Nanotechnology in Health and Diseases: A Double-Edge Sword

Dear Colleagues,

With recent scientific advances, nanotechnology has promoted innovations in different fields, including dynamic cellular process monitoring, controlled drug delivery, biomarkers, molecular imaging, and biosensing at the cell level, as well as in pharmacology and medicine, in particular. In fact, the concentration of active (bio) molecules in a targeted site is not at all the same as that externally administered due to factors related to the metabolism of the molecule itself as a whole, but also secondarily related to multiple factors derived from the host. Thus, nanotechnology has emerged in recent years as a highly promising strategy in terms of not only treating diseases, but also preventing them and promoting health by ensuring an adequate intake of certain essential nutrients, which are known to, at lower concentrations, act as triggers for organic dysfunction. Nonetheless, nanotechnology is a double-edged sword, as, in association with these beneficial effects, some undesirable side effects have also been reported, although recently published data have shown a growing attention to addressing these side effects and overcoming the existing gaps in our knowledge. For example, there is evidence reporting that when nanoformulations enter the human body, they are quickly confronted with the innate immune system, activating cell mechanisms involved in the inflammatory process (such as pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, immunomediators, etc.) as well as other cell pathways that are not yet well understood.

In this sense, this Special Issue aims to contribute to a greater dissemination of current scientific knowledge on the use of nanotechnology in health promotion and disease prevention and treatment, as well as its molecular interactions with the immune system and other cells and tissues and its adverse effects and toxicity. Original articles, review articles, comments, and case reports (a single case will not be considered acceptable for publication) are welcome.

Dr. Natália Martins
Guest Editor
Dr. Célia F. Rodrigues
Dr. Devarajan Thangadurai
Associate Guest Editors

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