Engineered nanomaterials for their applications in theragnostics

Abstract

Owing to their abundant unique properties and ready compatibility with healthcare and therapeutic technology, nanoparticles are becoming one of the most desirable materials in the biomedical industry. Particularly, novel nanoparticles possess distinctive photoluminescence, biocompatibility, antibacterial effect, surface plasmon resonance, and immunogenicity. In this review, we describe the general synthesis, physical properties, cellular activity, and biological applications of popular nanoparticles/ nanomaterials (i.e., silicon, gold, iron oxide, and carbon nanotubes), while focusing on the immunology encompassing these nanoparticles and their potential applications in the fields of nanotherapy. We further highlight major challenges and promises in this area and review the uses of nanoparticles in current technologies, such as nanoparticle-mediated cellular immunology and cytotoxicity in therapeutic applications. (C) 2018 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.