Challenges of nanotechnologies in medicine

Nanotechnology is ushering in a new era of precision and personalised medicine, offering transformative tools and solutions across diagnostics, treatment, and tissue regeneration. This work will explore the latest advancements in medical nanotechnology, beginning with nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, which allow precise transportation of therapeutics directly to diseased cells—such as tumors—while minimizing systemic side effects. We will examine the development and application of nanosensors capable of detecting disease biomarkers at ultra-early stages, potentially before clinical symptoms emerge. New developments in nano-robotics will be summarised, focusing on their envisioned capabilities to navigate the human body for cell-level intervention, such as tissue repair or cancer cell destruction. Additionally, the implementation of antibacterial nanoscale coatings on medical devices and surfaces offers promising strategies for infection control in clinical environments. The important role of nanostructured materials in regenerative medicine will be addressed, highlighting their ability to guide cell growth and support tissue repair. Together, these innovations represent a paradigm shift in modern medicine, potentially significantly enhancing patient outcomes and redefining healthcare practices.

Prof. dr. Mihaela Badea is a professor of biochemistry, laboratory techniques, analytical chemistry, and methodology of scientific research at the Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania

She received the Habilitation in Medicine (2017) - University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila from Bucharest. She completed PhD in Chemistry (2005, Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca) and PhD in Medicine (2021, Transilvania University of Brasov). Since 2019, Dr. Mihaela Badea is a member of the Academic Nutritional Science PhD’s staff of the University of Milan (Italy) and the Coordinator of the Research Center for Fundamental Research and Preventive Strategies in Medicine -Research and Development Institute of the Transilvania University of Brasov.