Smart nanosystems: Bio-inspired technologies that interact with the host environment

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Nov 24;112(47):14460-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1508522112. Epub 2015 Nov 23.

Abstract

Nanoparticle technologies intended for human administration must be designed to interact with, and ideally leverage, a living host environment. Here, we describe smart nanosystems classified in two categories: (i) those that sense the host environment and respond and (ii) those that first prime the host environment to interact with engineered nanoparticles. Smart nanosystems have the potential to produce personalized diagnostic and therapeutic schema by using the local environment to drive material behavior and ultimately improve human health.

Keywords: cancer nanotechnology; environment-responsive; host priming; nanosystems; smart nanomaterials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Nanomedicine*
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction