Emerging Nanomaterials in Healthcare

Abstract

Applications of nanomaterials in the field of medicine and healthcare have been on a rapid rise in recent years. Modifiable physical, optical and electronic structures of nanomaterials enable them to be fabricated for various uses. Examples of nanoparticles widely used in the healthcare sector include, but are not limited to silica (Si), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), gold (Au) and zinc (Zn). Application of nanomaterials in healthcare range from, bioimaging, sensing, diagnosis, targeted drug delivery, prosthetics, cancer therapy and antibiotics. Although mechanisms behind sensing and other functions are well known, mechanisms behind the antibiotic properties need more scientific validation. In this book chapter, we focus on current uses of nanomaterials in healthcare and give a brief insight on future perspectives on nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare.