Remote Control of Cellular Functions: The Role of Smart Nanomaterials in the Medicine of the Future
Giada Graziana Genchi ; Attilio Marino ; Agostina Grillone ; et al. ; - ASI Sponsor
May - 2017
DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700002

journal : Advanced Healthcare Materials

Volume : 6 ; Issue : 9
type: Article Journal

Abstract
The remote control of cellular functions through smart nanomaterials represents a biomanipulation approach with unprecedented potential applications in many fields of medicine, ranging from cancer therapy to tissue engineering. By actively responding to external stimuli, smart nanomaterials act as real nanotransducers able to mediate and/or convert different forms of energy into both physical and chemical cues, fostering specific cell behaviors. This report describes those classes of nanomaterials that have mostly paved the way to a “wireless” control of biological phenomena, focusing the discussion on some examples close to the clinical practice. In particular, magnetic fields, light irradiation, ultrasound, and pH will be presented as means to manipulate the cellular fate, due to the peculiar physical/chemical properties of some smart nanoparticles, thus providing realistic examples of “nanorobots” approaching the visionary ideas of Richard Feynman.

keywords : cerium oxide nanoparticles;magnetic nanoparticles; near infrared stimulation; piezoelectric nanoparticles; smart nanoparticles

Notes : This research has been partially supported [...], by the Italian Space Agency Contract Number 2016-7-U.0 (NANOROS)...