[Nanomedicine as a part of nanotechnology]

In the general sense, nanomedicine is defined as the application of nanotechnologies including nanobiothechnologies in medicine. Under conditions of current rapid development of nanotechnologies, many terms and definitions lack clarity and precision and boundaries between traditional and nanotechnologies are equally poorly determined. Evidently, dimensional parameters alone are insufficient to refer someone or other work to the field of nanotechnology (e.g., nanomedicine). Fundamental novelty of nanomedicine as a branch of knowledge and technology is exemplified by the developments in pharmacology and design of medicinal products that brought about new nanomedical (nanopharmacological, nanopharmaceutical) drugs. These products are multicomponent supramolecular compounds designed for a specific purpose whose intricate structure is intended not so much to impart new properties as to properly deliver the active ingredient to the biological target. Accordingly, nanomedicine should be regarded as the use of supramolecular complexes with a well differentiated surface manufactured by purposeful assembly of selected components for diagnostic and/or therapeutic application.