Bionanotechnology

2. Introduction

Innovations at the intersection of engineering, biotechnology, medicine, physical sciences and information technology are spurring new directions in research, education, commercialization and technology transfer. It is at this intersection where nanotechnology operates. Anticipating a robust market, there is enormous excitement and expectation surrounding this multidisciplinary phenomenon. In fact, the future of nanotechnology is likely to continue along this path, as significant technologic advances across multiple scientific disciplines will continue to be proposed, validated, patented and commercialized.

One of the greatest impacts of nanotechnology is taking place in the context of biology, biotechnology and medicine. This arena of nanotechnology is generally referred to as bionanotechnology, with an evolving emphasis on nanomedicine.

Commercial bionanotechnology, although at a nascent stage of development, is already a reality. However, most agree that its full potential is years or decades away. Obviously, development is progressing more rapidly in certain sectors; the most active areas of product development are drug delivery, nanoelectronics, nanocoatings, and in vivo imaging.