An introduction to nanotechnologies: what's in it for us?

Nanotechnologies are one of the two most prominent actors of the scientific revolution marking the beginning of the new Millennium. As for biotechnology, nanotechnologies are the outcome of an interdisciplinary, new approach to old technological issues ranging from device manufacturing to energy conversion, from sensing to signal amplification and transmission. The discovery of unexpected physical and chemical behavior of matter at the nanometer scale has paved the way to a number of exploitations (some current, most real but prospective). In this paper I will briefly review the nanotechnologies, showing most promise for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. In this specific area, I will discuss current techniques and soon-to-come applications in nano-pharmaceuticals (i.e. pharmaceuticals based on the specific chemistry of nanoparticles), in vivo targeted nanodispensers, and nanoactuators. Some closing remarks will be made on how this will affect animal health control and healing in the near future.