ABSTRACT
When the general public thinks of nanotechnology and, more specifi cally nanomedicine, often the fi rst thought that comes to mind are nanorobots (defi ned later in this chapter) swimming through the blood stream seeking out viruses and bacteria for destruction. While this is certainly a futuristic
concept, it is not altogether unrealistic and thus warrants discussion in this book. In order to consider the development of a nanoscale roboticsbased device capable of in vivo travel and the performance of various therapeutic tasks it is necessary to understand the basic requirements for its size and functionality. The three primary components of an effective therapeutic nanorobot are:
1. Potential energy source 2. Mechanism for converting
potential energy to kinetic energy 3. Ability to use kinetic energy for
mobility and a therapeutic benefi t
This section describes some of the essential individual components that meet these criteria and are necessary for the development of therapeutic nanorobots. Cited are both real advances in the development of these components as well as theoretical examples of nanorobots performing therapeutic functions with the human body.
