Chapter 2 - Smart nanomaterials in the medical industry

Abstract

Nanotechnology has attended great attention over the last decade due to its numerous applications in several sectors, including the medical industry. Specifically, in the medical industry, it is still challenging to synthesize nanomaterials with better functionalities to attain definitive diagnosis and therapeutics. The current developments in nanotechnology have directed the advancements in the synthesis of novel nanomaterials, such as smart nanomaterials, which may surpass the limits of common nanomaterials. Smart nanomaterials are stimuli-responsive materials, which can retort promptly to the surrounding environment and external factors such as light, pH, temperature, and magnetic and electric fields. Such controlled abilities of smart nanomaterials make them a suitable candidate for application in the diagnosis and therapeutics of various diseases. Considering the importance and adaptability of smart nanomaterials in the medical industry, the present chapter discusses in detail the types and potential use of smart nanomaterials. The chapter also explores their significant applications in the medical industry, such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, nanodevices, sensing, and imaging. Furthermore, the toxicological aspects and challenges involved in the application of smart nanomaterials are highlighted herein, with the future scope over the improvements in the overall efficiency of smart nanomaterials.