Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Biology

Ajani J

J. Ajani Department of Biochemistry, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa – 516 005, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Nanoparticles are materials with dimensions generally ranging from 1 to 100 nm and have attracted considerable attention because their physicochemical properties differ from those of bulk materials. Their small size, high surface-area-to-volume ratio, optical and magnetic properties, and modifiable surfaces make them valuable tools in biological research and medicine. Nanoparticles have been investigated for applications in drug delivery, gene delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatment, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Different types of nanoparticles, including metallic, magnetic, polymeric, lipid, silica, and semiconductor nanoparticles, possess distinct properties that can be tailored for specific biological applications. In particular, lipid nanoparticles have become important carriers for nucleic acids, while gold and magnetic nanoparticles have shown promise in imaging and cancer therapy. Despite their potential, issues related to toxicity, biodistribution, stability, immune responses, and large-scale manufacturing remain important challenges. This article reviews the major types of nanoparticles and their applications in biology, with emphasis on their therapeutic, diagnostic, and research uses.

Keywords: nanoparticles, nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine, drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, gene delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial activity

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