Nanotechnology for Bioapplications

Book excerpt: This book documents the tremendous progress in the use of nanotechnology for a range of bioapplications with the aim of providing students, researchers, technicians, and other professionals with an up-to-date overview of the field. After a general introduction to the surface modifications of nanoparticles required for different biological applications, and to the properties of the modified nanoparticles, a series of chapters describe the state of the art in respect of different types of nanoparticle, including silica nanoparticles, fluorescent nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, and other novel nanomaterials. Detailed information is supplied on methods of preparation, chemical and physical properties, and current and potential applications. The closing chapters discuss lithography methods for the top-down approach to nanoparticle synthesis and the use of spectroscopic studies as a tool for the characterization of each nanoparticle. Future prospects and challenges for the development of further nanomaterials with bioapplications are also covered.