Nanotechnology has revolutionized many technology sectors. The unique physicochemical characteristics of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) enable new therapeutic and diagnostic applications, but also engender new, unknown health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations, like individuals with preexisting lung disease. New research has provided pioneering insights into potential health effects of ENMs and their physicochemical and biological properties.
This book provides an in-depth view on the pulmonary effects of ENMs and familiarizes the audience with unique aspects of nanomaterial application and research, such as the effects of physicochemical properties on cellular uptake and toxicity. Each chapter discusses strategies to overcome the pathophysiological and technical barriers to develop novel nano-based diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutic tools for airway diseases. The focus is on the diagnostic and therapeutic utilities of nanomaterials in various lung diseases. The final chapter comprehensively addresses potential toxicities in different areas of the respiratory system.
Novel and cutting-edge applications of nanotechnology for treatment of airway diseases such as asthma, allergy, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), and lung cancer are discussed. The text also presents strategies to overcome the pathophysiological and technical barriers as an attempt to synchronize the efforts of pulmonary biologists, chemists, and clinicians to develop novel nano-based diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic tools for airway diseases.
