Nanomaterials in Biological Systems

Nanomaterials are increasingly coming into contact with people and the environment, and understanding how they interact with biological systems is essential to ensure their safe use. Andre Nel and colleagues explain how the size, shape and structure of both the nanomaterial and biological surfaces influence the physicochemical reactions at an interface that is constantly changing. Focusing on nanoparticles in tissue culture and other biological media, the authors discuss the effects of the fundamental forces on processes such as cellular uptake.

Author contact:

Andre Nel (University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA)
E-mail: ANel@mednet.ucla.edu

Abstract available online.

(C) Nature Materials press release.

Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza