Biomedical-related applications of functionalized nanomaterials

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the use of nanoparticles in the biomedical field. Due to their unique properties, nanomaterials have enabled the development of innovative technologies within the biomedical field, making them a popular topic of research. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be prepared from a wide variety of materials and modified via a number of functional groups or ligands, allowing them to display specific properties and to be applied in a range of applications. Both the methods to functionalize nanoparticles and their applications in the biomedical field are reviewed in this book chapter. Metal-based, silica, and carbon NPs, and their use in membranes are described. Since drug delivery systems are the main application of functionalized nanoparticles, a specific section devoted to this topic is also presented.