Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Applications of Nanotechnology in the Biomedical Sciences: Small Materials, Big Impacts, and Unknown Consequences

  • Chapter
Emerging Conceptual, Ethical and Policy Issues in Bionanotechnology

Part of the book series: Philosophy and Medicine ((PHME,volume 101))

Nanotechnology is at the forefront of a revolution in the biomedical sciences. It has the p?tential to give both researchers and doctors' abilities they would never have previously dreamt of, including everything from the capability to deliver engineered drugs to specific target tissues to filtering even the smallest harmful particles out of our water supply. With such increased power, however, also comes increased responsibility. Nanotechnologies have as much p?tential to do harm as they do good. For instance, nanotechnology could be an enormously effective tool in the hands of a bioterrorist. As such, it is critically important for mankind to fully appreciate the technology's awesome p?tential and the possible harm it may cause before this p?tential is realized. To this end, this review discusses not only the current and future applications of nanotechnology in the biomedical sciences, but also the incredibly important ethical ramifications of such applications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Alivisatos, A. P., Gu, W., & Larabell, C. (2005). Quantum Dots as Cellular Probes. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, 7, 55-76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ashammakhi, N. (2006). Nanosize, Mega-impact, Potential for Medical Applications of Nanotechnology. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 17, 3-7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baba, Y. (2006a). Diagnosis of Diseases by Nanodevice. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 271-277.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baba, Y. (2006b). Nanotechnology in Medicine. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 189-198.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baird, D., & Vogt, T. (2005). Societal and Ethical Interactions with Nanotechnology (“SEIN”)-An Introduction. Nanotechnology Law and Business Journal, XXN, 101-107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cao, Y., & Lam, L. (2002). Projections for Insulin Treatment for Diabetics. Drugs Today (Barc), 38, 419-427.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cote, G. L. (2001). Noninvasive and Minimally Invasive Optical Monitoring Technologies. The Journal of Nutrition, 131, 15965-16045.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emerich, D. F. (2000). Recent Efforts to Overcome the Blood-brain Barrier for Drug Delivery. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 10, 279-287.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Emerich, D. F., & Thanos, C. G. (2005). Nanomedicine. Current Nanoscience, 1, 177-188.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fan, Z., & Lu, J. G. (2005). Zinc Oxide Nanostructures: Synthesis and Properties. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 5, 1561-1573.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Featherstone, D. J., & Specht, M. D. (2004). Nanotechnology Patents: A Snapshot of Nanotechnology Patenting Through an Analysis of 10 Top Nanotech Patents. Intellectual Property and Technology Law Journal, 16, 1-6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferrari, M. (2005). Cancer Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges. Nature Reviews Cancer, 5, 161-171.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, H. E. (2003). Challenges of Materials Technology for Low Consumption Vehicle Concepts. Advanced Engineering Materials, 5, 105-112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilette, S. L. (1996). Nanotechnology, Resources, and Pollution Control. Nanotechnology, 7, 177-182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glasgow, J. N., Everts, M., & Curiel, D. T. (2006). Transductional Targeting of Adenovirus Vectors for Gene Therapy. Cancer Gene Therapy, 13, 830-834.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goose, C., & Croquette, V. (2002). Magnetic Tweezers: Micromanipulation and Force Measurements at the Molecular Level. Biophysical Journal, 82, 3314-3329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gordijn, B. (2005). Nanoethics: From Utopian Dreams and Apocalyptic Nightmares towards a more Balanced View. Science and Engineering Ethics, 11, 521-533.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hardman, R. (2006). A Toxicological Review of Quantum Dots: Toxicity Depends on Physicochemical and Environmental Factors. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114, 165-172.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hood, E. (2004). Nanotechnology: Looking as we Leap. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112, A740-A749.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Iqbal, S. S., May, M. W., Bruno, J. G., Bronk, B. V., Batt, C. A., Chambers, J. P. (2000). A review of Molecular Recognition Technologies for Detection of Biological Threat Agents. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 15, 549-578.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kasili, P. M., Cullum, B. M., Griffin, G. D., & Vo-Dinh, T. (2002). Nanosensor for in vivo Measurement of the Carcinogen Benzo [a] Pyrene in a Single Cell. