NANOTECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN DISEASES

Tissues, cells and biomolecules can experience changes in their structural and mechanical properties during the occurrence of certain diseases. Recent advances in the fields of nanotechnology, biomechanics and cell and molecular biology have led to the development of state-of-the-art and novel biophysical and nanotechnological tools to probe the mechanical properties of individual living cells and biomolecules. Here we will review the basic principles and application of some of these nanotechnological tools used to relate changes in the elastic and viscoelastic properties of cells to alterations in the cellular and molecular structures induced by diseases such as malaria and cancer. Knowing the ways and the extent to which mechanical properties of living cells are altered with the onset of disease progression will be crucial for us to gain vital insights into the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of malaria and cancer, and potentially offers the opportunity to develop new and better methods of detection, diagnosis and treatment.