Nanotechnology will enable astounding advances in Medicine. U.Va. scientists, engineers, and doctors are working together to realize the potential that the intersection of nanotechnology and biotechnology presents. Researchers are using tools enabled by nanotechnology, utilizing the unique properties of nanoparticles, and developing novel nanostructures to enhance imaging, diagnosis, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Broad areas under investigation include the study of cancer, heart disease, viruses, detection of biological agents, cellular biology, and regeneration of soft tissue and bone.
- Tissue Engineering
- Three dimensional nanostructures are being developed to enhance cell growth and enable tissue regeneration, in this case titanium oxide structures for implants in contact with bone. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles provides antimicrobial properties to prevent infection.
- Imaging
- Nanoparticles can be functionalized to select specific types of cells or environments. This example of oxygen sensing luminescent probes for cellular imaging has application in heart disease, stroke, tumor identification, and tissue engineering.
- Cancer Research
- Atomic force microscopy is being used to study the behavior of brain cancer cells (shown to right), and other work is investigating use of nanoparticles to target cancer cells for diagnosis and drug delivery.
- Advanced Diagnostics
- Lab-on-a-chip technologies will enable quick, cheap, and accurate diagnosis and detection of samples in a doctor's office or in the field.
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