Springer Safety of Nanoparticles: From Manufacturing to Medical Applications (Nanostructure Science and Technology)

The use of nanomaterials in such things as tissue engineering devices, implants, and biosensors is growing. This book is the first to assess their risk, detailing how the body’s cells and tissues cope with the implanting of nanomaterials. Review From the reviews: "This book provides an interdisciplinary background, a valuable reference source, and a concise summary of the state of the art of various aspects of the field… While collectively covering some of the broad issues, each article provides details of specific nanoparticles, interactions, or applications."  – Hugh J. Byrne, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, September, 2009 From the Back Cover "Environmental safety and health has become an existential issue for the nanotechnology movement, and the international community is responding to this challenge with major multi-disciplinary research efforts. This compilation covers both the toxicology and biomedical applications of nanomaterials in a form that will be a useful reference and starting point for people working in or entering this rapidly growing field."--Dr. Robert Hurt, Director, The Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation (IMaNI) at Brown University, Professor, Brown University, Providence, RI 02917 USA   In spite of the potential use of nanomaterials as tissue engineering devices, implants, biosensors, drug delivery devices, etc., there has yet to be a compilation of the risks associated with the in vivo use of nanomaterials. There are numerous and well-known risks because of the size of nanoparticles. For example, nanoparticles can cross cell membranes and enter the cytoplasm undetected. The aim of this book is to provide one of the first detailed overviews of how cells and tissues in the body deal with nanoparticles. This is important not only for implantable devices, but also for the manufacturing of nanophase materials when particles can be inhaled or enter the body through the skin. Only by compiling research at the intersection of nanoparticles and biological processes can we determine if nanophase materials are safe to be manufactured, handled, and/or implanted for various medical applications.