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Defining Nano, Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine: Why Should It Matter?

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Abstract

Nanotechnology, which involves manipulation of matter on a ‘nano’ scale, is considered to be a key enabling technology. Medical applications of nanotechnology (commonly known as nanomedicine) are expected to significantly improve disease diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and subsequently reduce health care costs. However, there is no consensus on the definition of nanotechnology or nanomedicine, and this stems from the underlying debate on defining ‘nano’. This paper aims to present the diversity in the definition of nanomedicine and its impact on the translation of basic science research in nanotechnology into clinical applications. We present the insights obtained from exploratory qualitative interviews with 46 stakeholders involved in translational nanomedicine from Europe and North America. The definition of nanomedicine has implications for many aspects of translational research including: fund allocation, patents, drug regulatory review processes and approvals, ethical review processes, clinical trials and public acceptance. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the field and common interest in developing effective clinical applications, it is important to have honest and transparent communication about nanomedicine, its benefits and potential harm. A clear and consistent definition of nanomedicine would significantly facilitate trust among various stakeholders including the general public while minimizing the risk of miscommunication and undue fear of nanotechnology and nanomedicine.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful to all the respondents of this study who gave us their valuable time for the interviews in spite of their busy work schedules. We are also thankful to the constructive comments provided by two anonymous reviewers which helped us improve the manuscript further.

Author Contributions

BE had the original idea, developed the project and wrote the research grant. PS conducted all the interviews, analyzed the data, conceived the idea for the manuscript and wrote the first draft. DS was involved in data analysis. Both BE and DS provided comments and contributed to the strengthening of the arguments. All three authors contributed to writing of the final manuscript and agree with the submission.

Funding

This research project was funded by the ‘Swiss National Science Foundation’ under project Grant No. PDFMP3_137194/1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Biomedical Ethics (IBMB), University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland

    Priya Satalkar, Bernice Simone Elger & David M. Shaw

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  1. Priya Satalkar
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  2. Bernice Simone Elger
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  3. David M. Shaw
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Correspondence to Priya Satalkar.

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Ethical Approval

This research project was approved by the ethics commission of Basel Stadt and Basel Land.

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Satalkar, P., Elger, B.S. & Shaw, D.M. Defining Nano, Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine: Why Should It Matter?. Sci Eng Ethics 22, 1255–1276 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-015-9705-6

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