6- Nanomedicines: Introduction & Types of Nanoparticles

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Nanomedicine

The interdisciplinary field that merges nanotechnology and medicine.

Nanotechnology

The science of materials and phenomena in the range of 1 to 100 nm in diameter.

Drug Delivery System (DDS)

Conventional approaches that leave nonbiodegradable materials in the body, often resulting in toxicity.

Nanoparticles (NP)

Small particles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm, used in various biomedical applications.

Bioavailability

The extent and rate at which the active ingredient or active moiety is absorbed and becomes available at the site of action.

Polymeric Nanoparticles

Tiny particles made of polymers that can encapsulate drugs to enhance delivery and bioavailability.

Liposomes

Self-assembled artificial vesicles made from phospholipids, capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

Dendrimers

Synthetic, branched macromolecules that form tree-like structures, enhancing drug solubility and delivery.

Quantum Dots

Very small semiconductor particles that can emit different colors; useful in imaging applications.

Controlled Release

A method of delivering drugs at a predetermined rate, often enabled by nanomedicines.

Antimicrobial Activity

The ability of a substance to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Tissue Engineering

An interdisciplinary field that uses a combination of cells and biochemical factors to develop biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.

Nanovaccines

Vaccines that are formulated at nanoscale to improve delivery and effectiveness.

Gene Therapy

A medical intervention that modifies genetic material to treat or prevent disease, often using nanomedicine techniques.

Surface Functional Groups

Chemical groups on the surface of nanoparticles that can be manipulated for drug delivery purposes.

Protein Delivery

The process of delivering therapeutic proteins to specific cells or tissues using nanotechnology.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

A hydrophilic polymer used in drug formulation to improve drug delivery and circulation time.