Nanotechnology has applications in biomedical fields due to nanoparticles' size being comparable to biological structures. Functionalized nanomaterials are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Some nanoparticles can self-assemble into higher order structures or interact with molecules in the body, changing their properties and potentially their toxicity. The behavior of nanoparticles cannot be defined through a simple linear process, and their effects on cells and extracellular matrix are still being studied. Nanomedicine aims to develop multi-functional nanoparticles that can precisely target biological systems while avoiding toxicity.

1. Nanotechnology - Motivation Nano-materials often behave differently than their bulk counterparts Architecture dimensions are commensurate with basic biological structures (~1-100’s nm) Functionalized nanomaterials used for a wide variety of biomedical applications Nanotools to probe biological events are critical to diagnostics and therapeutics Environmental exposure to nanoparticles occurs in every day life (SWCNT, TiO2, etc) Quantum Mazes Dendrimers Liposomes Virus Capsid Bacteria Protein DNA Asbestos CNT Virus Quantum Dots Nucleosome

2. Non-linear Behavior of Nanoparticles Some nanomaterials self-assembly forming higher order systems Others, once inside the body can be associated to tons of different molecules, changing their size, their charge, their distribution and toxicity profile. Cell behaviors are not regulated by a linear series of commands, but by networks of molecular interactions Can NPs induce a mechanochemical change on the ECM ? Control of cell fate ? Do we have one isolated NP or a higher order structure? Nanotechnology is in its infancy !

3. Overview on Nanomedicine Uptake Biomedical applications Size Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Health Effects of Nanomaterials Principles to make Multi-Functional Nanoparticles Precise Characterization Shape Monodisperse ? Hydropathy index Charge Polarity Interaction with Biological Systems Change on cell physiology Subcellular localization Clearance Metabolism Potential toxicity

4. Dynamic Nano-Platform Successful nano-engineered intravascular therapeutic agent needs to accomplish five major tasks: Navigate in the bloodstream; Evade biological barriers; Localize in a site- and cell- specific manner; Target the biological pathways for the pathology being treated Clearance from the body