Chapter 1 - Inorganic-based nanotheranostics: current status and challenges

Abstract

During the past few decades, a number of multifunctional inorganic nanosystems have been designed and investigated for different therapeutic as well as diagnostic modalities because of their advantageous intrinsic properties. In addition, the physical characteristics of some inorganic nanomaterials can enable their therapeutic potential in photothermal therapy and bioimaging. Owing to these photothermal properties, numerous inorganic nanomaterials are currently being developed and investigated in clinical trials. The most promising inorganic nanosystem candidates for theranostic applications are based on the types of inorganic nanomaterials such as carbon-based nanomaterials, metallic nanomaterials, and ceramic-based nanomaterials. Despite the outstanding theranostic potentials of these inorganic nanosystems, their clinical translation is still slow. Recently, continuous and well-directed research are being carried out toward the development of inorganic nanosystems as versatile nanotheranostics. In this chapter, the current status of various inorganic nanosystems for theranostic uses such as carbon-based nanomaterials, ceramic-based nanomaterials, and metallic nanomaterials are comprehensively discussed with an analysis of potential challenges of inorganic-based nanotheranostics from the viewpoint of nanomaterial designing and practical implications.