Title: Nanotechnology in biomedical applications: a review

Authors: Viswanathan S. Saji, Han Cheol Choe, Kelvin W.K. Yeung

Addresses: School of Energy Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 689-805, Republic of Korea. ' Department of Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-825, Republic of Korea. ' Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Abstract: Incorporation of functionalised and modified nanostructures in various biomedical applications has generated considerable research interest in recent years. The applications of nanotechnology in medicine and biomedical engineering are vast and spans areas such as implant and tissue engineering, diagnosis and therapy. The present scenario demands designing of nanotools which can respond to the needs of biological problems and prepare more efficient biomedical approaches. This article reviews recent developments in nanobiotechnology with special emphasis on load bearing implants and novel tissue engineered scaffolds. Novel research approaches in nanomedicine and major challenges to practical applications are also highlighted.

Keywords: nanomaterials; implants; nanomedicine; nanotoxicity; nanotechnology; biomedical engineering; bioengineering; nanostructures; nanotools; nanobiotechnology; tissue engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2010.037801

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2010 Vol.3 No.2, pp.119 - 139

Received: 04 Dec 2009
Accepted: 25 Feb 2010
Published online: 30 Dec 2010 *

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