Introduction to nanotechnology: potential applications in physical medicine and rehabilitation

Nanotechnology is a scientific movement that has the potential to transform the diagnosis and treatment of disease in the 21st century. The area of investigation is defined by the study, design, manipulation, manufacture, and control of materials or devices by physical or chemical means at resolutions on the order of one billionth of a meter. The potential for a wide range of clinical applications makes a basic understanding of nanotechnology important to physiatrists. This review presents an introduction to nanotechnology and discusses key developments in tissue engineering, drug delivery, imaging, diagnostics, surface texturing, and biointerfaces that could impact the practice of physiatry in the future.