Open AccessThe Promise of Emergent Nanobiotechnologies for In Vivo Applications and Implications for Safety and Security
Author(s) -
Anne M. Arnold,
Ashley M. Bradley,
Karen Taylor,
Zachary C. Kennedy,
Kristin M. Omberg
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
health security
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.705
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2326-5108
pISSN - 2326-5094
DOI - 10.1089/hs.2022.0014
Subject(s) - nanomedicine , nanotechnology , nanobiotechnology , human health , multidisciplinary approach , engineering , risk analysis (engineering) , computer science , engineering ethics , medicine , materials science , political science , nanoparticle , law , environmental health
Nanotechnology, the multidisciplinary field based on the exploitation of the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoscale materials, has opened a new realm of possibilities for biological research and biomedical applications. The development and deployment of mRNA-NP vaccines for COVID-19, for example, may revolutionize vaccines and therapeutics. However, regulatory and ethical frameworks that protect the health and safety of the global community and environment are lagging, particularly for nanotechnology geared toward biological applications (ie, bionanotechnology). In this article, while not comprehensive, we attempt to illustrate the breadth and promise of bionanotechnology developments, and how they may present future safety and security challenges. Specifically, we address current advancements to streamline the development of engineered NPs for in vivo applications and provide discussion on nano-bio interactions, NP in vivo delivery, nanoenhancement of human performance, nanomedicine, and the impacts of NPs on human health and the environment.