ABSTRACT
Intelligent nanomaterials have evolved from simpler nanosized materials such as liposomes and inorganic nanoparticles; they add environmental or remote sensing, switching, and stimuli-triggered activities to the carrier functionality of basic nanomaterials. A number of nanoparticle-based therapies have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for clinical use, highlighting the benefit that can be achieved through nanomedicine strategies. A potential disadvantage is the weight/weight ratio between functional payload and inert platform, which tends to be low in metallic nanoparticles. Lipid micelles are spherical nanosized structures characterized by a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic coat that may form spontaneously from amphiphilic molecules in aqueous environments. Carbon nanotubes are a distinct molecular form of carbon atoms, yielding a hexagonal arrangement. Metallic nanoparticles such as iron oxide, gold, and silver have been developed and modified for use in drug delivery, magnetic separation, and diagnostic imaging.
