UNIT – I: NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY

Bionanotechnology

Bionanotechnology is the field that combines biology and nanotechnology. 

It studies how biological systems work at the nanoscale and uses this knowledge to design new materials, tools, and technologies. 

In biology, many structures—such as DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and enzymes—are naturally nanosized. 

Bionanotechnology uses these natural nanosystems as models for creating new devices and materials that can help in medicine, agriculture, environment, and industry.

Concepts
Nanotechnology deals with materials sized between 1 and 100 nanometers. 

At this scale, materials show special properties such as high surface area, increased reactivity, unique optical and magnetic behavior, and better strength. 

When nanotechnology is applied to biological systems, it becomes bionanotechnology. 

This field includes nanoscale imaging, nano-drug delivery, nano-biosensors, nano-diagnostics, and nano-enabled therapies.

Definitions
• Nanoparticles: Tiny particles between 1–100 nm with unique physical and chemical properties.
• Nano-biomaterials: Nanomaterials designed to interact safely with living cells or tissues.
• Nano-biosensor: A tiny sensing device that detects biological molecules such as DNA, enzymes, toxins, or pathogens.
• Nanomedicine: The use of nanotechnology for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases.

Biosystems
A biosystem refers to any biological structure or process, such as a cell, tissue, organ, enzyme system, or metabolic pathway. 

At the nanoscale, biosystems involve DNA molecules, protein folding, lipid bilayers, ion channels, ribosomes, and virus particles. 

Understanding biosystems at the nanoscale helps scientists design nanoparticles that can enter cells, bind to proteins, deliver drugs, or detect diseases at early stages.

Biological Networks
Biological networks describe how molecules inside living organisms interact with each other. 

Examples include gene regulatory networks, protein–protein interaction networks, metabolic pathways, and signaling pathways. 

Nanotechnology helps study these networks using nanosensors and nano-imaging tools. 

By understanding networks, researchers can design better nano-drugs, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine approaches.

Benefits of Nanotechnology in Medicine
Nanotechnology improves medical diagnosis, drug delivery, imaging, and treatment. 

Nanoparticles can carry medicines directly to diseased cells, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness. 

Nano-robots and smart nanoparticles can detect cancer cells early. 

Gold and silver nanoparticles are used in imaging and antimicrobial treatments. 

Quantum dots help in high-resolution imaging. 

Nano-coatings on medical implants improve biocompatibility and prevent infections. 

Nanofibers help in wound healing and tissue engineering. 

Overall, nanomedicine allows faster healing, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatments.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Medicine
• Targeted drug delivery (chemotherapy, diabetic drugs, etc.)
• Nano-imaging for early cancer detection
• Antimicrobial nano-coatings for medical devices
• Nanoparticles in vaccines and gene therapy
• Regenerative medicine using nano-scaffolds
• Diagnostics using nano-biosensors
• MRI contrast agents using iron oxide nanoparticles
• Smart bandages with nano-silver for wound care

Benefits of Nanotechnology in Agriculture
Nanotechnology helps increase crop yield, reduce chemical use, and improve soil health. 

Nano-fertilizers release nutrients slowly and efficiently, reducing wastage. 

Nano-pesticides target only harmful pests and reduce environmental pollution. 

Nanosensors detect soil moisture, nutrient levels, and pathogens early. 

Nanotech-based water purification systems provide safe water for irrigation. 

Seed treatments with nanoparticles improve germination and plant growth. 

Nanotech also helps in early disease detection in crops and enhances post-harvest shelf life.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture
• Nano-fertilizers for controlled nutrient release
• Nano-pesticides for safe pest management
• Nanosensors for soil and crop monitoring
• Nano-packaging materials for longer shelf life
• Nanofiltration for clean irrigation water
• Nano-based plant growth regulators
• Early pathogen detection using nano-biosensors

Nanorobots
Nanorobots are extremely tiny robots designed to operate at the nanoscale. 

They are made using nanosensors and molecular machines. 

In medicine, nanorobots can travel inside the body through blood vessels to deliver drugs, remove clots, destroy cancer cells, or repair tissues. 

"Respirocytes" are hypothetical nanorobots that can carry oxygen more efficiently than red blood cells.

 In agriculture, nanorobots may help detect soil toxins, identify plant diseases, or deliver nutrients to roots. 

Though most nanorobots are still in research stages, they hold great promise for future medical and agricultural innovations.