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2, 653-658.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Langer, R. (1998). Drug Delivery and Targeting. Nature, 392(6679 Suppl), 5-10.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. H., Kang, M., Choung, S. J., Ogino, K., Miyata, S., Kim, M. S., Park, J. Y., & Kim, J. B. (2004). The Preparation of TiO2 Nanometer Photocatalyst Film by a Hydrothermal Method and its Sterilization Performance for Giardia Lamblia. Water Research, 38, 713-719.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Wang, Y. B., Qiu, J. D., Sun, D. C., & Xia, X. H. (2005). Biocomposites of Covalently Linked Glucose Oxidase on Carbon Nanotubes for Glucose Biosensor. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 383, 918-922.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, P. (2005). Nanotechnology’s Dilemmas. The Scientist, 19, 10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mason, D. S. (2005). The World According to Nanotechnology. Journal of Chemical Education, 82, 665.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matsudai, M., & Hunt, G. (2005). Nanotechnology and Public Health. Nippon Koshu Eisei Zasshi, 52, 923-927.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzola, L. (2003). Commercializing Nanotechnology. Nature Biotechnology, 21, 1137-1143.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McNeil, S. E. (2005). Nanotechnology for the Biologist. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 78, 585-594.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mnyusiwalla, A., Daar, A. S., & Singer, P. A. (2003). ‘Mind the Gap’: Science and Ethics in Nano-technology. Nanotechnology, 14, R9-R13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moghimi, S. M., Hunter, A. C., & Murray, J. C. (2005). Nanomedicine: Current Status and Future Prospects. The Faseb Journal, 19, 311-330.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Montemagno, C., Bachand, G., Stelick, S., & Bachand, M. (1999). Constructing Biological Motor Powered Nanomechanical Devices. Nanotechnology, 10, 225-231.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mukhopadhyay, R., Sumbayev, V. V., Lorentzen, M., Kjems, J., Andreasen, P. A., & Besenbacher, F. (2005). Cantilever Sensor for Nanomechanical Detection of Specific Protein Conformations. Nano Letters, 5, 2385-2388.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murosaki, T., Gong, J. P., & Osada, Y. (2006). Creation of Artificial Cartilage by Nanotechnology. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 206-214.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nel, A., Xia, T., Madler, L., & Li, N. (2006). Toxic Potential of Materials at the Nanolevel. Science, 311, 622-627.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neves-Petersen, M. T., Snabe, T., Klitgaard, S., Duroux, M., & Petersen, S. B. (2006). Photonic Activation of Disulfide Bridges Achieves Oriented Protein Immobilization on Biosensor Surfaces. Protein Science, 15, 343-351.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, H. T., Fang, A., Li, J., & Li, S. F. (2001). Flexible Carbon Nanotube Membrane Sensory System: a Generic Platform. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 1, 375-379.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nidumolu, B. G., Urbina, M. C., Hormes, J., Kumar, C. S., & Monroe, W. T. (2006). Functionalization of Gold and Glass Surfaces with Magnetic Nanoparticles using Biomolecular Interactions. Biotechnology Progress, 22, 91-95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nishiyama, N., & Kataoka, K. (2006). Nano-engineering for Biomedical Applications. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 199-205.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oh, S. H., Finones, R. R., Daraio, C., Chen, L. H., & Jin, S. (2005). Growth of Nano-scale Hydroxyapatite Using Chemically Treated Titanium Oxide Nanotubes. Biomaterials, 26, 4938-4943.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Panchapakesan, B. (2005). Nanotechnology: The Promise Tiny Technology Holds for Cancer Care. Oncology Issues, Sept/Oct, 22-26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perkel, J. M. (2004). The Ups and Downs of Nanobiotech. The Scientist, 18, 14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pison, U., Welte, T., Giersig, M., & Groneberg, D. A. (2006). Nanomedicine for Respiratory Diseases. European Journal of Pharmacology, 533, 341-350.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Portney, N. G., & Ozkan, M. (2006). Nano-oncology: Drug Delivery, Imaging, and Sensing. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 384, 620-630.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rath, B. B., & Tolles, W. M. (2003). Nanotechnology, a Stimulus for Innovation. Current Science, 85, 1746-1759.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roco, M. C. (1999). Nanoparticles and Nanotechnology research. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 1, 1-16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roco, M. C. (2002). Government Nanotechnology Funding: An International Outlook. National Nanotechnology Initiative. Senate of the United States (January 16, 2003). 21st century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. (http://www.nano.gov/intpersp_roco.html)

  • Roco, M. C. (2003). Nanotechnology: Convergence with Modern Biology and Medicine. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 14, 337-346.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rodham, K. J., & Olsen Jr., D. R. (1997). Nanites: An Approach to Structure-based Monitoring. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 4, 103-136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriquez, B. J., Kalinin, S. V., Shin, J., Jesse, S., Grichko, V., Thundat, T., Baddorf, A. P., Gruverman, A. (2006). Electromechanical Imaging of Biomaterials by Scanning Probe Microscopy. Journal of Structural Biology, 153, 151-159.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ronco, C., Breuer, B., & Bowry, S. K. (2006). Hemodialysis Membranes for High-volume Hemodialytic Therapies: The Application of Nanotechnology. Hemodialysis International. International Symposium on Home Hemodialysis, 10(Suppl 1), S48-S50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seeman, N. C., Zhang, Y., & Chen, J. (1994). DNA Nanoconstructions. Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films, 12, 1895-1903.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shekhawat, G. S., & Dravid, V. P. (2005). Nanoscale Imaging of Buried Structures via Scanning Near-field Ultrasound Holography. Science, 310, 89-92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, A. M., Dave, S., Nie, S., True, L., & Gao, X. (2006). Multicolor Quantum Dots For Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer. Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 6, 231-244.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, G., Davies, G., & Saxl, O. (2000). Counting up the Benefits of Nanotechnology. Materials World, 8, 10-12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, R. A. J., Porteous, C. M., Gane, A. M., & Murphy, M. P. (2003). Delivery of Bioactive Molecules to Mitochondria In Vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 100, 5407-5412.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stoffer, H. (2004). Nanotechnology: Big Changes in Small Science Await. Automotive News, Mar 8, 26HH.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thrall, J. H. (2004). Nanotechnology and Medicine. Radiology, 230, 315-318.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Toensmeir, P. A. (2004). Nanotechnology Faces Scrutiny over Environment and Toxicity. Plastics Engineering, Nov 2, 14-17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trache, A., & Meininger, G. A. (2005). Atomic Force-multi-optical Imaging Integrated Microscope for Monitoring Molecular Dynamics in Live Cells. Journal of Biomedical Optics, 10, 064023.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uesaka, M. (2006). Application of Nanotechnology to Hemodialysis Membrane. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 309-315.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Bruggen, B., Koninckx, A., & Vandecasteele, C. (2004). Seperation of Monvalent and Divalent Ions From Aqueous Solution by Electrodialysis and Nanofiltration. Water Research, 38, 1347-1353.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vasir, J. K., Reddy, M. K., & Labhasetwar, V. D. (2005). Nanosystems in Drug Targeting: Opportunities and Challenges. Current Nanoscience, 1, 47-64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vetter, R. J., William, J. C., Hetke, J. F., Nunamaker, E. A., & Kipke, D. R. (2004). Chronic Neural Recording Using Silicon-substrate Microelectrode Arrays Implanted in Cerebral Cortex. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 51, 896-904.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wabuyele, M. B., Culha, M., Griffin, G. D., Viallet, P. M., & Vo-Dinh, T. (2005). Near-field scan-ning Optical Microscopy for Bioanalysis at Nanometer Resolution. Methods in Molecular Biology, 300, 437-452.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Webster, T. J., Waid, M. C., McKenzie, J. L., Price, R. L., & Ejiofor, J. U. (2004). Nano-biotechnology: Carbon Nanofibres As Improved Neural And Orthopaedic Implants. Nanotechnology, 15, 48-54.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, R. A. (1996). How Cancer Arises. Scientific American, 275, 62-70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wickline, S. A., & Lanza, G. M. (2003). Nanotechnology for Molecular Imaging And Targeted Therapy. Circulation, 107, 1092-1095.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D. (2005). The Risks of Nanotechnology. Medical Device Technology, 16, 9-10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xi, J., Schmidt, J. J., & Montemagno, C. D. (2005). Self-assembled Microdevices Driven by Muscle. Nature Materials, 4, 180-184.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yamaguchi, Y., & Igarashi, R. (2006). Nanotechnology for Therapy of Type 2 Diabetes. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 295-300.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yamato, M., & Okano, T. (2006). Nanotechnology-based Regenerative Medicine—cell Sheet Engineering Utilizing Temperature-responsive Culture Dishes. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 335-341.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yih, T. C., & Al-Fandi, M. (2006). Engineered Nanoparticles As Precise Drug Delivery Systems. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 97, 1184-1190.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshikawa, T., Tsutsumi, Y., & Nakagawa, S. (2006). Development of Nanomedicine Using Intracellular DDS. Nippon Rinsho, 64, 247-252.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, G. (2004). Natural and Modified Nanomaterials As Sorbents Of Environmental Contaminants. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering, 39, 2661-2670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, G. D., Xia, X. X., Li, X. C., & Hu, F. (2005). Strategies for Controlling Harmful Vehicle Emissions. Huaqiao Daxue Xuebao Ziran Kexue Ban, 28, 46-49.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., Lim, C. T., Ramakrishna, S., & Huang, Z. M. (2005). Recent Development of Polymer Nanofibers for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 16, 933-946.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA

    Audy G. Whitman, Phelps J. Lambert, Ossie F. Dyson & Shaw M. Akula

Authors
  1. Audy G. Whitman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Phelps J. Lambert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ossie F. Dyson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Shaw M. Akula
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA

    Fabrice Jotterand

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Springer Science + Business Media B.V

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Whitman, A.G., Lambert, P.J., Dyson, O.F., Akula, S.M. (2008). Applications of Nanotechnology in the Biomedical Sciences: Small Materials, Big Impacts, and Unknown Consequences. In: Jotterand, F. (eds) Emerging Conceptual, Ethical and Policy Issues in Bionanotechnology. Philosophy and Medicine, vol 101. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8649-6_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8649-6_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-8648-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-8649-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation