Applications of Nanomaterials in Nanomedicine

Nanotechnology exists at three different levels: materials, devices, and systems. At the material level, we can identify tiny particles sizing between 1 and 100 nm, called nanomaterials. The size of the nanomaterials plays a key role in their physical and chemical properties. Moreover, nanomaterials are more developed and advanced at the knowledge and commercial levels. In this chapter, after defining the nanomaterials and their synthesis strategies with a wide range of chemical compositions and functions, we explore their historical perspectives and elaborate on their applications in nanomedicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Nanomaterial-based drug carriers are examined in relation to the role of drugs' administration and delivery. In this case, we illustrate on the efficacy of anticancer drugs delivery in vivo and their stability. Furthermore, the advantages of biomaterial-based systems are discussed in terms of a wide variety of raw materials that minimize risks and ensure treatment safety. Examples of pathologies are given to show the benefit of nanomaterials in cancer treatments, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. In addition, recent progress in polymer therapeutics in nanomedicine will be discussed. We will explore the use of nanomaterials in global health for the treatment of viral infections such as the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, retroviruses, Ebola, and COVID-19. Overall, this review will show how several applications of nanomaterials in nanomedicine have led to the improvement of biological, cell, gene, and radiation therapies.