Synthesis and Applications of Nanoparticles in Biology

Nanoparticles have attracted much attention and already been extensively applied in many areas in the last decade. Due to nano-scaled sizes, nanoparticles exhibit various outstanding properties that differ from those of bulk materials, such as unique performances in fields of chemistry, photology, electricity, magnetism and so on. This review summerizes their classifications based on the different compositions and structures, i. e. organic nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic hybrid nanoparticles. The review focuses on the synthetic methods of different types of nanoparticles, particularly ones could be applied in biology. In addition, the unique physical and chemical features of the classified nanoparticles, which would be helpful for their biological applications, are clarified respectively. Because of their excellent properties such as large superficial area, high surface energy, environmental sensitivity and biocompatibility, nanoparticles have been widely used in various fields such as photoelectricity, chemistry, biotechnology and so on. We highlight the biological applications of the nanoparticles and introduce some specific examples of stimuli responsive sensors, bio-specific labeling, gene/drug deliveries and so on. At last we propose the prospects of the nanoparticles.