ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology enables the creation of new-generation materials with unique, tunable and desired properties and huge potential in various sectors ranging from electronics to healthcare. It promises to revolutionize medicine through the use of nanomaterials for versatile applications in diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. However, regarding the use of nanomaterials in medicine, various issues of concern exist, such as solubility, persistence and long-term toxicological consequences. Nanomaterials are highly reactive and more easily permeable to cells than bulk materials due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio and ultra-small size. This led to the development of green nanotechnology involving green chemistry for the synthesis of eco-friendly nanomaterials, which eliminated the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green nanotechnology can be combined with diagnostic molecules or drugs to improve specific targeting to cells/tissues. Such materials are produced at nanoscale level and remain safe for introduction into the body. The first section of this chapter provides an overview of green nanotechnology and its advantages. The subsequent sections describe applications of green nanotechnology in medicine, which include diagnostics, therapeutics (as antimicrobial/anticancer agents, drug delivery agents and theranostics) and vaccines (vaccine delivery and as adjuvants) (see Graphical Abstract). The last section of this chapter presents the challenges of nanotechnology and recommendations for the development of nanomaterials for medicine. The compiled information in this chapter on the basics and advancements in green nanotechnology for medical applications is likely to help future researchers to innovate nanotechnology-based smart solutions for attaining sustainable human health.
