Nanosensors and particles: a technology frontier with pitfalls

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• The US National Nanotechnology Initiative, established nearly 20 years ago, has significantly advanced nanoparticle and nanosensor development.
• While non-medical and in vitro diagnostic applications have progressed, clinical translation of these technologies has been slower than anticipated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the progress of nanotechnology applications, particularly engineered nanoparticles and nanosensors, over the past two decades.
• To highlight the potential of nanotechnology advancements for environmental monitoring and remediation.
• To emphasize the urgent need for health risk assessments of increasing environmental nanoparticle concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Review of progress in nanoparticle and nanosensor research and development.
• Analysis of funding trends and application areas (non-medical, in vitro diagnostics, clinical).
• Evaluation of environmental release and potential health risks.

Main Results:

• Significant advancements in engineering, characterization, and market introduction of nanoparticles and nanosensors.
• Slower-than-expected clinical integration of nanotechnology-based medical applications.
• Growing body of knowledge applicable to environmental studies (water, soil, microbes, plants).
• Exponential increase in engineered nanoparticles entering the environment.

Conclusions:

• Despite substantial investment, clinical nanotechnology applications have not met initial expectations.
• Environmental applications of nanotechnology offer significant potential.
• The escalating environmental presence of engineered nanoparticles demands immediate and thorough health risk assessment, drawing parallels to the delayed response to asbestos risks.