Chapter 3

Characterization of Inorganic Nanomaterials as Therapeutic Vehicles

Tatsuya Murakami, Masako Yudasaka, Sumio Iijima and Kunihiro Tsuchida

Abstract

For effective drug actions, concentrations of drugs in the target tissues must be sufficient enough with minimal levels of degradation and dilution. It is desirable that drugs are delivered to the target tissues efficiently. It is also preferable that drugs and therapeutic chemicals do not affect normal tissues. Various methods for drug delivery systems to enhance drug efficacy and reduce adverse drug effects, have been devised by the concomitant development of novel nanomaterials. Nanobiotechnology is one of emerging scientific area that has utilized a variety of inorganic and organic nanomaterials. Each inorganic nanomaterial has its own unique characteristics. In this review, we focus on the usefulness of inorganic nanomaterials, including iron oxide nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles. We also feature fullerenes and carbon nanohorns, both of which are composed entirely of carbons, as therapeutic vehicles, and summarize recent advances in this exciting field of nanoscience and its medical applications.

Total Pages: 73-98 (26)

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