Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 28, 2015
Recent advancements in biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles towards biomedical applications
Mingxia Jiao1, Peisen Zhang, Junli Meng
1Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bei Yi Jie 2, Zhong Guan Cun, Beijing 100190, China. gaomy@iccas.ac.cn liuchy@iccas.ac.cn.
Abstract:
Due to their intrinsic physical properties potentially useful for imaging and therapy as well as their highly engineerable surface, biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles offer novel platforms to develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic agents for improved detection and more efficacious treatment of major diseases. The in vivo application of inorganic nanoparticles was demonstrated more than two decades ago, however it turns out to be very complicated as nanomaterials exhibit much more sophisticated pharmacokinetic properties than conventional drugs. In this review, we first discuss the in vivo behavior of inorganic nanoparticles after systematic administration, including the basic requirements for nanoparticles to be used in vivo, the impact of the particles' physicochemical properties on their pharmacokinetics, and the effects of the protein corona formed across the nano-bio interface. Next, we summarize the state-of-the-art of the preparation of biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles and bioconjugation strategies for obtaining target-specific nanoprobes. Then, the advancements in sensitive tumor imaging towards diagnosis and visualization of the abnormal signatures in the tumor microenvironment, together with recent studies on atherosclerosis imaging are highlighted. Finally, the future challenges and the potential for inorganic nanoparticles to be translated into clinical applications are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Gravimetry: Inorganic And Organic Precipitating Agents
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
Overview of Advanced Functional Groups
Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

