ABSTRACT
When the general public thinks of nanotechnology, and, more specifically nanomedicine, often the first thought that comes to mind are nanorobots (defined 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 robotics-based 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
benefit
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.
