Introduction to Active, Smart, and Intelligent Nanomaterials for Biomedical Application

Abstract Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary area that requires an understanding of various fields such as chemistry, electronics, physics, biology, and engineering. It is one of the fastest emerging research areas; therefore, it would not be wrong to call this period as “Nano era.” Furthermore, Nanotechnology is the study of materials that are characterized by at least one dimension in the nanometer range. These materials include carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, metal-based nanomaterials (metal oxides, nanogold, and nanosilver), micelles, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles to name a few. In general, the main function of nanomaterials is the vectorization of insoluble drugs. Hence, drug delivery can be achieved by targeting biomolecules such as receptors both on the cell surface and inside the cells. This can enhance the biodistribution of the drug while providing targeted delivery to diseased tissue only. Although nanomaterials have a good impact on medical science, military technology, and space programs, the size and shape of these nanosized materials pose a danger as they can interact with other living systems by crossing the skin and blood/brain barrier. Therefore, this chapter highlights the different carrier platforms, clinical applications, and challenges in the use of these nanomaterials.