Nanobiotechnology
Summary
Nanobiotechnology harnesses the unique physicochemical properties of structures one to several hundred nanometres in size to address challenges at the interface of biology and materials science. By engineering nanoparticles, two-dimensional materials and functional nanocomposites, researchers can interrogate and manipulate biological systems with high spatial precision. Applications span from targeted drug and gene delivery—where surface-functionalised carriers improve therapeutic index and cellular uptake—to advanced diagnostics, in which nanoscale probes yield ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules. Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides, carbon-based quantum dots and tailored metal–oxide particles exemplify platforms that combine imaging, sensing and therapeutic functions. Interdisciplinary advances in synthesis, surface chemistry and nanofabrication have opened routes to multifunctional “theranostic” agents, antimicrobial coatings and stimulus-responsive scaffolds for tissue engineering. The dual imperatives of improving efficacy in human health and minimising environmental impact continue to guide the design of next-generation nanobiotechnologies.
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Nanobiotechnology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanobiotechnology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials: Ultrathin sheets, typically a few atomic layers thick, whose high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable electronic properties enable intimate interactions with cells and biomolecules.
Photothermal therapy: A treatment approach in which nanomaterials absorb near-infrared light and convert it into heat, inducing localized thermal ablation of pathogens or diseased cells.
Surface functionalisation: The chemical or physical modification of nanoparticle surfaces with polymers, ligands or biomolecules to improve stability, targeting specificity and biocompatibility.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive derivatives of oxygen that can be generated by nanomaterials under light or catalytic activation and damage microbial or cancer cell structures.
Phase engineering: Control over the crystallographic phase (e.g., metallic vs. semiconducting) of a nanomaterial to tune optical absorption, charge transfer and bioactivity.
References
- A promising gene delivery system developed from PEGylated MoS2 nanosheets for gene therapy. Discover Nano (2014).
- Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: Synthesis, Biomedical Applications and Biosafety Evaluation. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2020).
- Phase-Dependent 1T/2H-MoS2 Nanosheets for Effective Photothermal Killing of Bacteria. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2022).
- Introduction of Nanobiotechnology.
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