Nanotechnology of Medicine

The book Nanotechnology of Medicine is structured in four chapters. Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge field that manipulates matter at the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers) to create materials devices and systems with novel properties and functions. In medicine it opens revolutionary perspectives for diagnosing treating and preventing diseases fostering personalized effective and minimally invasive care. Nanoparticles can transport drugs directly to diseased tissues such as tumors reducing side effects and increasing therapeutic efficiency. They may be functionalized to recognize specific cell receptors enabling highly targeted therapies. Nanotechnology also supports the development of nanosensors and contrast agents that allow early disease detection at the molecular level. For instance gold and magnetic nanoparticles are already used in advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT.