Nanotechnology on agent identification, diseases diagnosis and therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the most promising technology field in the 21st century, providing benefits and scientific advances to global development. New nanotechnological devices, platforms, and production systems have shown a wide range of applicability, especially for nanoparticle applied to microorganism detection/diagnosis, treatment, and drug delivery. This review aims to point the main advances in the area through several publications involving the production and use of nanoparticles applied to the clinical sector. Nanoparticles are produced by using different physical, chemical, or biological methods. Several platforms for diagnosis have been developed, including vaccines, drug-delivery systems, and novel treatments, thus innovating the pharmacological and diagnostic areas. Immunoassay, DNA hybridization, and Raman/SERS are the most common methods used in the identification of microorganisms and diagnosis. Moreover, metallic and oxide-metallic nanoparticles have been used to inhibit the growth of filamentous fungi, yeasts, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. The present review shows an increase in nanotechnology application, especially regarding nanoparticles in the biotechnology and medical fields, contributing to a revolution in this area.