Active Biohybrid Nanostructures For Biomedical Applications

Nanostructures, especially biohybrid nanostructures have long been imagined as promising carriers in (bio)medical applications such as drug and gene delivery. However, few nanomedical applications, apart from liposomes, have seen widespread adoption. All available biomedical nanosystems to date rely on passive diffusion for their dispersal and very few studies demonstrate chemical targeting. Nature, on the other hand, has evolved many ways of combining highly specific targeting and active microscale motion, e.g., chemotaxis, magnetotaxis, and phototaxis of bacteria and microorganisms. In order to realize synthetic nanostructures and systems that can rival natural ones, a number of challenges still lie ahead of us. In this thesis, the author introduces examples of bioinspired and biohybrid nanostructures that address some of these challenges. Two material platforms are developed in this thesis, one based on M13 bacteriophages and one on FePt-based nanomotors. These systems can be viewed as very different but equally promising active biohybrid nanostructures. The introduced active biohybrid nanostructures are completely biocompatible and in the case of FePt nanodevices also enable precise actuated motion and targeting. The tools presented in this thesis are general and may help in the development of new biohybrid nanodevices for biomedical applications and therapies.

Engineered Nanostructures for Therapeutics and Biomedical Applications offers a single reference for a diverse biomedical readership to learn about the application of nanotechnology in biomedicine and biomedical engineering, from past developments to current research and future prospects. This book sets out a broad selection of biomedical and therapeutic applications for nanostructures, including bioimaging, nanorobotics, orthopedics, and tissue engineering, offering a useful, multidisciplinary approach. Each chapter discusses challenges faced in each discipline, including limiting factors, biocompatibility, and toxicity, thus enabling the reader to make informed decisions in their research.This book is a comprehensive, broad overview of the role and significance of nanomaterials and their composites that also includes discussions of key aspects in the field of biomedicine. It will be of significant interest to academics and researchers in materials science and engineering, biomedicine and biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, pharmaceutics, bioimaging, and nanorobotics. Provides a broad overview of the many applications of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in biomedicine and engineering Offers a multidisciplinary approach that will appeal to a diverse readership, including those in biomedical engineering, materials science, biomedicine, and pharmaceutics Includes challenges faced and limiting factors for each application, allowing readers to make an informed decision when using nanomaterials in their research

This book fills the gap between fundamental and applied research in the use of nanomaterials in biomedical applications, covering the most relevant areas, such as the fundamental concepts of the preparation of nanostructures and regulatory requirements for their safe use in biomedical devices. It also critically discusses what has been achieved in the field, and what needs to be urgently addressed and reviews the state-of-the-art medical uses of nanomaterials for treating damaged organs and tissues. Combining the expertise of clinical researchers working in the field of tissue engineering and novel materials, the book explores the main topics regarding the characterization of materials, specific organ-oriented biomaterials and their applications, as well as regulations and safety. Further, it also examines recent advances, difficulties, and clinical requirements in terms of human bone, cornea, heart, skin and the nervous system, allowing readers to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of current nanomaterial use in biomedical applications and devices, together with the challenges and future trends. This book is a valuable tool for multidisciplinary scientists and experts interested in fundamental concepts and synthetic routes for preparing nanomaterials. It is also of interest to students and researchers involved in cross-disciplinary research in nanomaterials for clinical applications and offers practical insights for clinicians as well as engineers and materials scientists working in nanoengineering.

This book explores the potential of multi-functional carbon nanotubes for biomedical applications. It combines contributions from chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and medicine. The complete overview of the state-of-the-art addresses different synthesis and biofunctionalisation routes and shows the structural and magnetic properties of nanotubes relevant to biomedical applications. Particular emphasis is put on the interaction of carbon nanotubes with biological environments, i.e. toxicity, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, intracellular distribution, interaction with the immune system and environmental impact. The insertion of NMR-active substances allows diagnostic usage as markers and sensors, e.g. for imaging and contactless local temperature sensing. The potential of nanotubes for therapeutic applications is highlighted by studies on chemotherapeutic drug filling and release, targeting and magnetic hyperthermia studies for anti-cancer treatment at the cellular level.

Heterostructured nanoparticles have the capability for a broad range of novel and enhanced properties, which leads to appealing biomedical and environmental applications. This timely new book addresses the design and preparation of multiphase nanomaterials with desired size, shape, phase composition, and crystallinity, as well as their current applications. It emphasizes key examples to motivate deeper studies, including nanomaterial-based hyperthermia treatment of cancer, nanohybrids for water purification, nanostructures used in the removal or detection of bioagents from waste water, and so on. Features Presents state of the art research on heterostructured nanomaterials, from their synthesis and physiochemical properties to current environmental and biological applications. Includes details on toxicity and risk assessment of multifunctional nanomaterials. Discusses recent developments and utilization in healthcare by leading experts. Introduces the main features of functionalization of nanomaterials in terms of desired size, shape, phase composition, surface functionalization/coating, toxicity, and geometry. Emphasizes practical applications in the environmental and biomedical sectors.

This book provides a holistic compilation on applications of carbon nanostructures, especially in advanced healthcare applications. It comprises chapters on utility of diverse multifunctional nanocarriers in drug delivery and biomedical applications, especially emphasizing on the synthesis and characterizations of nanosystems along with surface engineering approaches used for active targeting of the drugs. Moreover, the chapters also include the recent updates on the applications of the nanocarriers to fulfill the needs of various healthcare systems.

A comprehensive overview of nanomaterials that are inspired by or targeted at biology, including some of the latest breakthrough research. Throughout, valuable contributions from top-level scientists illustrate how bionanomaterials could lead to novel devices or structures with unique properties. The first and second part cover the most relevant synthetic and bioinspired nanomaterials, including surfaces with extreme wettability properties, functional materials with improved adhesion or structural and functional systems based on the complex and hierarchical organization of natural composites. These lessons from nature are explored in the last section where bioinspired materials are proposed for biomedical applications, showing their potential for future applications in drug delivery, theragnosis, and regenerative medicine. A navigational guide aimed at advanced and specialist readers, while equally relevant for readers in research, academia or private companies focused on high added-value contributions. Young researchers will also find this an indispensable guide in choosing or continuing to work in this stimulating area, which involves a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering, biology, and medicine.