Created by the synthesis of chemistry and biology, nanobiotechnology is revolutionizing medicine, energy, and environmental science through manipulation at the molecular level.
At the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics, a quiet revolution is taking place that could fundamentally change medicine, energy, and everyday human life.
This field — nanobiotechnology — works with objects and processes of the living world at the molecular and cellular level, where dimensions are measured in billionths of a meter 2 . Using the ability of biological molecules to self-organize and the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale, scientists are creating devices and systems that can purposefully deliver drugs to diseased cells, detect diseases at the earliest stage, and solve complex environmental problems 7 .
This synthesis of chemistry and biology opens the way to a new microworld, promising breakthroughs that until recently seemed like science fiction.
Working at scales of 1-100 nanometers with unprecedented precision.
Revolutionizing drug delivery, diagnostics, and treatment approaches.
Creating environmentally friendly technologies inspired by nature.
Nanobiotechnology is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the study, creation, and application of nanomaterials and nanodevices based on biological principles and structures 2 . Its objects have dimensions from 1 to 100 nanometers, which is comparable to the sizes of individual biological molecules — proteins, DNA fragments, and cell membranes 5 .
The key difference at the nanoscale is that familiar macroscopic properties of materials change, and quantum effects and intermolecular interaction forces come to the fore 5 .
For example, the electrical conductivity of nanomaterials increases sharply when particle sizes decrease to 10-20 nm, and the materials themselves demonstrate extraordinary strength and ability to self-organize .
One of the most pressing challenges of modern pharmaceuticals is overcoming biological barriers — the ability of drug molecules to reach exactly where they are needed 2 .
Nanobiotechnology solves this problem using nanoparticle containers, which are 70 times smaller than red blood cells and can be carried by the bloodstream to a specific organ where gradual release of the drug occurs 2 .
Revolutionary changes are also occurring in the field of diagnostics. Scientists at Stanford University have created a chip biosensor capable of detecting the location of a tumor biomarker protein in a ratio of 1:100 billion, equivalent to detecting 30 molecules in 1 mm³ of blood 1 .
This nanosensor is 1000 times more sensitive than modern cancer diagnostic technologies, allowing detection of the disease at the earliest stages when treatment is most effective 1 .
Russian scientists are actively contributing to the development of nanobiotechnology. Researchers from GEOKhI RAS and IOF RAS have created magnetic biocompatible nanoparticles that can be directed to a tumor using a magnetic field 6 .
Another development — flexible film sensors based on silver nanoparticles for detecting pesticides on the surface of vegetables and fruits, which will find application in the food industry and medicine 6 .
| Application Area | Technology | Principle of Action | Development Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer Diagnosis | Chip Biosensor | Magnetic detection of protein biomarkers | Research Stage 1 |
| Targeted Therapy | Nanoparticles with Antibodies | Targeted drug delivery to cancer cells | Preclinical Studies 6 |
| Tumor Imaging | Magnetic Nanoparticles | Accumulation in tumor and detection | Laboratory Testing 6 |
A team of young Russian researchers set themselves an ambitious task: to create "biomicrorobots" — nanoparticles with antibodies to cancer tumor proteins, designed for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of cancer diseases 6 .
Scientists hypothesized that when introduced into the blood, such particles could precisely find and mark diseased cells with special markers, as well as deliver therapeutic agents to them.
Researchers synthesized nanoparticles, providing them with organic shells that protect against oxidation and degradation in aggressive body environments 6 .
Antibodies specific to cancer tumor proteins were immobilized on the surface of nanoparticles.
Before testing on living organisms, functionalized nanoparticles were tested on cell cultures.
At this stage, research is conducted on laboratory animals 6 .
| Stage | Actions | Quality Control |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Synthesis of nanoparticles, creation of protective shells | Checking stability in physiological solutions |
| Functionalization | Immobilization of antibodies on nanoparticle surfaces | Tests for selectivity of binding to target cells |
| In Vitro Testing | Exposure to cancer cell cultures | Evaluation of marking efficiency and delivery |
| In Vivo Testing | Introduction into bloodstream of laboratory animals | Study of distribution, toxicity and therapeutic effect |
Experiments showed that the created nanoparticles are capable of precisely finding and marking cancer cells when introduced into the blood 6 . This opens up opportunities for:
Of oncological diseases when other methods are still ineffective
With minimal side effects on healthy tissues
Real-time assessment of therapeutic effectiveness
This research demonstrates the power of the nanobiotechnological approach, combining chemical synthesis, physics, and biology to solve the most complex medical challenges.
The success of nanobiotechnology research directly depends on the availability and quality of specialized reagents and materials.
| Reagent/Material | Function and Application | Example of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Oxide Nanoparticles | Creation of magnetic biocompatible nanoparticles for targeted delivery | Targeted delivery to tumors using magnetic field 6 |
| Antibodies | Targeting system for recognizing specific cells | Functionalization of nanoparticles for cancer cell detection 6 |
| Carbon Nanotubes | High-strength and electrically conductive structures for sensor creation | Single-walled carbon nanotubes with antibodies for cancer cell detection 2 |
| Fullerenes and Graphene | Carbon structures with unique electronic properties | Creation of next-generation electronic devices and sensors |
| DNA Constructs | Material for creating nanorobots and programmable structures | DNA nanorobots for disease therapy 4 |
| Quantum Dots | Fluorescent markers for visualization | Labels for tracking biological processes in cells |
Nanobiotechnology is not just a new scientific discipline, but a qualitative leap in humanity's ability to understand and control the processes of the living world at a fundamental level. The synthesis of chemistry and biology opens the way to a new microworld where materials and devices are created that operate according to the laws of nature, but under human control.
As noted by Dr. of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Pavel Sorokin, "in the near future, amazing new nanotechnologies will firmly enter our lives, finding application in electronics, medicine, and the creation of composite materials" 6 .
The development of this field will become a decisive factor determining not only economic but also geopolitical competitiveness of countries .
Despite existing challenges, including the need for thorough study of nanomaterial safety, it can be confidently said that nanobiotechnology will continue to change our world, offering solutions for medicine, energy, ecology, and many other areas. This is a path to a new microworld, full of amazing discoveries and opportunities.
Increase in drug delivery efficiency
Reduction in treatment side effects
Faster disease diagnosis
Projected market value by 2030