Nanobiotechnology in reproduction - pros and cons. A review

The phenomenal development of nanobiotechnology in the twenty-first century has opened the door to exciting progress in medical nanoapplications. Nanotechnology promises a revolution in medicine to improve or create novel therapies in such areas as reproduction. Nanomaterials are used as active agents, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic molecules to treat and prevent diseases at the systemic, cellular and molecular level. Such broad implementation of nanoobjects is possible due to their unique properties resulting from their extremely small size. In this mini-review we discuss documented predictions and concerns associated with intentional or unintentional application of or exposure to nanostructures in reproduction and embryogenesis.