Nanotechnology: Principles, Applications and Ethical Considerations

The volume explores the emerging science of nanotechnology which deals with the understanding of the fundamental physics, chemistry, biology, material science and technology of nanometer scale objects, which has become a central pillar for the next generation medical challenges such as developing tiny nanodevices, as well as for food technology. There is no doubt that the development of emerging nanotechnology based nanomedicine, nanodevices for diagnostics and therapy, drug delivery systems and other applications are fast growing research areas for chemistry, biology, physics, medicine and different disciplines of engineering. On the other hand, due to the possible use in human health and food technology, the same emerging technology might raise new ethical issues and therefore require careful analysis of ethical aspects. To summarize the recent growth, the first volume in the Nanotechnology: Principles, Applications and Ethical Considerations series discusses the basic science behind the emerging technology, which is necessary to understand how these tiny materials can be used in our daily lives. This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of this rapidly-expanding and fascinating field from the molecular level to possible applications in the medical field. It contains eight chapters written by world renowned experts in this area, covering from basic science to possible nanomedicine designs, which can have numerous applications in our society. This book is unique in its design and content, providing a depth of science for readers that will help them understand the benefits and limitations of nanotechnology as well as its ethical and social implications.