Nanotechnology in veterinary medicine: a review

Lara Baccarin Ianiski,Paula Cristina Stibbe,Luciano Nakazato,Luis Antônio Sangioni,Daniela Isabel Brayer Pereira,Sônia De Avila Botton,Janio Morais Santurio,Cristiane De Bona Da Silva,Valéria Dutra,Carla Weiblen,Fernando De Souza Rodrigues,Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel,Mateus Matiuzzi Da Costa

doi:10.1590/0103-8478cr20210195

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this review was to address the applicability of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on research in Brazil from 2013 to 2020. Firstly, we introduced to the general aspects of applicability of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine, and lately we pointed the research involving nanoscience performed in Brazil, in the studied period. Nanotechnology is the field of science that has the capacity to organize matter in nanoscale structures (1 to 100 nm), enabling innovations in different areas including biotechnology, agriculture, disease diagnosis, food and clothing industry, electronics, and pharmacological therapies. In veterinary medicine, several studies are being carried out in the world, mainly in the areas that involve search of new treatment options and the development of immunotherapy, as well as in the diagnosis of diseases. In Brazil, it is clear that the use of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine is still incipient, but it can be considered a growing area. In addition, several points have to be reflected and researched, including some adverse effects and implications to validate the safe use of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine. Therefore, this review highlighted the nanotechnology as a promise alternative in the current context of Brazilian technological innovation involving animal health, as well as a possible diagnostic tool and highlighting its potential therapeutic use in disease control in veterinary medicine. Regarding future perspectives, we believed that greater investment in science and technology could contribute to the advancement and strengthening of nanotechnology in Brazil.

Highlights

Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of the structure of materials, substances, or elements at the nanometer scale, producing structures between 1.0 nm and 100 nm (ROCO, 2011; PELAZ et al, 2017)
We introduced to the general aspects of applicability of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine, and lately we pointed the research involving nanoscience performed in Brazil, in the studied period
In Brazil, it is clear that the use of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine is still incipient, but it can be considered a growing area

Summary

Introduction

Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of the structure of materials, substances, or elements at the nanometer scale, producing structures between 1.0 nm and 100 nm (ROCO, 2011; PELAZ et al, 2017). In 1959, Richard Feynman first mentioned the concept of nanotechnology in the lecture Plenty of Approved 07.15.21 Returned CR-2021-0195.R1 by the author 09.19.C21 iência. Room at the Bottom in Nobel Prize, proposing that mounting a material atom by atom would never be possible (FEYNMAN, 1960). In 1991, a processing method involving the molecular manipulation of atoms was proposed (FERREIRA et al, 2009). Different areas of activity contributed to nanotechnology. These included, among others, chemistry, biology, molecular physics, material science, computer science, and electrical and mechanical engineering (ROCO, 2011)

Objectives

Conclusion