Nano Particles and Nano Fibers

Abstract

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize the design, synthesis, and application of material at the nanometre level, which may range from 1 to 100 nanometres. When the material dimension reduces to the nano level, the physicochemical properties of the material get enhanced and produce unique optical and mechanical properties, which are not seen in the material at the macro level. Among the numerous nanomaterials synthesized, nanoparticles and nanofibers are found to be of great interest because of their substantial properties and applications.

Zero-dimensional nanostructures, commonly known as nanoparticles, are highly suitable for drug targeting, imaging, and diagnostics because of its size and high surface-to-volume ratio. They help in the controlled release of medicated formulation, increase the bioavailability of the drug, and inhibit systemic side effects. For instance, nanofibers, which are one-dimensional nanomaterials with a size in the nanometric region and longer in the micrometre region, find applications in tissue repair, biosensors, tissue engineering, wound dressing, superior tissue compatibility, high pore absorption, high flexibility, as well as applications in the field of biosensors.

The relevance of nanoparticles and nanofibers has applications in a wide spectrum of fields such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, environmental studies, and storage materials. Some of the most prominent applications of these nanoparticles are in the field of anticancer therapies, antimicrobial applications, regenerative medicine, biosensors, and smart fabrics. With rapid progress being made in their production as well as their characterization, the future of nanoparticles and nanofibers holds a promising future. The current research being carried out pertains to the development of multi-functional nanomaterials.