Role of Nanobiotechnology in Cell-Based Nanomedicine: A Concise Review

Cell transplantation is approaching clinical reality. To continue to enhance the benefits of cell transplantation we propose that nanobiotechnology possesses a unique potential that will aid considerably in overcoming obstacles including; identifying a universal cell source that can be differentiated into specific cellular phenotypes, developing techniques to enhance integration of the transplant within the host tissue, improving strategies for in vivo detection and monitoring of the cellular implants, and developing new techniques to deliver genes to cells. These enhancements will benefit considerably from understanding, visualizing, and controlling cellular interactions through the manipulation of materials, tissues, cells, and DNA at the level of and within the individual cell. As such, nanobiotechnology is well suited to optimize the generally encouraging results already achieved in cell transplantation. This review presents some of the ways that nanobiotechnology can directly and immediately contribute to this growing field.