ABSTRACT
Continuing advances in nanotechnology are generating a variety of nanostructured materials with highly controlled and interesting properties — from exceptionally high strength to the ability to carry and target drugs to unique optical properties. By controlling structure at the nanoscale dimensions, one can control and tailor the properties of nanostructures, such as semiconductor nanoscrystals and metal nanoshells, in a very accurate manner to meet the needs of a specific application. These materials can provide new and unique capabilities for a variety of biomedical applications ranging from diagnosis of diseases to novel therapies. In particular, nanotechnology may greatly expand the impact of biophotonics by providing more robust contrast agents, fluorescent probes, and sensing substrates.
