Nanominerals and Nanomaterials Utilized in Pharmacy and Therapeutics

The chapter is initiated with basic data, particularly with the concepts of nanoparticle, nanomineral and nanomaterial. Nanostrutured materials based on nanoparticles constitute fundamental components of the human body. In the natural environment, the nanoparticles of origin both geogenic and anthropogenic are everywhere, in the soil, in the air, and in the water, and when they interact with the human body, they can be incorporated, and in some circumstances, they can be toxic. Nanominerals and nanomaterials are prepared to be used, for example, in pharmacy, cosmetics, and medicine. Nanoparticles are potential nanocarriers for direct cell/tissue delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic compounds. Clay and clay minerals are good examples of nanomaterials and nanominerals. The so-called organoclays are biocomposites very important in various technologies such as biosensors, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. Within the nanominerals, which are the devices or “machines” small enough to “travel” inside the human body to provide health benefits, some which are important in regenerative medicine/tissue engineering deserve particular reference and description. Bioactive ceramics and glasses to make prostheses can be implanted to replace and repair diseased or damaged body parts. The chapter ends with the report and discussion of both toxicity and regulation of nanominerals and nanomaterials.