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Proceedings from the Workshop on Biomedical Materials at the Edge Challenges in the Convergence of Technologies (2006) / Chapter Skim
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Abstract: Supramolecular Biomaterials Engineering and Design
Pages 23-28

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From page 23...
... As the NNI enters its fifth year, rapid progress is being made within nanotechnology and evidence is growing that nanostructures can play significant roles in medicine. This presentation provides an overview of the NNI, with specific attention to its medicine and health components, selected examples of exciting nanostructure work in medicine, and a status report on the evolving NNI strategic plan.
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From page 24...
... Many states don't have trade associations or initiatives in nanotechnology, and setbacks for individual companies can be interpreted as proof that nanotechnology is overhyped and underperforming. However, over $40 billion in uninvested venture capital is driving the search for the next big thing, and investment in nanotechnology increased from an estimated 5 deals worth less than $20 million in venture capital funding in 1998 to an estimated 34 deals worth $300 million in 2003.1 Between the beginning of 2001 and the end of 2003, the percentage of total venture capital funding being spent on expansion and later-stage activities as opposed to start-up/seed and early-stage activities steadily increased from less than 20 percent to over 70 percent.2 Biomaterials still account for less than half of nanotechnology investment, with one source estimating that only about 30 percent of venture capital investments in nanotechnology are in biomaterials companies.
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From page 25...
... As part of their work on potential biological applications of nanomaterials, they also consider the unintended environmental implications of watersoluble forms of these materials. Given the breadth of nanomaterial systems, Rice University researchers use a carefully selected group of model nanoparticles in their studies and focus on the natural processes that occur in aqueous systems.
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From page 26...
... reduction of more gold onto the seed particles until the particles coalesce into a complete shell. For medical applications, these particles can be designed to strongly absorb or scatter light in the near infrared, where tissue and blood are relatively transparent.
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From page 27...
... surfaces and results in specific and localized destruction of the tumor. A photothermally modulated drug delivery system, optically controlled valves for microfluidics devices, and a rapid whole blood immunoassay are also under development using nanoshells.
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