In Vivo Applications of Inorganic Nanoparticles

Chapter 9 is primarily concerned with in vivo applications of nanoparticles. This very broad review includes aspects such as bioconjugation, which is a pre-requisite for any in vivo application, and nanotoxicity. We introduce the two main fields of in vivo applications of nanoparticles: bioimaging and therapy. In the field of imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and optical imaging are distinguished, and the latter is further subdivided into groups of luminophores. These groups include gold nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots and rare-earth-doped nanoparticles. In Section 9.4, we discuss the methods of hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy and magnetic targeting. The aim of this chapter is not to provide in-depth insights into the different applications but to give an overview of possibilities and limitations when nanoparticles are used within living organisms.