Quantum dots (QDs), also known as nanoscale semiconductor crystals, are nanoparticles with unique optical and electronic properties such as bright and intensive fluorescence. Since most conventional organic label dyes do not offer the near-infrared (>650 nm) emission possibility, QDs, with their tunable optical properties, have gained a lot of interest. They possess characteristics such as good chemical and photo-stability, high quantum yield and size-tunable light emission. Different types of QDs can be excited with the same light wavelength, and their narrow emission bands can be detected simultaneously for multiple assays. There is an increasing interest in the development of nano-theranostics platforms for simultaneous sensing, imaging and therapy. QDs have great potential for such applications, with notable results already published in the fields of sensors, drug delivery and biomedical imaging. This review summarizes the latest developments available in literature regarding the use of QDs for medical applications.

Metallic nanoparticles are a new class of materials with applications in medicine, pharmaceutical and agriculture. Using biological, chemical and physical approaches, nanoparticles with amazing properties are obtained. Copper is one of the most-found elements and plays an important part in the normal functioning of organisms. Coper nanoparticles have superior antibacterial properties when comparing them to present day antibiotics. Moreover, apart from their antibacterial role, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer properties have been described. Although the mechanism of actions is not completely understood, copper nanoparticles can become a viable alternative in fighting multi-resistant bacteria strains. We hereby review the already existing data on copper nanoparticle synthesis, effects and mechanisms of action as well as toxicity.

Nanomaterials represent a promising novel class of materials to be used as antibacterial solutions. Inhomogeneity of synthesis and characterization methods, as well as resulting variate physical and chemical properties make selection of proper nanostructure difficult when designing antimicrobial experiments. Present study focuses on the already existing evidence regarding silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial applications, with focus on various modulatory factors of reported antimicrobial efficiency. Present paper focuses on synthesis and characterization methods, factors modulating antibacterial efficiency, laboratory quantification procedures, as well as up–to-date knowledge on mechanisms of antibacterial action for silver nanoparticles. Moreover, challenges and future prospects for antimicrobial applications of silver nanoparticles are reviewed and discussed.

Pathogenic bacteria contribute to various globally important diseases, killing millions of people each year. Various fields of medicine currently benefit from or may potentially benefit from the use of nanotechnology applications, in which there is growing interest. Disease-related biomarkers can be rapidly and directly detected by nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanotubes, nanoparticles, cantilevers, microarrays, and nanoarrays, as part of an accurate process characterized by lower sample consumption and considerably higher sensitivity. There is a need for accurate techniques for pathogenic bacteria identification and detection to allow the prevention and management of pathogenic diseases and to assure food safety. The focus of this review is on the current nanoparticle-based techniques for pathogenic bacterial identification and detection using these applications.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease with a strong genetic component that brings many challenges to sick individuals, such as chronic illness, and which has multiple associated comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and psychological disorders. Understanding the interplay between the innate and adaptative immune system has led to the discovery of specific cytokine circuits (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-23, IL-17), which has allowed scientists to discover new biomarkers that can be used as predictors of treatment response and pave the way for personalized treatments. In this review, we describe the footprint psoriasis leaves on the skin and beyond, key pathophysiological mechanisms, current available therapeutic options, and drawbacks faced by existing therapies, and we anticipate potential future perspectives that may improve the quality of life of affected individuals.

Rapid emergence of aggressive, multidrug-resistant Mycobacteria strain represents the main cause of the current antimycobacterial-drug crisis and status of tuberculosis (TB) as a major global health problem. The relatively low-output of newly approved antibiotics contributes to the current orientation of research towards alternative antibacterial molecules such as advanced materials. Nanotechnology and nanoparticle research offers several exciting new-concepts and strategies which may prove to be valuable tools in improving the TB therapy. A new paradigm in antituberculous therapy using silver nanoparticles has the potential to overcome the medical limitations imposed in TB treatment by the drug resistance which is commonly reported for most of the current organic antibiotics. There is no doubt that AgNPs are promising future therapeutics for the medication of mycobacterial-induced diseases but the viability of this complementary strategy depends on overcoming several critical therapeutic issues as, poor delivery, variable intramacrophagic antimycobacterial efficiency, and residual toxicity. In this paper, we provide an overview of the pathology of mycobacterial-induced diseases, andhighlight the advantages and limitations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in TB treatment.