6533b830fe1ef96bd1297a0c

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Bio-nano: Theranostic at Cellular Level

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Functionalized nanoparticles are important platforms for targeted drug delivery and multimodal imaging. Materials scientists provide tailor-made tools for medical research, diagnosis and treatment. These tools are rationally designed to have defined functions. Still, the value of these tools can only be determined by the users in medical sciences that develop assays for applying these tools. Until now, little is known about the impact of multifunctional particles that display intrinsic chemical and physical asymmetry which poses new challenges for cells associated with the amphiphilicity, dipole moments and chemical diversity/patchiness of the functionalized nanoparticles. Why is it important to study the impact of anisotropic multifunctional particles on biological cells extending the intricacy of the problem even further? Current nanotechnology projects that started during the past few years focus on the “supramolecular” weak binding of functionalized particles with the goal to form larger ensembles with new functionalities. Thus, one may anticipate new phenomena associated with the exposure of human tissue to the primary building blocks of these new materials. Despite the challenges that still have to be met, multifunctional nanoparticles provide fascinating opportunities for tailoring properties that are not possible with other types of therapeutics. As more clinical data become available, the nanoparticle strategy will improve to such an extent that more sophisticated tools actually reach the clinic. Results from current trials are fueling the enthusiasm of researchers.