The first chapter of Advances in Nanotechnology. Volume 22 discusses the three major types of nanocomposites: metal, polymer, and ceramic matrix. Characteristics of different types of nanocomposites and their potential applications are presented briefly as well. Following this, the authors examine the increasing use of engineered nanomaterials in consumer and industrial products that has aroused global concern regarding their fate in biological systems, resulting in a demand for parallel risk assessment. This compilation also contains numerous approaches for targeted drug delivery systems...

This compilation opens with a discussion on the state of the art of the most representative mesostructured materials based on silicon dioxide used in diverse applications, and focusing on the synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of such materials. Following this, the authors present examples of success in using polymeric nanoparticles, as well as methods for their formation and physicochemical analysis required prior to perform safety and efficacy biological tests. Various mechanisms of silver nanoparticles contribute to their cytotoxicity, including generation of reactive...