Metallic Nanoparticles: Biological Perspective

Abstract

Among different nanomaterials employed for biomedical research, metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been proved to be the most suitable. Based on their unique optical, physical, and electrical properties, metallic NPs have found significant applications in a wide spectrum of biomedical utilities like imaging, sensing, drug delivery, and gene targeting. Reports from our lab and others suggest that some of these NPs can also have significant therapeutic potential. Their application list is ever increasing in view of relatively lesser toxicity reported with these NPs. Attempts are also being made to synthesize highly stable and biocompatible NPs, which can be easily ingested or injected into the body. Realizing the potential role of metallic NPs in areas of biology and medicine, we have summarized here their characteristics and potential for biomedical applications. Addressing the associated opportunities we have also attempted to suggest how to manage far-reaching developments in these areas.