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.nanocrystals.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.