Abstract
Bio-nano interactions can be defined as the study of interactions between nano-scale entities and biological systems such as, but not limited to, peptides, proteins, lipids, DNA and other biomolecules, cells and cellular receptors and organisms including humans. Studying bio-nano interactions is particularly useful for understanding engineered materials that have at least one dimension in the nanoscale. Such materials may consist of discrete particles or nanostruc-tured surfaces. Much of biology functions at the nanoscale; therefore, our ability to manipulate materials such that they are taken up at the nanoscale, and engage biological machinery in a designed and purposeful manner, opens new vistas for more efficient diagnostics, therapeutics treatments and tissue regeneration, so-called nanomedicine. Additionally, this ability of nanomaterials to interact with and be taken up by cells allows nanomaterials to be used as probes and tools to advance our understanding of cellular functioning. Yet, as a new technology, assessment of the safety of nanomaterials, and the applicability of existing regulatory frameworks for nanomaterials must be investigated in parallel with development of novel applications. The Royal Society meeting ‘Bio-nano interactions: new tools, insights and impacts’ provided an important platform for open dialogue on the current state of knowledge on these issues, bringing together scientists, industry, regulatory and legal experts to concretize existing discourse in science law and policy. This paper summarizes these discussions and the insights that emerged.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 20140162 |
Journal | Royal Society of London. Proceedings B. Biological Sciences |
Volume | 370 |
Issue number | 1661 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 22 Dec 2014 |
Keywords
- Advanced materials
- Bio-nano interface
- Biomolecule corona
- Nanomedicine
- Nanoregulation
- Nanosafety
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
- General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology