Biomedical applications of metal oxide nanoparticles
Book Chapter
Andreescu, S, Ornatska, M, Erlichman, JS et al. (2012). Biomedical applications of metal oxide nanoparticles
. 9781461403791 57-100. 10.1007/978-1-4614-0379-1_3
Andreescu, S, Ornatska, M, Erlichman, JS et al. (2012). Biomedical applications of metal oxide nanoparticles
. 9781461403791 57-100. 10.1007/978-1-4614-0379-1_3
Metal oxide nanoparticles have a unique structure, interesting and unusual redox and catalytic properties, high surface area, good mechanical stability and are biocompatible. For these reasons, metal oxide nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest in the field of biomedical therapeutics, bio-imaging and biosensing. This chapter discusses properties and biomedical applications of selected nanometer size metal oxides. These materials have become important components in medical implants, cancer diagnosis and therapy and in neurochemical monitoring. For example, titania is the material of choice in medical implants; it provides an excellent biocompatible surface for cell attachment and proliferation. Ceria-based nanoparticles, on the other hand, have recently received a great deal of attention because of their redox, auto-catalytic and antioxidant properties. Several other metal oxides have been used as gas sensing nanoprobes for cell labeling and separation, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and as carriers for targeted drug delivery. New and emerging applications of nanoceria as neuroprotective agents possessing antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties are emerging in the biomedical field, and ceria-based nanoparticles may be used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of medical diseases related to reactive oxygen species, such as spinal cord repair, stroke and degenerative retinal disorders. Issues related to biocompatibility and toxicity of these nanoparticles for in vivo biomedical applications remain to be fully explored.
