Nanomaterial in diverse biological applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the world ranging from simple food packaging articles to medicinal therapeutics. Nano-sized objects have found application in most of the fields in sciences. Nanotechnology has been applied to create molecules possessing dimensions according to the type of application desired. Pharmaceutical industry has shown an immense interest in nanotechnology to improve pharmacologic and therapeutic properties of conventional drugs. Pharmaceutical formulations based on nanotechnology have improved the therapy strategies to treat simple as well as complex diseases. Selective targeting potential of these formulations not only deliver drug at active sites, but they also protect healthy cells from harmful effects of active drug. Nanotechnology has provided us with a lot of advantages, but along with these advantages, certain nanomaterials have been found to be toxic to human health as well as the environment. Nanotechnology-based products must be checked for their safety and toxicity profiles before launching them in market. The study of safety aspects and toxicity profile of nanomaterials is emerging as a new area of research. This chapter focuses on pharmacological applications, theranostic potential, safety aspects, and risk factors of various nanomaterial-based products. Along with this, it highlights the role of nanomaterials in bioremediation and controlling pollution.