Focus on The Advances in Nanomedicine Symposium, 233Rd National Meeting of The American Chemical Society, 2006

Abstract

Nanomedicine – a concept that encompasses the myriad of applications of nanotechnology toward the betterment of human health – has become as inclusive as nanotechnology itself. Nevertheless, this term describes both conveniently and aptly the current efforts to develop nanoscale materials and metrologies for biomedical purposes, with staunch investments made by government agencies and increasing attention being paid to issues of regulatory concern. To the reader, it will be no surprise that nanomedicine has been making rapid advancements on numerous fronts, several of which were featured in a dedicated symposium last September at the 233rd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco (CA, USA). Included among the recent nanomedical advances that were discussed during the meeting are nanoengineered materials for drug delivery, functionalized nanoparticles for imaging and therapy, organic and inorganic nanostructures with applications in tissue engineering and nanoscale substrates and devices for ex vivo biomedical diagnostics. This issue of Nanomedicine features several reviews and a research article that highlight some of the exciting research presented in San Francisco last year. A topical review by Victor Lin and colleagues discusses recent applications of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as vehicles for drug, gene and neurotransmitter delivery applications. The authors believe that many new and exciting applications of these novel materials will soon be realized. Wafa’ Al-Majal and Kostas Kostarelos provide an updated perspective on liposome-encapsulated particles (e.g., quantum dots, small iron oxide nanoparticles and silica and polystyrene nanoparticles) as hybrid nanostructures. Liposomes can make nanoparticles biocompatible and offer a clinically proven (having been in clinical use for over 10 years), versatile platform for the further extension of nanoparticle use in medicine. This review illustrates specific benefits of liposome use in biomedical applications. Vincent Rotello and colleagues review the use of functionalized gold nanoparticles as adjuvants for gene and drug delivery. These particles have unique dimensions and tunable functionalities, which make them particularly promising candidates for drug-delivery applications.