Chapter 10 - Considerations for the Human Health Implications of Nanotheranostics

Abstract

The research field of nanotechnology promises to deliver copious advantages to the scientific, technological, and industrial divisions, globally. Most notable, and in focus in this chapter, is the contribution of nanotechnology to the medical sector where engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and nanomaterials (ENMs) can be beneficially applied to monitor, diagnose, and potentially treat human health. Despite heightened interest from industrial and consumer markets pertaining to the significant advantages proposed through ENM medical applications. There remains a substantial concern as to the adverse environmental and human health implications of novel ENMs, particularly within nanomedicine, the clinical application of nanotechnology. Nanotheranostics, now an established science concerned with diagnosing and treating specific adverse human health conditions, utilizes a host of novel ENMs. Initially these ENMs require extensive physicochemical characterization coupled with far-reaching biologically relevant testing encompassing complex in vitro (co-culture) cell models, in vivo and human trials before clinical approval and ultimate use. This chapter will provide an overview of the considerations as to the biocompatibility and toxicological impact of novel nanotheranostics building upon the foundation of metal and carbon-based ENMs as well as quantum dots (QDs) which hold tremendous potential owing to their extremely small size and biological marker capabilities.