Harnessing nanotechnology to expand the toolbox of chemical biology Review


Authors: Williams, R. M.; Chen, S.; Langenbacher, R. E.; Galassi, T. V.; Harvey, J. D.; Jena, P. V.; Budhathoki-Uprety, J.; Luo, M.; Heller, D. A.
Review Title: Harnessing nanotechnology to expand the toolbox of chemical biology
Abstract: Although nanotechnology often addresses biomedical needs, nanoscale tools can also facilitate broad biological discovery. Nanoscale delivery, imaging, biosensing, and bioreactor technologies may address unmet questions at the interface between chemistry and biology. Currently, many chemical biologists do not include nanomaterials in their toolbox, and few investigators develop nanomaterials in the context of chemical tools to answer biological questions. We reason that the two fields are ripe with opportunity for greater synergy. Nanotechnologies can expand the utility of chemical tools in the hands of chemical biologists, for example, through controlled delivery of reactive and/or toxic compounds or signal-binding events of small molecules in living systems. Conversely, chemical biologists can work with nanotechnologists to address challenging biological questions that are inaccessible to both communities. This Perspective aims to introduce the chemical biology community to nanotechnologies that may expand their methodologies while inspiring nanotechnologists to address questions relevant to chemical biology. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2021, Springer Nature America, Inc.
Keywords: review; methodology; molecular imaging; biocompatibility; nanocarrier; nanotechnology; nanomaterial; human; priority journal
Journal Title: Nature Chemical Biology
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1552-4450
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group  
Date Published: 2021-02-01
Start Page: 129
End Page: 137
Language: English
DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-00690-6
PUBMED: 33414556
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8288144
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 March 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Minkui Luo
    68 Luo
  2. Daniel Alan Heller
    93 Heller
  3. Prakrit Vaibhav Jena
    26 Jena
  4. Thomas Vito Galassi
    13 Galassi
  5. Jackson D Harvey
    13 Harvey
  6. Shi Chen
    10 Chen
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