have shown promising results for targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs. Graphene quantum dots and metal oxide nanoparticles have been tested for fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging. Scientists are trying to develop medically safe contrast agents using nanotechnology. The major hurdle in the use of nanomaterials is the body’s immune response and the possible accumulation and toxicity of certain nanomaterials. It is therefore important to design immune-compatible and nontoxic nanomaterials in medicine.
The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original research and review articles highlighting the continuing efforts to design, synthesize, and apply nanomaterials in medicine.
Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:
- Targeted drug delivery using nanomaterials
- Nanomaterials for imaging
- Nanomaterials for therapy
- Advances in nanovaccines
- In vitro and in vivo disease models
- Advances in theranostic nanomaterials
- Immune responses from the use of nanomaterials in medicine
- Safety and biocompatibility of nanomaterials in medicine