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Special issue: Nanotechnology and Disease

The present issue is dedicated to an area of science known as bionanotechnology, which has developed quickly over the last decade. With the recent breakthroughs in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and functionalization, as well as the integration of nanomaterials into more complex structural arrangements, the desire to use these unique systems to aid in the understanding or visualization of complex biological processes is understandable, especially since these materials can enhance accuracy and resolution as compared to classical methods. These technological developments give great hope that such amazing structures can be integrated into tools that could be used to diagnose and treat diseases, regenerate large portions of lost tissue in a controllable manner, elucidate molecular interactions within cells, and overall, increase the quality of human life. One specific area of bionanotechnology that is expected to provide great benefits for patients in the future is the development of new, more effective drugdelivery systems that have the potential to deliver biochemically active agents to a single cell. It is already accepted that, once perfected, such new systems of drug delivery will result in fewer side effects, require less drug to be administered, be customizable to individual patients and therefore, be more effective than traditional drug therapy. As with all new technologies, an ever-growing interest has developed possible undesired effects that these nanomaterials could have on biological systems at various levels, from genetic to systemic. In traditional pharmacology, toxicity is most associated with the dose and chemical composition of the materials; with nanomaterials, a new aspect becomes extremely relevant (i.e. size). The size of a nanomaterial enables these structures to interact with the most fundamental components of biological systems, such as DNA and cellular membranes, and induce changes in normal cellular activity. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the complex impact that nanomaterials can have on cells, tissues, organisms, and the environment. Despite this, the authors of this issue believe that the almost limitless potential of these nanomaterials to bring significant benefit to human health and wellbeing makes the study of bionanotechnology a most valuable undertaking.