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Abstract
Nanotechnology could be defined as the technology that has allowed for the control,
manipulation, study, and manufacture of structures and devices in the "nanometer"
size range. These nano-sized objects, e.g., "nanoparticles", take on novel properties
and functions that differ markedly from those seen from items made of identical materials.
The small size, customized surface, improved solubility, and multi-functionality of
nanoparticles will continue to open many doors and create new biomedical applications.
Indeed, the novel properties of nanoparticles offer the ability to interact with complex
cellular functions in new ways. This rapidly growing field requires cross-disciplinary
research and provides opportunities to design and develop multifunctional devices
that can target, diagnose, and treat devastating diseases such as cancer. This article
presents an overview of nanotechnology for the biologist and discusses the attributes
of our novel XPclad((c)) nanoparticle formulation that has shown efficacy in treating
solid tumors, single dose vaccination, and oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.