Nanotechnology: convergence with modern biology and medicine

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Abstract

The worldwide emergence of nanoscale science and engineering was marked by the announcement of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in January 2000. Recent research on biosystems at the nanoscale has created one of the most dynamic science and technology domains at the confluence of physical sciences, molecular engineering, biology, biotechnology and medicine. This domain includes better understanding of living and thinking systems, revolutionary biotechnology processes, the synthesis of new drugs and their targeted delivery, regenerative medicine, neuromorphic engineering and developing a sustainable environment. Nanobiosystems research is a priority in many countries and its relevance within nanotechnology is expected to increase in the future.

Introduction

Nanotechnology is the ability to work at the atomic, molecular and supramolecular levels (on a scale of ∼1–100 nm) in order to understand, create and use material structures, devices and systems with fundamentally new properties and functions resulting from their small structure [1••]. All biological and man-made systems have the first level of organization at the nanoscale (such as a nanocrystals, nanotubes or nanobiomotors) where their fundamental properties and functions are defined. The goal of nanotechnology might be described by the ability to assemble molecules into objects, hierarchically along several length scales, and to disassemble objects into molecules. This is what nature already does in living systems and in the environment. Rearranging matter at the nanoscale using ‘weak’ molecular interactions, such as van der Waal forces, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic dipoles, fluidics and various surface forces, requires low-energy consumption and allows for reversible or other subsequent changes. Such changes of usually ‘soft’ nanostructures in a limited temperature range are essential for bioprocesses to take place. Biosystems are governed by nanoscale processes that have been optimized over millions of years; examples of biostrategies have been surveyed [2]. Smalley [3] classified nanotechnology into two categories: ‘wet’ nanotechnology (including living biosystems) and ‘dry’ nanotechnology. Research on dry nanostructures is now seeking systematic approaches to engineer man-made objects at the nanoscale and to integrate nanoscale structures into large-scale structures, as nature does. Although the specific approaches may be different from the slowly evolving living systems in aqueous medium, many concepts such as self-assembly, templating of atomic and molecular structures on other nanostructures, interaction on surfaces of various shapes, self-repair, and integration on multiple length scales can be used as sources of inspiration.

Nanobiotechnology is defined as a field that applies the nanoscale principles and techniques to understand and transform biosystems (living or non-living) and which uses biological principles and materials to create new devices and systems integrated from the nanoscale. The integration of nanotechnology with biotechnology, as well as with infotechnology and cognitive science, is expected to accelerate in the next decade [4••]. The convergence of nanoscale science with modern biology and medicine is a trend that should be reflected in science policy decisions 5.••, 6.. The aim of this review is to highlight recent scientific advances, and on this basis to outline corresponding science and funding policy developments.

Section snippets

Confluence of biology and nanotechnology

Nanotechnology provides the tools and technology platforms for the investigation and transformation of biological systems, and biology offers inspiration models and bio-assembled components to nanotechnology (Figure 1).

Research priorities and investments

The United States have initiated a multidisciplinary strategy for the development of science and engineering fundaments through the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Japan and Europe have broad programs and their current plans look ahead four to five years. More than 35 countries have developed programs in nanotechnology since 2000, illustrating the importance of this field of research. Research on biosystems has received increased support in 2002, as compared with previous years, in

Concluding remarks

The ability to uncover the structure and function of biosystems at the nanoscale has stimulated research leading to improvements in biology, biotechnology, medicine and healthcare. The scientific confluence is reflected in government funding programs and science policies. The NNI plans to increase its financial contribution to programs dedicated to nanobiosystems over the current level of 12% [67], and similar trends to better recognize biosystems research within nanotechnology are noted in

Update

Two draft bills on nanotechnology submitted in the current Congress address the need for coherent, multi-year planning with increased interdisciplinarity and interagency coordination. The Senate draft bill S189 ‘21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act’ recommends a five year ‘National Nanotechnology Program’ [78]. It was introduced by a group of senators led by Ron Wyden and George Allen. The draft bill in the House of Representatives HR 766 ‘Nanotechnologies R&D Act of 2003’ was introduced by a

References and recommended reading

Papers of particular interest, published within the annual period of review, have been highlighted as:

  • of special interest

  • ••

    of outstanding interest

Acknowledgements

Opinions expressed in this review are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of NSET or NSF.

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