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Nanotechnology in healthcare, and its safety and environmental risks

Ma, Xiaohan; Tian, Yaxin; Yang, Ren; Wang, Haowei; Allahou, Latifa W; Chang, Jinke; Williams, Gareth; ... Poma, Alessandro; + view all (2024) Nanotechnology in healthcare, and its safety and environmental risks. Journal of Nanobiotechnology , 22 (1) , Article 715. 10.1186/s12951-024-02901-x. Green open access

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Abstract

Nanotechnology holds immense promise in revolutionising healthcare, offering unprecedented opportunities in diagnostics, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and combating infectious diseases. This review explores the multifaceted landscape of nanotechnology in healthcare while addressing the critical aspects of safety and environmental risks associated with its widespread application. Beginning with an introduction to the integration of nanotechnology in healthcare, we first delved into its categorisation and various materials employed, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of its potential. We then proceeded to elucidate the diverse healthcare applications of nanotechnology, spanning medical diagnostics, tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, cancer therapy, and the development of antimicrobial agents. The discussion extended to the current situation surrounding the clinical translation and commercialisation of these cutting-edge technologies, focusing on the nanotechnology-based healthcare products that have been approved globally to date. We also discussed the safety considerations of nanomaterials, both in terms of human health and environmental impact. We presented the in vivo health risks associated with nanomaterial exposure, in relation with transport mechanisms, oxidative stress, and physical interactions. Moreover, we highlighted the environmental risks, acknowledging the potential implications on ecosystems and biodiversity. Lastly, we strived to offer insights into the current regulatory landscape governing nanotechnology in healthcare across different regions globally. By synthesising these diverse perspectives, we underscore the imperative of balancing innovation with safety and environmental stewardship, while charting a path forward for the responsible integration of nanotechnology in healthcare.

Type: Article
Title: Nanotechnology in healthcare, and its safety and environmental risks
Location: England
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02901-x
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12951-024-02901-x
Language: English
Additional information: © 2024 BioMed Central Ltd. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: Nanotechnology, Healthcare, Safety, Environmental risks, Regulatory policies
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > UCL School of Pharmacy
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Eastman Dental Institute
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > UCL School of Pharmacy > Pharmaceutics
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Eastman Dental Institute > Biomaterials and Tissue Eng
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10200502
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